| Fall 2005 | Classics 215: Mythology | Topics for Papers |
Directions:
1. From our readings we saw that some divine myths attempt to explain where everything comes from--based on what people in that culture and time knew. Compare and contrast the modern scientific theory of the "creation" of the universe (click here) with two of the following: Dogon creation myth (Leonard), Norse creation myth (Leonard or pdf--see ANGEL), Babylonian creation myth (Enuma elish in Powell). In your paper either focus on the "science" aspect of the myths or on the "relational" side of the myths (or metaphorical side).2. From our readings we have seen that divine creation myths are framed in the form of questions and answers (e.g. the Hindu and Norse (see pdf in ANGEL). Formulate an opinion on why the "authors" of these two myths chose this form and whether this form was successful (don't forget to define successful).
Write on one of the topics below:e-mail a copy to me (leuciv@westminster-mo.edu) bring a paper copy to class length: 600-900 for more information about the format and about the writing intensive requirements, click here
1. Paying close attention to the text of the Homeric Hymn to Demeter (and using that hymn as your sole evidence), determine and demonstrate three societal norms that the myth affirms (for the culture the myth is from). [NB citing--see post for how to cite].
2. The myths that we have looked at in Powell's chapter 9 on myths of fertility deal with the opposites of life and death. Argue which of these four (i.e. the myths involving Demeter, Isis, Ananna, Cybele) best mediates these two opposites (i.e. life and death) for the listener of the myths based on the information in Powell. [NB citing--see post for how to cite].
1. Powell, in his chapter on Perseus, gives segments of Perseus' life from three different poets (Simonides, Pindar, and Ovid). From a close examination of these three, discuss what they reveal about Perseus and about the place of heroes in the Greco-Roman world. For citing purposes, use the line numbers provided by Powell (add the author's name if you haven't in the sentence or paragraph itself), e.g. (Simonides, 10-15).
2. Powell, in his chapter on Theseus, gives Ovid's version of Procne & Tereus. Discuss how Ovid uses language to heighten the mood he is trying to create and win over the reader to a certain point of view. For citing purposes, use the line numbers that Powell provides for Ovid's text.
3. Powell, in his chapter on Theseus, gives both Ovid's version of the Procne & Tereus myth and part of Euripides' play The Hippolyta. Both Ovid and Euripides give a portrayal of women back then. Compare and contrast their portraits. In your conclusion speculate on the significance of your findings. For citing purposes, use the line numbers provided by Powell, making sure you have indicated which author they are from.
1. Apply either Freud's or Jung's theory of myth to the myths involving the return of Agamemnon (as given in Powell, Ch 20)--exclude the character of Electra from your discussion.2. Determine and demonstrate whether Helen's view of Agamemnon (Powell 528) matches Aeschylus' view (Powell 525-526) and Achilles' view (Powell532-3, 537-540). Also discuss the implications of your findings.
3. Determine and demonstrate whether Helen's & Antenor's view of Odysseus match with the selections from the Odyssey given in Powell, Ch. 20 & 21. Also discuss the implications of your findings.
*If you wish, you may use a text of the Odyssey or the following internet translation (click here).
Citing: Print version: Standard bibliography at the end of the work; book and line numbers at the end of sentences, i.e. (Bk 1, 113-135).