Take-home Option for Exam 3

Due at the end of class,
(in both paper and electronic form)


Directions:
Option 1: write two 600-900 word essays on two of the topics given below
Option 2: write one 1200-1500 word essay on one of the topics given below.


1. In transforming the Greek myth of Heracles into an American myth, Disney transformed the role of the 'leading lady.' Examine how and why Disney changed the role from that in Greek mythology (restrict your evidence base for Greek mythology to Medea, Ariadne, and the various women in Heracles' life). Make sure you include in your discussion the impact the differing audiences for the myths--Greek and American--had.

2. In transforming the Greek myth of Heracles into an American myth, Disney transformed the religious underpinings of the myth. Examine how and why Disney changed the religious underpinings from that found in Greek mythology (restrict your evidence base for Greek mythology to Powell's chapters on Heracles and Jason). Make sure you include in your discussion the impact the differing audiences for the myths--Greek and American--had.

3. Looking at the myths of three of the following heroes as outlined in Powell (Perseus, Heracles, Jason, Theseus), evaluate how the Greek concept of xenia and/or the heroic code shaped the actions of the individuals in the myths.

4. Examine the evolution of the hero through Greek literature, starting with the myth of Perseus, continuing with the myth of Heracles or Theseus, and ending with the myth of Jason.