1.
The Disney movie Hercules (web
script) and the legend of Heracles in Powell (one of your essays
may be taken from these three choices);
a.
Looking at the relationships between the men and the women, what does
this say about how American culture is different from, but also similar
to, Greek culture.
b. Argue whether the American
definition of the male/female relationship has changed all that much
from the Greek definition.
c. Explain Meg's role in the
movie--in what ways is she different from 2-3 of the following Greek
helping females: Medea, Ariadne, Hera, Aphrodite
2. We have seen how myths of a
particular culture often reveal societal norms. Using the myth of
Aphrodite and Anchises (Powell, 203ff), the myths of Inanna &
Dumuzi (Powell, 239ff and Leonard, 137ff), and the myth of Au Co &
the Dragon Prince (Leonard, 144ff), what do these four myths tell us
about how each of these three cultures treated 'love' relationships?
(Optional: are there similarities? differences?)
3. We have seen
how myths of a particular culture often reveal societal norms. How are
the roles of men similar and different in Hawaiian and Greek culture.
Use as evidence for Hawaiian, 'The Fire Goddess' (Leonard 122ff) and/or
'The Seven Great Deeds of Ma-ui' (Leonard 283ff). Use as evidence for
Greek, the Homeric Hymn to Demeter
(Powell 222ff) and the legend of Perseus (Powell 335ff).
4. Looking at
'The Seven Great Deeds of Ma-ui' (Leonard 283ff), 'The legend of
Gilgamesh' (Powell), and 'The legend of Perseus (Powell), argue whether
there is a common archetype for a Hero.