Essays and Research Papers on Ancient Literature

A 10 page research paper that examines two plays by Euripides, "The Bacchae" and "The Women of Troy." The writer argues that the Greeks expressed a finely tuned sense of humanity's place in the cosmos. By overstepping those boundaries, indulging in too much pride, or disregarding the subservience owed to the gods, one could ...

A 6 page discussion of the relative wisdom of these two key characters of Homers “Odyssey”. Asserts that while Odysseus had to definitely use his knowledge and cunning to make his way through the many challenges his trip dealt him, Penelope too had to use her knowledge to evade the ultimate trap which was ...

A 5 page paper which discusses personality traits of Odysseus, from Homer's "Odyssey," illustrating how he is a hero. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines the changes in chivalry from the standpoint of myth in “The Song of Roland,” quest and romance plot in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” and realism/satire in “Don Quixote.” Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page paper which discusses how Gilgamesh discovers his morality as a direct result of accepting his own mortality. The argument is presented that the existence of Enkidu taught Gilgamesh about mortality and then morality. No additional sources cited.

This 5 page paper compares the tales of the Miller and the wife of Bathe in terms of social elements during the medieval era. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page paper which discusses three areas where parent/child relationships are witnessed. The three areas involve Gilgamesh and his mother, Gilgamesh and his people, and Gilgamesh and Enkidu. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper discussing, as the title explains, the use of the word "druncen" (i.e., drunken) in this epic. It is apparent that the poet's use of "druncen" is less mysterious than most translators have been willing to believe. Reading the meaning at face value generally makes more sense of the poet's descriptions and explanations, though ...

This 5 page paper argues that Hesiod, in the Theogony, presents Zeus as an autocratic leader by virtue of authority, with the wisdom to heed the advice of others. No additional sources are listed.

A 5 page paper which discusses various events in Beowulf, presenting parts excerpts of the story so that the poetry of this ancient tale can be observed. Some of the events examined are the rise of the Danish nation, Heorot is attacked, the hero comes to Heorot, Feast at Heorot, the fight with Grendel, and the celebration at Heorot. ...

This 5 page report discusses two chronicles relating to the life of Charlemagne -- “Two Lives of Charlemagne” by Einhard and Notker the Stammerer. Einhard was advisor and personal friend to Charlemagne who clearly loved the and admired the king. Notker Balbulus also known as the “Monk of St. Gall” and “Notker the Stammerer” wrote a highly anecdotal “life” was ...

A six page paper which looks at the concept of fate in Sophocles’ ‘Oedipus the King’ and the Sumerian ‘Epic of Gilgamesh’, in terms of how far free will can be said to be exercised in a universe which is controlled by an omnipotent deity or pantheon of deities, and the way in which apparent ...

A 5 page paper which examines the various tests experienced by Sir Gawain in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." The tests are examined and then discussed as whether or not Sir Gawain remains chivalrous and succeeds. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper which discusses connections between "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by Joanne Rowling and "Beowulf" as they involve literature and historical connections. The paper also discusses the similarities between the character of Harry Potter and that of Beowulf. Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.

A 7 page research paper that investigates whether or not the Pardoner can be seen as a Christian. Some critics say that the end of the Pardoner's Tale constitutes an indication that the Pardoner has mended his sinful ways. The write presents arguments pro and con and then argues that the Pardoner is as corrupt ...

A 7 page paper which discusses aspects of the narrators in Chaucer's "The Book of the Duchess" and "Troilus and Criseyde." The paper examines how the narrator presents the reader with a moral universe in one way or another, and then uses that to influence how the reader sees the story which unfolds. No additional sources.

This 5 page report discusses “The Adventures of Beowulf” and how it presents characters of epic and heroic proportions. Heroism such as that presented by Beowulf have shaped human ideals throughout the centuries regarding what it means to be a hero and how heroic action is personified. Beowulf is all that could be asked for in a good ...

A 5 page paper which discusses the literary archetypes of the trickster, the mentor and the hero presented in the story. No additional sources are used.

A 5 page paper which analyzes aspects of Homer's "The Iliad." No additional sources cited.

A 5 page research paper that discusses how Chaucer perceived knights and knighthood, basing observations in this regard on Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde and The Book of the Duchess. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page analysis/research paper that addresses the controversy over the ending of Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde. The writer take the side that the ending at odds with the story and not conclusive. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines how love is depicted in Wyatt’s “The Long Love That My Heart Doth Harbor,” “Farewell, Love,” “Whoso List to Hunt,” “My Gallery,” “Divers Doth Use,” “Madam, Withouten Many Words,” “They Flee From Me,” “My Lute, Awake!,” Raleigh’s “The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd,” “The Lie,” “Farewell, False Love,” Marlowe’s ...

A 5 page essay that offers summaries on three selections from an anthology of medieval Arthurian texts, The Romance of Arthur, edited by James Wilhelm. The writer discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the text selections. No additional sources cited.

This 5 page report discusses two of Geoffrey Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales” -- The Miller’s Tale and The Pardoner’s Tale -- and compares them with two epics of honor and chivalry -- “Beowulf” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.” The result is one in which two very different human natures are shown and two very different messages are presented for ...

A 5page research paper in which the writer explores the way that Chaucer used anthropomorphism in the Nun's Priest's Tale. Bibliography lists 3 sources.