Essays and Research Papers on Ancient Literature

This 5 page paper provides an overview of the story. Several themes are discussed and quotes from the nineteenth century classic work are provided. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 6 page paper which examines various aspects of Chretien De Troyes' "Yvain or The Knight with the Lion" as it relates to the code of chivalry and the feudal code. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" and examines them in terms of what they tell us about Chaucer himself. The paper argues that Chaucer was a romantic with a powerful connection to the chivalric code. He was also a man who maintained humor and compassion. Bibliography lists 5 additional sources.

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.

A 5 page paper which examines the character of Lysistrata in the classic bearing the same name. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page paper which presents an examination of the various tests that Sir Gawain experienced in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." The tests are examined as they relate to Christian faith and chivalry and then discussed in arguing that Sir Gawain is not damned for all eternity. No additional sources cited.

This 5 page paper looks at Machiavelli's and Boccaccio's ideas in examining the differences between reality and appearance. The two works discussed are The Prince and The Decameron. No additional sources cited.

This 8 page paper looks at several works of fiction and non-fiction to describe Persian Life. Works by Aeschylus, Herodotus, and Plutarch are discussed. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 5 page report discusses how both Geoffrey Chaucer and the ancient writer of “Beowulf” present worlds in which human interactions with one another are not necessarily less imprint than the interactions of an individual with the natural world. The modern reader sees the ways in which the various characters that inhabit “The Canterbury Tales” as well as the epic of ...

This 5 page paper evaluates the classic work primarily in respect to the characterization of Buck. Several themes are discussed. London's tendency to embrace Darwinism is highlighted. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 5 page paper which discusses what we learn of the customs and culture through the events that take place at King Hrothgar's court in "Beowulf." Bibliography lists 3 additional sources.

This 6 page paper focuses on Machiavelli's The Prince and Centaur Chiron's role in stating political lessons in the work. Ideas of leadership and how a prince should behave is discussed. Whether or not a prince should use force or just intellect is also addressed. No additional sources cited.

This 8 page paper provides an overview of Abelard's Historia Calamitatum , and creates a substantive view of this text. This paper focuses on what Abelard comes to understand through an assessment of the text, and relies on a historical and substantive perspective on the monastic perspectives presented in the text. Bibliography lists ...

A 5 page paper which discusses how the epic heroes, in the tales "The Odyssey" and "Gilgamesh," are often in search of individual immortality and social definition. This is discussed in it relationship to an epic heroes desire for kleos (reputation), time (honor), and arete (merit). No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper which examines what Aeschylus thought concerning the position of women evidenced in his works "The Agamemnon" and "The Eumenides." Bibliography lists 1 additional source.

A 5 page paper which demonstrates that the journey of Sir Gawain, from Arthur's Court to the Green Chapel, is a metaphor for the journey one makes from childhood to adulthood. Bibliography lists 3 additional sources.

A 5 page paper which compares and contrasts Beowulf and Princess Diana. Both were heroes for they sacrificed aspects of themselves for the benefit of others. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 7 page report discusses “The Book of Margery Kempe” which is thought to be one of, if not the, first autobiographies in English. The book chronicles the spiritual life of a remarkably unusual and illiterate, medieval woman. Geoffrey Chaucer’s story of “The Wife of Bath” in “The Canterbury Tales” presents an equally unique woman, especially in terms of her railing ...

This 5 page paper looks at Bronte's great work of fiction. The older Catherine and her relationship with Heathcliff is compared and contrasted with young Cathy's relationship with Hareton. The relevance of the story in the later generation is discussed. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page paper which discusses the similarities between Chaucer's "The Knight's Tale," in "Canterbury Tales," and the recent film "A Knight's Tale." Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.

A 9 page paper which examines the use of sacrifice in several Greek tragedies. The tragedies discussed are "The Odyssey," "Antigone," "Medea," and "Agamemnon." These sacrifices are discussed in terms of how they address issues such as sex roles, initiation, eating practices, and societal cohesiveness. Marina Warner's book, "Six Myths of Our Time" is also ...

This 5 page paper delves into Geoffrey Chaucer's The Pardoner's Tale, one of the famous Canterbury Tales. An overview is provided. Quotes are included and the tale is analyzed in depth. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page summary of Chaucer's "Shipman's Tale" as it appears in "Canterbury Tales." No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper which analyzes the character of Satan in Milton's "Paradise Lost." The paper focuses on his role in Books 1, 2, and 3 and examines his role in society, his relationship to others, and his personality. Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.

A 5 page paper which compares a scene from Dante's Inferno and Homer's Odyssey. The scenes are compared in regards to character, and event. Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.