Essays and Research Papers on Ancient Literature

A 2.5 page paper which examines the characteristics of the novel. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 7 page paper looks at two plays from the Middle Ages--one Shakespearean (Hamlet)--to prove that some characters can be given a better image due to the way in which he or she speaks. Speech is evaluated for both Hamlet and Behn's The Rover to suggest that this is the case. Many quotes ...

A 9 page discussion of this classic work of literature. The author explores “The Aeneid” as an a portrayal of man’s place in the universe, asserting that Aeneas' journey into and from the underworld is similar to the epic of mankind's path of salvation, the redemption of souls, and rebirth, a central focus ...

A 6 page paper which examines the characteristics of Old English as compared to modern English by using a classic Old English poem titled “The Battle of Maldon.” Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 3 page essay that examines the Wife of Bath's Prologue and Tale in regards to what it tells the modern reader about the role of women in medieval society and how women were viewed during this time. No additional sources cited.

A 4 page paper which examines the speeches of Ulysses, Phoenix, and Ajax in Book IX of the Iliad. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page essay that analyzes the relationship between Helen and Paris. In Homer's ancient epic poem The Iliad, which depicts the Trojan War, the abduction of Helen, the wife of a Greek ruler, Menelaos, by the Trojan Paris (also known as Alexandros) is the event that causes the war. The writer argues that ...

A 3 page paper which examines the use of trickery and wit in Boccaccio’s “Decameron.” No additional sources cited.

A 4 page paper which examines the roles of men and women during the age of enlightenment as presented in “Phaedra” by Jean Racine and “The Rape of the Lock” by Alexander Pope. No additional sources cited.

A 3 page paper which examines the presence of desire in “Henry V” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.” No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper which examines instances of divine justice from Plato’s Symposium and Ovid’s Metamorphoses. No additional sources cited.

A 4 page paper which examines elements from Aristophanes’ The Clouds.” No additional sources cited.

This is a 9 page paper discussing elements found in Haddawy’s translation of “The Arabian Nights”. Husain Haddawy’s 1990 translation of “The Arabian Nights” reveals to readers the enchantment he felt when he heard the tales growing up. He includes within the tales several explanatory footnotes which help readers identify the time frame, setting, historical, ...

A 4 page paper which examines how “The Poem of The Cid,” “Ywain The Knight of the Lion,” “Marco Polo’s Travels,” and Dante’s “Divine Comedy” present women. The paper also examines women in More’s “Utopia.” No additional sources cited.

This 7 page report discusses the idea that there are definite similarities between the primary female characters -- Nora and Antigone -- in "The Doll's House" and "Antigone." Bibliography lists only the two primary sources.

A 5 page analysis of the scene from Homer's Odyssey in which Odysseus destroys the suitors who have invaded his home. The writer argues Odysseus' task is to restore order to this society. The manner in which he accomplishes this task, abetted by his son Telemakhos, demonstrates how they have both matured over the ...

This 4 page paper considers the fact that linguistic and lexical changes occurred in the English language over ten centuries. A comparative view of two passages from the story of John the Baptist provides a means of measuring and assessing the changes that have occurred, in order to relate these to the progression of ...

This 6 page paper reconstructs the events of the last days of Constantinople based on the primary sources offered in Imber, Nicol and Runciman's works. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 3 page paper which examines the character of Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey, discussing whether he was a good person or not. No additional sources cited.

A 7 page paper which examines the conflicts between classics and Christianity in Milton’s “Paradise Lost.” Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 5 page outline of eight examples of hospitality which interlace the Odyssey. The author identifies these examples and details whether they are negative examples or positive examples. Bibliography lists one source.

A 3 page essay that contrasts and compares the characters of Daphnis and Chloe to Chaereas and Callirhoe. The writer argues that Chaereas and Callirhoe are pictured as being more sophisticated than the totally innocent Daphnis and Chloe, yet because Daphnis and Chloe actually know each other that their relationship will be the stronger. Bibliography ...

A 3 page analysis and review of Ted Hughes’ tale/poem “Phaethon.” No additional sources cited.

An 8 page paper which explores the text’s journey to/for wisdom, homosexual overtones, friendship/relationship, death/loss/grief, how the relationship between half-human/half-god Gilgamesh and half-human/half-animal Enkidu makes the two one complete person, and includes critical reaction to the author’s view of the world and mankind. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 3 page essay that compares and contrasts the ancient Greek narratives of Chaereas and Callirhoe and An Ephesian Tale. The writer argues that these stories express a similar perspective on the topic of love and the manner in which romantic love manifests itself in human society, that is, through the action of the ...