Essays and Research Papers on Ancient Literature

This 3 page paper provides a basic book report for this classic work. Characterization is highlighted. No additional sources cited.

This 4 page paper examines this classic work. The paper is driven by a thesis related to family life and selfishness. The plot, setting and themes are discussed. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 6 page research paper that analyzes the overall structure and goals of Herodotus' The Histories. The writer argues that, rather than detracting from account of the Peloponnesian Wars, Herodotus' digressions accomplish a far larger and more ambitious purpose, giving posterity a wonderful window into the ancient world. There is no doubt that Herodotus digresses ...

A 4 page essay that contrasts and compares Beowulf with Aeneas. Beowulf is the protagonist in an Old English epic of the same name by an anonymous poet. Aeneas is the protagonist in the ancient Roman epic of Virgil, the Aeneid. These two heroes each represent transitions in their societies. Beowulf provides the transition between ...

A 5 page paper which examines the obvious codes and the existence of situations that do not have codes in the classic poem Beowulf. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

12 pages in length. As popular as Homer's classics are in the context of history, so too is the mystery that surrounds the author's true identity. The extent to which the authenticity of Homer's existence has spawned myriad theories throughout the ages is both grand and far-reaching; that no single conjecture is the ...

A 6 page paper which examines the character of Creon in Sophocles’ “Oedipus the King.” Bibliography lists 4 additional sources.

This 3 page paper relays various themes and the plot is discussed. How the play might have been perceived at the time is also touched on. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 3 page paper sees Mordred as the cause of the downfall of the kingdom. Sir Thomas Malory's story Le Morte d'Arthur is examined. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 6 page paper which examines the theme of hospitality in Homer’s “The Odyssey.” No additional sources cited.

A 3 page paper which defends the notion that justice was done in The Wife of Bath’s Tale from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. No additional sources cited.

A 4 page paper which examines the lack of, and search for, identity as seen in the character of Telemachus in Homer’s Odyssey. No additional sources cited.

In seven pages this paper examines how Oedipus’s exercise of free will and not fate was responsible for the tragedy that befell himself and his family. Four sources are cited in the bibliography.

A 5 page paper which examines many opposites in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. No additional sources cited.

A 3 page paper which examines how Beowulf in incredibly serious while Sir Gawain and the Green Knight has moments of humor. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 4 page paper discusses the use of disguise in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 3 page paper discusses two morality plays, "Mankind" and the classic "Everyman." Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 4 page paper examines Monkey, a novel by Ch'eng-en and the protagonist's spiritual journey. The concept of the encounter is discussed as it relates to this work. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 4 page paper which examines a quote from Homer’s The Odyssey and argues that Odysseus’ words and revenge were justified in his culture. No additional sources cited.

A 4 page paper which analyzes the character of Oedipus in Sophocles’ Oedipus the King as seen through examining the analyses of others. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

This 3 page paper examines the discussion on love in the context of Plato's Symposium. The character of Diotima and ideas about love are discussed in depth. No additional sources are used.

A 3 page paper which compares and contrasts the Odysseus in Homer’s The Iliad and The Odyssey. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 3 page paper which examines conformity and rebellion in Sophocles’ “Antigone.” No additional sources cited.

A 6 page paper which examines Chaucer and his work. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

An 8 page paper which examines Chaucer’s attitudes and beliefs concerning the Church as seen in his Canterbury Tales. Bibliography lists 5 sources.