Essays and Research Papers on Ancient Literature

5 pages in length. The premise of Homer’s "The Iliad" is that of a petty quarrel Achilles allows to get out of hand, nearly destroying all opportunity for the Greeks to defeat the Trojans, as well as arrive back home safely after the battle. This childish action puts to question whether Achilles was truly ...

This 5 page paper examines this fifteenth century play. The author's intent is contemplated. A synopsis of the plot is included. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page paper which analyzes how the theme of feminism is expressed in Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Wife of Bath's Tale," by considering the literary devices of language, tone and symbolism used to convey this message. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This three page paper considers the similarities and differences shown between Odysseus and Telemachos in Homer's Odyssey. The bibliography cites 1 source.

A 5 page discussion of the role of women in Homer's epic, "The Odyssey". Illuminates the roles of women varying from that of an obstacle to that of an aid. Outlines the roles of Athena, Penelope, Calypso, Helen, Nausikaa, the Sirens and Circe in particular. Concludes that some characters were both good ...

A five page paper defining the ancient story of Gilgamesh as an epic, and describing the characteristics that make it so. The paper argues that an epic recounts the saga of a hero or a heroic dynasty in a way that somehow represents the fortunes or belief system of an entire people, and in Gilgamesh ...

5 pages in length. The question we shall seek to answer herein is whether Chaucer was tolerant of human frailty. By examining several of his works in general, it is easy to see that Chaucer not only was not tolerant of human shortcomings, but he actually preyed upon them, making light of them in his works. He ...

A five page paper looking at these very important components of this ancient Greek play. The paper points out three different kinds of irony -- dramatic, situational, and verbal -- within the text, as well as explaining the significance of the underlying paradox of the tale. Bibliography lists five sources.

(10 pp) Who was buried in the tomb below? In early 1977 it was thought to be Philip II, son of Amyntas, king of the Macedonians and Captain General of the united Greeks, created an understandable sensation, and aroused world-wide interest in this extraordinary personality - father of Alexander the Great, one of the greatest ...

A five page paper looking at the difference between the way Geoffrey Chaucer's female pilgrims are portrayed in this medieval work from the depictions of the female characters in the tales themselves. The paper concludes that while Chaucer portrayed women without stereotyping them, his storytellers reflected the prejudice of their times. Bibliography lists three sources.

(5 pp). In the modern world we are comfortable with the separation of church and state. In the Ancient world that was not always the case. The duality of authority, conceived by Pope Gelasisus I (492-496), as the separation of church and state are discussed. Other historic interpretation of this idea is ...

This 5 page thesis paper presents the idea that this well known work of literature is consistent with the just war hypothesis. Quotes from the work are included. No additional sources cited.

This 5 page paper argues that The Divine Comedy is an assertion that the principles of the Christian faith are in keeping with a strong foundation of logic, reason and faith as portrayed in the ancient philosophies as well as being developed by Dante as he presents the poetic narrative. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

5 pages in length. Each of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales harbors its own personality that comes through loud and clear via the teller's character. How is it that one can readily see the teller's personality through the mere words of the tale? The task is rather simple when one dissects it into smaller, ...

A 5 page paper which examines how the two plays serve as commentaries about their respective times and societies. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page paper examining parallels primarily in the Pardoner's tale and the story of Friar Cipollo's charcoal. These works are different in their settings and themes, but not greatly so. Each highlights the basest part of human nature that so readily surfaces, and then contrasts that with methods of overcoming that baseness in order to live ...

(5 pp) This particular interpretation of Euripides play Media is designed as what is loosely called "trunk theater." It allows bush or rural schools to experience the arts at minimal expense. There will certainly be more than one trunk, but the point is that the props will be minimal and interchangeable. ...

A 5 page paper which utilizes the "Epic of Gilgamesh" to reconstruct the past to examine Sumerian politics, including the interpretation of kingship and the role of the Council of Elders. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

5 pages in length. Upon comparing the moral fiber of both primary characters in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," one can readily surmise that while on the surface there does not appear to be any similarity of attributes, one will undoubtedly find a common denominator to some degree between the two knights. ...

This 6 page paper takes the concept of freedom and looks at it in respect to Machiavelli's views as evidenced by The Prince. Contemporary examples are noted. The concept of freedom is analyzed. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 7 page research paper that examines the various ways that Sophocles' classic tragedy has been interpreted. The writer argues that the Freudian interpretations are off the mark and that Sophocles intended totally different interpretation to the play. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

(8 pp) Do you ever wonder if the Greeks would have booed a good comedy off the stage? I guess, the chorus responding to, "a funny thing happened to me on the way to the tragedy this evening, just wouldn't cut it. It is tragedy that has survived in the Greek theater. ...

A 3 page paper which examines whether Beowulf should be regarded as a Christian or pagan hero. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

This 5 page paper examines this Hemingway classic. Themes are explored--disillusionment, life and death and love at first sight-- and the critical reception of this novel is also discussed Bibliography lists 8 sources.

(5 pp) The "Gates of Fire" or the "Hot Gates" was another name for the narrow rocky pass at Thermopylae. There, a hand-picked force of 300 Spartans and about 700 allies, were to delay the invading Persians for as long. The idea was that an elite force, willing to sacrifice their lives ...