Essays and Research Papers on Greek & Roman Literature

A 3 page essay that, first of all, offers a brief biography and discussion of the work of Vergil, the ancient Roman poet. Then, the writer offers a brief synopsis of two readings from Vergil's Aeneid, which are taken from Book I and Book VI. The paper closes with a brief reaction and discussion to ...

A 5 page paper which discusses the characters of Poseidon and Athene from "The Odyssey." The characters are examined in regards to how they compliment one another as it pertains to their supernatural powers, and also examined in their contributions to the story. No additional sources cited.

A 6 page paper that describes the reigns of the first two real emperors of Rome. The paper gives a short explanation of Suetonius and the framework from which he wrote, then discusses and contrasts the administrations and policies of Augustus and Tiberius, dealing particularly with the difficulties of the transfer of power between them. ...

A 12 page analytical paper exploring the theme of human sacrifice in mythology. Using the stories of Selene and Endymion, Aphrodite and Adonis, and Cybele and Attis, along with two stories about Demeter, the writer supports the notion that human sacrifice is used to demonstrate the power of the gods and compassion. Bibliography lists ...

A 3 page essay that discusses Oedipus the King and Antigone by Sophocles. Each of these plays focuses on a king of Thebes, Oedipus and Creon, and how these rulers handle their power. Within the course of each narrative, Sophocles offers fascinating studies in the character of these two men, demonstrating that Oedipus is a ...

An eight page comparison of these two Greek plays from the fifth century BC, by Euripedes and Aristophanes respectively. The paper maintains that although Aristophanes' play takes the form of a bawdy comedy and Euripedes is a melodramatic tragedy, both playwrights clearly fear the potential power of women. Bibliography lists five sources.

A 5 page essay arguing that both Creon (“Antigone”) and Joe Turner (“Joe Turner Come and Gone”) were unable to use their personal power for correct action based on their convictions that they must live life in stereotypical or static ways. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 2 page discussion of the mythological character Phaedra and how Aphrodite's influence over her was so strong that she could not act freely or of her own will. Consequently, Phaedra's death is ultimately blamed upon the overwhelming power of this particular Greek god. No Bibliography.

This 5 page report discusses how three of the pre-eminent thinkers of the past 1,500 years viewed the relationship between religion and science. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 4 page essay that discusses the information can be inferred from Homer's Odyssey concerning the relationship of humanity with the gods. The writer argues that religion gave ancient peoples not only an explanation of natural phenomenon that would otherwise be inexplicable, but also a feeling of control towards fate. Examination of this epic ...

In 5 pages the author discusses whether or not Socrates was genuinely religious. Based on ' 'Euthyphro', 'Apology', and 'Crito', which are works by Plato about his teacher, Socrates, could it be said that Socrates is a genuinely religious man? Why or why not? Yes, Socrates was a genuinely religious man. However, he ...

A 6 page essay that discusses Sophocles’ characterization of Creon, which underscores the centrality of the issue of state versus religion to the thematic content of the play and illustrates how Creon is, like Antigone, a tragic figure, as he tries to be a diligent leader but succumbs to the fatal flaw of hubris ...

A 5 page essay that examines the themes and structure in Sophocles' play Antigone. The writer argues that the fundamental issues in the play arise when the morality of the state contradicts the requirements of familial loyalty and religion. No additional sources cited.

A 4 page essay that examines "Prometheus Bound," "The Iliad," and "Euthyphro" and what these works tell modern readers about Greek culture. Ancient literature offers windows into the past, as they convey not only events but also how a particular culture's worldview. Literary windows into the past show modern readers that Greek culture had profound ...

a 5 page paper. Using specific acts by Agamemnon and Achilles, the writer demonstrates how the actions are more in line with a democracy than an autocracy. The acts are Agamemnon's taking of Achilles' girl captive, Achilles refusal to continue fighting and calling an assembly and Agamemnon's subsequent apology. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A six page paper looking at Homer's "Odyssey," Sophocles' "Antigone," and Aristophanes' "Lysistrata" in terms of their attitudes toward male and female virtue. The paper concludes that over the nearly four hundred years between Homer and Aristophanes, the factor which most changed the gender perceptions of ancient Greece was a heightened awareness of the importance of ...

A 5 page paper which examines the role of women in ancient Greece. The paper relies heavily on the ancient and classic characters of Medea and Lysistrata. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A paper which looks at Sue Blundell's "Women in Ancient Greece", an important text which draws on numerous contemporary sources in order to build up a comprehensive picture of the life of women of the period, despite the cultural filters of a strictly patriarchal system.

A 5 page essay that summarizes and analyzes Plato's The Apology of Socrates. The writer argues that it is part of human nature that politicians and leaders love to be grandiose about themselves and their nation, or, as in the case of ancient Greece, their city. This factor of human behavior is still quite evident ...

In eight pages this paper examines how Sophocles utilizes Antigone’s twin sister Ismene as his tragedy’s foil in order to emphasize the gender distinctions in the politics and society of ancient Greece. Four sources are cited in the bibliography.

A seven page paper looking at this play of ancient Greece. The paper contends that Aeschylus' major conflict is between the old, matriarchal form of justice, represented by the Furies, and the new patriarchy represented by Athena and Apollo. No additional sources.

This is a 3 page paper on qualities of Greek civilization which are revealed in Homer’s “The Odyssey”. Homer’s “The Odyssey” was written around the year 750 B.C. and in addition to providing a great tale about the adventures of the king Odysseus, it also reveals aspects and qualities of the ancient civilization in Greece ...

A 5 page essay that looks at what can be learned about Roman culture from this ancient document.

A 3 page essay that examines the work of ancient Roman author Titus Livius, known in English as "Livy," who wrote a history of Rome during the era of Augustus that traced what was believed about the city's founding to his own era. While there is much that is debatable about the accuracy of ...

A 7 page essay that examines the theme of gift giving and hospitality in Homer's ancient epic poem the Odyssey. In ancient Greek culture, hospitality addresses the relations that exist between a guest and host, and involves the mutual exchange not only of wealth, but also of knowledge. The conventions surrounding Greek notions of hospitality ...