Essays and Research Papers on Greek & Roman Literature

A 3 page paper which examines the tragic hero in Sophocles’ Oedipus Trilogy and the comic elements in Aristophanes’ Lysistrata. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 6 page paper explores the violent episode with the Cyclops in “The Odyssey” and the similes that Homer uses within that chapter. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 3 page analysis of the play “Phormio” by Terence. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page essay that discusses the this trilogy of plays by Aeschylus, the ancient Greek playwright, who drew upon the saga of the House of Atreus, which was well-known to his audience, in order to create a trilogy of plays that present the tragic story of legendary figures. Collectively known as the Oresteia, the ...

An 8 page paper which examines the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments Agamemnon’s ambassadors make in an attempt to get Achilleus (Achilles) to return to combat. No additional sources are used.

A 7 page research paper that discusses the topic of heroes and heroism and what this has meant in various cultures. The heroes profiled include Samson, Achilles, Hector, Aeneas and Jesus. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

In four pages this paper examines plays written before and after the Trojan War in a consideration of the experience as perceived by Greek tragedian Euripides. Only these student supplied sources are used and citation information is therefore limited.

A 4 page paper which examines what Plato/Socrates, in Republic, would have to say about Sophocles’ play Antigone. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

10 pages in length. The writer briefly discusses a number of points in the debate between Socrates and Callicles. No additional sources cited.

This 3 page paper provides an overview of Odysseus's departure in Book 13 and his arrival in Ithaca. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 3 page essay that takes the form of a letter to a distant friend in which the letter-writer discusses a story from the Odyssey. The writer discusses the story of the cave and the blinding of the Cyclops, as well as the theme of the degree to which human beings could control their own ...

This 7 page paper explores the tragic relationship between Achilles and his mother Thetis in “The Iliad.” Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This 3 page paper compares works from the ancient world and from medieval societies to see how the older values are expressed originally, and then again in later writings. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 5 page essay that discusses Rita Dove’s 1994 play “The Darker Face of the Earth,” which mirrors many of the themes and plot devices that occur in ancient Greek play by Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex.” In both plays, the work of fate and destiny are evident in a manner that suggests that while the ...

This 6 page paper considers whether and to what extent Petronius’s work “The Satyricon” is an accurate representation of Roman beliefs and thinking, and whether it should be considered as mere entertainment or something more substantial. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

A 4 page research paper/essay that examines the way in which Ovid considered the topic of art, artists and poets in his epic poem Metamorphoses. The writer argues that Ovid's overall thematic approach subtly suggests that it is only through art that humanity can transcend the suffering that is an inherent part of life. ...

An 8 page paper which examines the role of wine in Homer’s The Odyssey. The paper also examines the differences in how Homer and today’s culture perceive the drinking of alcohol. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 3 page character analysis of the tragic hero, Oedipus and Antigone from the Oedipus Trilogy. No additional sources cited.

A 4 page analysis of the character of Penelope in Homer’s The Odyssey. No additional sources cited.

In four pages this paper examines the characterization of Phaedra in Euripides’ play Hippolytus within the context of Enlightenment values to consider whether love and passion are dangerous, if emotions are a sign of weakness or lack of control, or absence of reason in the play, and assesses the cause of this tragedy and whether ...

A 5 page research paper/essay in which the writer contrasts and compares the creation stories of Hesiod and Ovid. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 3 page essay that offers a defense for Oedipus of the charges of murdering his father and incest with his mother. The writer bases his defense on his lack of intention, that is, mens rea, and also by reason of insanity. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 3 page paper which examines how and why the central issue of Helen’s rape is not really the main focus of Homer’s The Iliad. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 3 page paper which examines what one sees as the good life after reading The Iliad by Homer. No additional sources cited.

In five pages this paper considers how Sweeney represents a composite of the characters Odysseus and Polyphemus in Homer’s epic and also discusses the similarities between Mrs. Lovett in the film and the goddess Athena, and how the razor is Sweeney Todd’s faithful companion much as Odysseus’ beloved dog Argus had been. Two sources ...