Essays and Research Papers on Medieval Literature

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 ...

A 4 page paper which examines the way in which mortal women of all social classes are portrayed in the Greek epic poem. No additional sources are used.

This 5 page paper traces the development of both Gilgamesh and Enkidu throughout the epic poem: Gilgamesh. Quotes cited from text. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 3 page paper which examines the relationship between emotions and storytelling in the classic Beowulf. No additional sources cited.

A 3 page paper which compares and contrasts the characters of Aeneas and Turnus in the Aeneid. No additional sources cited.

A 6 page paper which discusses how these fictional figures represent opposing ends of the writer’s definition of good and bad. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 4 page paper which examines the role of politics in Dante’s Inferno. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 28 page paper responds to nine disparate questions incorporating each of these four works into each response: El Cid; Koran; Yvain or the Knight with the Lion by Chretien de Troyes; and The Memoirs of the Lord of Joinville. In the last case, some responses are in the perspective of King Louis IX (St. ...

A 3 page paper which examines the role of Antigone and Ophelia (from Hamlet) in their given societies. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 3 page paper which discusses the similarities and differences in the characters of Antigone from the play of the same name and Desdemona from “Othello.” No additional sources cited.

This 8 page paper analyzes Book Two, Canto 12 of Spenser's Faerie Queen "The Bower of Bliss". Quotes cited from the text. Analysis offers insight into Sir Guyon's actions. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 5 page essay that discusses Aeschylus' play Agamemnon within the historical context of fifth century BC Greek culture. The writer argues that the play substantiates and rationalizes male dominance. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

Many have called the relationship between Athena and Odysseus in The Odyssey a mentoring relationship, particularly as Athena often takes the form of a character named Mentor, but their relationship has much more depth than mentoring. Theirs is a relationship that evolves from mistaken assumptions between two people, in this case, their roles in ...

This paper posits that in order to redeem herself of all the deaths she has caused in freeing Jason, Medea must make the ultimate sacrifice, her children, for two purposes: to save herself, and to save the country from the future reign of Jason. No references. JVmedea.rtf

A 4 page paper which examines the characters from Gilgamesh and Enkidu, from Gilgamesh, as they relate to a quote from Oedipus Rex. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 5 page paper compares and contrasts the monster Grendel with the dragon in The Epic of Beowulf. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page research paper that examines the status of women in ancient Athens. The writer access this topic by examining Agamemnon by Aeschylus and argues that the character of Clytemnestra is the antithesis of ideal Athenian womanhood. The status of women is examined as suggested by the play. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 3 page paper discusses the Native American short story called High Horse's Courting. Imagery, characterization, symbolism and brief synopsis included. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 5 page paper which examines the legends and tales involving Morrigan who is often referred to as the dark aspect of the Celtic Triple Goddess in Celtic mythology. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 4 page paper which compares Homer’s Odyssey with Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” Bibliography lists 4 sources.

Corruption had infected all organizations, governmental, legal and ecclesiastical during the Dark Ages, and for this reason had become the subject of satire in medieval life. In The Pardoner’s Tale, Chaucer is contrasting the words spoken by the Pardoner by with the physical embodiment and actions of the Pardoner. jvAv0604

A 3 page essay that discusses the characterization of Iphigenia in Euripides' plays Iphigenia at Aulis and Iphigenia at Tauris. In these plays, Euripides shows Iphigenia to be a woman of extraordinary wisdom, discernment and courage. While highlighting these qualities, Euripides also humanizes his characterization of Iphigenia by showing that she also experiences rage against ...