Choose Two Epic Heroes Northern Virginia Communit

Choose ONE. You should prepare an outline before writing. I will be looking for details, examples, and development in the final essays. Your final essay should have an introduction, thesis, body paragraphs, and a separate conclusion paragraph. Your essay should be 450-500 words about 2 pages double-spaced, typed, times new roman, 12 pt. font.

1. Odysseus’ final goal is to be reunited with his wife, son, and kingdom. Discuss why he hides his plans from his wife, and why he maintains a disguise when he returns to Ithaka. Explain how Odysseus, after twenty years, finally accomplishes his homecoming? Give specific details concerning the need for the slaughter of the suitors in light of the law of hospitality. And finally discuss his reunion with Penelope and the necessity for the trick of the bed. Why does Penelope need to trick Odysseus knowing that he is truly her husband?

2. Discuss the role of women in Greece. Choose three women, Jocasta, Iphigenia, Helen, Penelope, or Clytemnestra, Antigone and discuss how they are alike and how they are different? What role do they play in each story? For example, discuss the image of the Greek wife, mother, and/or daughter.

3. Vengeance and justice are important themes for the Greeks. Choose two characters: Odysseus, Achilles, Agamemnon, Orestes, Clytemnestra, Iphigenia, or Hector and discuss the theme of justice and vengeance and the role of the gods in bringing about justice. You may also discuss the injustice of the gods.

4. Choose two epic heroes and discuss the importance of honor and glory for Achilles, Hector, or Odysseus. How do these great works capture the essence of being human? You may want to compare and contrast the heroes or just show how they are similar or both. Make sure to choose specific scenes from the text.

5. Agamemnon and Oedipus inherit a curse from their father. Discuss how the curse is inherited and how it determines the consequences of their actions. Is Agamemnon to blame for the death of Iphigenia? Is his wife to blame for killing him? Do you blame the gods for the fate of Oedipus? Defend your answer with evidence from the text. What is significant about Athena bringing about justice in the end of the Oresteia? And why does she give a place in the city to the furies? What do you think about the death of Oedipus? Is he finally rewarded by the gods?