Research Papers on Greek & Roman Literature

Click on any of the term papers to read a brief synopsis of the research paper. The essay synopsis includes the number of pages and sources cited in the paper.

  • An Analysis of Virgil's Depiction of the Tragedy of Dido

    A 3 page essay that examines Book Four of Virgil's epic poem of Rome's founding, the Aeneid, which relates the tragic love of Dido for the epic's hero Aeneas. This section of the poem pictures the course of Dido's love in five stages, which range from her realization that she loves Aeneas to her suicide, as his ships sail away. Throughout this narrative, Virgil pictures love as the equivalent to disease, an external force that subverts attention from what it truly important in life, that is, one's responsibilities. The implication in the poem is that Aeneas, being male, is better able to keep a proper focus than is the hapless, lovelorn Dido. No additional sources cited.

  • Review of Homer's 'The Iliad'

    A 6 page book review that summarizes and analyzes aspects of this classic epic poem. The Iliad, by the ancient Greek poet Homer, is one of the greatest poetic epics in history. This poem has held readers in thrall for millennia as there is it is a grand tale of heroic adventure. As time has past, its allure has increased due to the fact that Homer's storytelling prowess opens a window for the modern reader that reveals another time, an ancient era, with its mores, customs, traditions, beliefs and lifestyle illustrated in the lives of the Greek and Trojan heroes. In accomplishing this, the Iliad reveals a pagan world whose orientation is quite different from the Western world known to the reader. Thematic content is also discussed. No additional sources cited.

  • Comparing Achilles and Odysseus

    In 5 pages the author compares the heroes in the 'Odyssey' and the 'Iliad.' Homer's 'Iliad' and his 'Odyssey' are both epic Greek poems. The hero in Homer's 'Odyssey' was Odysseus, and the hero in Homer's 'Iliad' was Achilles. Both poems were written by Homer, and many similarities as well as differences are seen between the two heroes. Although similar, those men were not carbon copies of each other, for they did have different characters. They were heroes first and foremost.

  • Placing a Historical Value on 'The Iliad' by Homer

    A 7 page paper which analyzes the epic poem from a historical context, considering if the events depicted are real, if the information can be verified, and examines the author’s intentions for writing the poem. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

  • Dido's Character in 'The Aeneid' by Virgil

    A 5 page paper that reviews book four of Virgil's Aenead. This paper discusses Aeneas' duty, Dido's romantic passion, and the reason why this couple suffers such a tragic end. Also considered in this poem is the affect of Catullus' poem 64, and a comparison is made between the story of Ariadne and Theseus and Dido and Aeneas. Bibliography lists 3 sources

  • Beauty and Friendship in 3 of Sappho's Poems

    A 5 page research paper/essay that offer analysis of three of Sappho's poems. The writer argues that while her verse is notorious for its connection with Lesbianism, there is much more to Sappho's poetry than mere eroticism. An examination of her poems reveals a deep and passionate connection with nature and appreciation for beauty, which are sentiments that reach across time and space and speak to the modern reader, establishing a feeling of connection and friendship. Bibliography lists 1 source.

  • Placing a Historical Value on 'The Iliad' by Homer

    A 7 page paper which analyzes the epic poem from a historical context, considering if the events depicted are real, if the information can be verified, and examines the author’s intentions for writing the poem. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

  • Dido's Character in 'The Aeneid' by Virgil

    A 5 page paper that reviews book four of Virgil's Aenead. This paper discusses Aeneas' duty, Dido's romantic passion, and the reason why this couple suffers such a tragic end. Also considered in this poem is the affect of Catullus' poem 64, and a comparison is made between the story of Ariadne and Theseus and Dido and Aeneas. Bibliography lists 3 sources

  • Beauty and Friendship in 3 of Sappho's Poems

    A 5 page research paper/essay that offer analysis of three of Sappho's poems. The writer argues that while her verse is notorious for its connection with Lesbianism, there is much more to Sappho's poetry than mere eroticism. An examination of her poems reveals a deep and passionate connection with nature and appreciation for beauty, which are sentiments that reach across time and space and speak to the modern reader, establishing a feeling of connection and friendship. Bibliography lists 1 source.

  • Augustus' Rule and the Pessimism of 'The Aeneid'

    A 5 page contention that despite the fact that Virgil manages to maintain a facade of patriotism in "The Aeneid", the poem is in reality an underhandedly pessimistic account of Augustus' regime. This is true despite the fact that Virgil was writing under the close supervision of Augustus and was obligated to portray him and his regime in a positive light. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

  • Greek Values in Homer's 'The Iliad'

    A 4 page essay that examines Greek values in the Iliad. In his epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey, the ancient Greek poet Homer praised numerous qualities and values. "Patriotism, heroism, loyalty, resistance to temptations, truthfulness, generosity, honesty and hospitality" are just a few of the virtues that "Homer praised and exalted" (Christian and Greek philosophy, 2003, p. 15). This examination of Homer's Iliad focuses on what this epic poem tells the modern reader concerning the importance of Greek values, specifically heroism, honor and solidarity, in Greek society. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

  • 'The Odyssey' by Homer Content Analysis

    A 5 page paper which examines the Robert Fagles’ translation of the classic Greek poem to consider why Odysseus did not immediately return to Ithaca, the reasons behind his lengthy hiatus, contemplates what he is searching for and determines whether or not the text can be read as a metaphor for the Ionian exile. No additional sources are used.

  • Homer's 'The Iliad' and Achilles' Shield

    A 3 page essay that discusses the moving images on the shield of Achilles, which is wrought before the final battle with Hector. The writer contrasts the story told by these images with the plot of the poem and speculates about their purposes within the overall structure of Homer's epic. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

  • The Aeneid: An Examination of Books 1, 4, and 6

    In three pages this paper examines how negatively Aeneas’ abandonment of Dido reflects on his character and whether “The Aeneid” is a political poem or an example of propaganda. No other sources are listed in the bibliography.

  • Journeys and Their Philosophical Meaning in 'Inferno' by Dante Alighieri and 'The Odyssey' by Homer

    A 5 page paper which examines the role of philosophy in the similar journeys taken in each of these epic poems. No additional sources are used.

  • Status and Role of Women in 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey' by Homer

    A 9 page paper which examines the role and status of women in these classic epic poems of ancient Greece. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

  • Friendship in Three Poems by Sappho

    A 5 page research paper/essay that analyzes three poems by the ancient Greek poet Sappho. The writer argues that Sappho's love of beauty comes across to the reader, establishing a bond of friendship -- a feeling of connection -- between the reader and the poet that transcends the millennia. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

  • 'The Battle of Frogs and Mice' An Ancient Greek Poetic Analysis

    A 3 page paper which examines the society and situation at the time as it is symbolically represented in the story, and specifically considers why the poem was written, who was meant to read it, the moral, and if it can be compared to any aspects of modern life. No additional sources are used.

  • Comparative Analysis of Phaedra and Jocasta

    A 5 page comparison of character and suicide between Queen Jocasta (Oedipus the King) and Queen Phaedra (Hippolytus). The writer argues that in both instances, the Queen was a lovelorn woman; deeply frustrated and in the end, completely desperate. Jocasta's death, however, was more sudden and rash when compared with the suicide of Phaedra who had accumulated such tendencies throughout the progression of her story. No Bibliography.

  • Flawed Characters in Death of a Salesman, Antigone, and Oedipus

    A 7 page paper which examines the character flaws possessed by characters in the plays Antigone, Oedipus, and Death of a Salesman. bibliography lists 4 additional sources.

  • Oedipus Rex by Sophocles and Unwritten Law's Power

    A 5 page paper which examines the theme of the power of unwritten law in Sophocles' play "Oedipus Rex." No additional sources cited.

  • Antigone and the Tragic Flaw of Antigone and Creon

    A 3 page paper which examines the tragic flaw which led to the downfall of Antigone and Creon in “Antigone.” No additional sources cited.

  • Classical Greek Literature and Women's Tragic Marriages

    A 4 page paper that examines the recurrent theme of woman's tragic condition, especially in the matter of marriage, as presented in the Greek tragedies by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Works discussed are Agamemnon, Tereus, and Medea. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

  • Classical Literature and Common Theme of Perseverance in Overcoming Obstacles

    A 5 page essay that argues that common themes can be found in the classical literature of the past. The writer explores the theme of perseverance that can be found in Gilgamesh, The Book of Job, The Odyssey and The Aeneid. The writer argues that in each case, the hero perseveres against adversity by overcoming obstacles that stand between him and his goal. He goes on despite those who advice that his quest is foolhardy and eventually is rewarded for his pain by reaching and achieving his goal. No additional sources cited.

  • Ancient Literature and Cultural Characteristics

    A 5 page paper which examines “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” “Oedipus the King,” and “Lysistrata” in terms of the culture of the time and the culture of today. No additional sources cited.

  • Greek Literature as Reflective of Greek Culture

    This 3 page paper discusses the Greek culture as referenced by Plato in his Allegory of the cave. Bibliography lists 1 source.

  • Greek Literature and Blindness Symbolism

    This 4 page paper examines two works: Electra and The Republic. The works are compared and contrasted in terms of how the concepts of sight and blindness are utilized. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

  • Women in Ancient Literature and Now

    This 6 page paper discusses women in “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” “The Iliad” and “Antigone” and how they differ from women today. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

  • Greek Philosophy and Literature: A Review of Concepts

    This is a 5 page paper that provides an overview of concepts from Greek philosophy. Literary examples are used to explain arete, eros, hubris, paideia, and logos. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

  • Tragic Themes in Erich Maria Remarque's All Quiet on the Western Front, Sophocles' Antigone and William Shakespeare's Macbeth

    This 5 page report discusses the common themes that exist in these three works of literature. Great tragic literature carries with it certain common themes that define it as tragedy and which then allows the reader to understand that there is a greater story being outlined than just the one of the characters presented in a single story. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

  • Sociopolitical Classes of Plato and Their Parallels

    A 15 page research paper that examines Plato's sociopolitical classes as outlined in the Republic and also his Theory of the Soul. This literature review, first of all, discuss Plato's theory of the soul and show how he extrapolates on this idea in the Republic to describe his conception of an ideal state. Then, a separate literature review examines the topic of social class within American society to determine if there are parallels between Plato's conceptualization of social class and current day American reality. Bibliography lists 16 sources.

  • Dante's Hell and Characters

    A 5 page apper which examines where one would place various characters in classic/ancient literature in Dante’s Inferno. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

  • Psychology of Characters in The Iliad

    A 7 page paper which examines the psychology of the characters in Homer’s The Iliad. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

  • Learning Lessons in Billy Budd and Antigone

    A 3 page essay that argues that the main theme in both Sophocles' Antigone and Herman Melville's Billy Budd is a warning that the society that ignores humanitarian issues does so at its own peril. These narratives warn us that the society that puts punitive justice ahead of all else may be enacting a certain kind of justice, but it does so at the expense of its own soul. In a country that is prosecuting children to the full extent of the law, it is a lesson that should be noticed. No additional sources cited.

  • Principle Theme of Antigone by Sophocles

    A 5 page essay that examines the principal theme in Sophocles' Antigone, the play that continues the sage of Oedipus Rex and his progeny. The writer argues that in this play the conflict is between the loyalty that one owes family and religious precepts vs. the loyalty owed to the state. No additional sources cited.

  • Herakles Presentation by Playwrights and Artists

    This 14 page paper examines the background of the Greek god Herakles and how this mythalogical figure is depicted in art. Additionally, this paper examines whether various pieces of art depicting Herakles depict a consistant image.

  • Hamlet & Oedipus

    A 4 page essay that contrasts and compares the characters of Hamlet and Oedipus. Despite being separated by the passage of centuries, as well as differences in language and culture, Sophocles’ portrayal of Oedipus and Shakespeare’s depiction of Hamlet bear similarities, as well as the innumerable differences that one would expect. The similarities revolve around themes common to both plays, such as incest and the use of symbolism, while the differences largely involve the specifics of characterization. No additional sources cited.

  • Study Guide/Oedipus the King & Darker Face of the Earth

    A 5 page research paper that offers a study guide and suggestions on how to understand and approach the task of essay writing on 2 plays: Oedipus the King by Sophocles and The Darker Face of the Earth by Rita Dove. To repeat this, this paper is not an essay but it rather suggestions and a study guide. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

  • 'The Iliad' and the Homeric Hero

    This tutorial paper helps lead the student through two questions: how does a hero in this epic experience denial of materialism through war, and how does the hero fuel his need to contend with the living. The hero used in this example is Achilles, as he exemplifies the heroic code that is so strong in Homer's works.

  • Women in Ancient Greece by Sue Blundell

    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.

  • Roman Society and Culture in The Twelve Caesars by Suetonius

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

  • Journeys in Dante's 'Inferno' and Homer's 'Odyssey'

    A 5 page comparison and contrast of Homer's Odyssey and Dante's Inferno in relationship to the theme of their journeys.

  • Women's Roles in Homer's 'The Odyssey'

    This 5-page paper focuses on the role the women played in Homer's The Odyssey, and how their roles helped add to the story's adventures.

  • Timing and Disguise in 'The Odyssey' Stories

    A 6 page paper which discusses the importance and significance of disguises and timing in three separate Odyssey stories. The stories discussed are “The Odyssey” by Homer, the film “The Odyssey” directed by Andrei Konchalovsky, and the film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” directed by Joel Coen. Bibliography lists 3 additional sources.

  • Differing Versions of the Underworld in The Inferno, Gilgamesh and the Odyssey

    A 2 page look at the differences in conception of the underworld between these three works. The paper notes that Dante's is the only one of the three works in which the Underworld is clearly punitive; in the Odyssey, it was simply sad, and in Gilgamesh, empty. No additional sources cited.

  • Lysistrata and Pleasure

    This 4 page report discusses the ancient Greek comedy “Lysistrata” and how it serves as an example of how, throughout Greek drama, civil unrest is often defined and framed in terms of gender and sexual conflict. For example, female choruses, the Furies, male supremacy, female protest and incest have all been used as dramatic vehicles to convey a variety of issues, problems and disasters, including war and the subversion of traditional morality and values. In this way, the theater served as the primary forum for civic dialog among the ancient Greeks. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

  • Tragic Hero Oedipus in Oedipus the King by Sophocles

    A 5 page paper discussing Oedipus the King as a tragic hero, according to the definition set forth by Aristotle. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

  • Changes in King Oedipus

    This 4 page research paper examines the changes which occur within King Oedipus of Thebes during the course of the Sophocles' play, Oedipus The King (or Oedipus Rex). Specifically discussed are his insecurity, his interpretation of nobility, and his growing paranoia which alienates him from nearly everyone who is close to him. Bibliography lists 1 source.

  • Character Analysis of Creon in Oedipus Tyrannus by Sophocles

    A 3 page paper that considers the importance of the character of Creon in Sophocles' "Oedipus Tyrannus." This paper contends that it is the one-dimensional characterization of Creon and his messages that most significantly impact the outcome of the tragedy. The primary source is cited.

  • Comparative Analysis of Phaedra and Jocasta

    A 5 page comparison of character and suicide between Queen Jocasta (Oedipus the King) and Queen Phaedra (Hippolytus). The writer argues that in both instances, the Queen was a lovelorn woman; deeply frustrated and in the end, completely desperate. Jocasta's death, however, was more sudden and rash when compared with the suicide of Phaedra who had accumulated such tendencies throughout the progression of her story. No Bibliography.

  • Dido's Character in 'The Aeneid' by Virgil

    A 5 page paper that reviews book four of Virgil's Aenead. This paper discusses Aeneas' duty, Dido's romantic passion, and the reason why this couple suffers such a tragic end. Also considered in this poem is the affect of Catullus' poem 64, and a comparison is made between the story of Ariadne and Theseus and Dido and Aeneas. Bibliography lists 3 sources

  • Feminism in Lysistrata by Aristophanes

    4 pages in length. Swirling with elements of sex, power and control, it has been argued that Aristophanes' Lysistrata is the conception of feminism as we know it today. The plot, simple as it may seem, serves to create a sense of gender dominion unlike anything of its time; indeed, the play effectively marks the point at which women were presented as both wise and cunning. No additional sources cited.

 

Most Relevant Research Papers

Click on any of the term papers to read a brief synopsis of the research paper. The essay synopsis includes the number of pages and sources cited in the paper.

 

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