Essay Topics
CAUTION: Before choosing a topic read the Guidelines for Essays (on a separate page) fully and carefully.
NOTE: These topics call for a broad understanding of a wide range of myths dealt with at various points throughout the course. Make full use of the opportunity to demonstrate intelligently (and relevantly) the breadth and depth of your knowledge of the myths and themes of this course. However, DO NOT assume that the broad nature of the questions warrants vague and general answers; be very specific with the evidence you marshal to make your points.
1. Choose three or four of the most noteworthy examples of the theme of father-son conflict in Greek myth, Note their similarities and differences. What motivates the conflict? How often is a mother-figure involved, as in the Freudian Oedipus Complex? How well, in general, does the Oedipus Complex fit the details of the individual myths? How well (or poorly) does it seem to explain the importance of this theme in Greek myth?
2. Some Olympian deities appear to be, in some important sense, opposites to each other, each of which needs to be honored by mortals in order to sustain “normal” human life. Consider at least two such pairs and demonstrate which of their myths best illustrate their opposition, what its nature is, and how the myths suggest it should be resolved.
3. One fundamental distinction in Greek religion is that between the chthonic gods within the earth and the Olympians upon the sky and surface of the earth. Who are the principal chthonic gods (don’t forget the Erinyes/Furies and Gaia herself), and what is their character as revealed in the myths? In what ways do some of these gods express tension within the divine order itself?
4. A central theme in Greek myth is that humankind is so constituted as to be misled by surface appearances and to seek relentlessly what we discover, too late, to be actually disastrous to ourselves. Illustrate this theme with reference to at least three important myths or mythological episodes. Is there any hint in these or any other myths as to where this human tendency comes from?
5. Were the Greek gods seen as benefactors of mankind, or our tormenters? (Elements and/or episodes of numerous myths will need to be marshalled on each side of the balance sheet. Demonstrate your knowledge and thoughtful comprehension of a wide range of myths.)
6. Despite the fact that in the days of Prometheus the spheres of gods and men were separated and thenceforth regulated by the ritual of sacrifice, Greek myths also offer many examples of various forms of direct interaction between deities and mortals. Why do gods normally disguise themselves in some way, and what happens when they do not? What motivates them to socialize in these ways with humans?
7. Important mothers abound in Greek myth. Analyze the mother-figure in at least three myths in which such a character (divine or mortal) plays a significant role. Do they seem to form a single, repeated type? What aspects of motherhood are highlighted the myths? Do any of the myths seem to present a feminine perspective of society, distinct from the patriarchal sorting of “bad” women from “good” ones?
8. If we may legitimately presume that myths in part serve to reinforce social norms of behavior by both positive and negative examples (and I think we can), then what does Greek mythology tell us about Greek conceptions of gender—male-ness/masculinity and female-ness/femininity—and the relationship or boundary between them. Do not neglect consideration of potentially complicating characters such as Athena and the Amazons. Certain goddesses’ choice of virginity will also be relevant; perhaps also the myths involving homosexuality.
9. How is Zeus portrayed in the Iliad? How do his actions differ from those of the other Olympians? Is he omnipotent, or omniscient? What motives and emotions have a role in his various decisions about the course that the fighting and the war as a whole will take? (You may restrict yourself to the books and portions of books assigned for this class.)
10. The Iliadic and non-Iliadic Achilles: How much of Achilles’ mythology is not told in the Iliad? Survey the range of Achilles’ myths by using the index of Morford & Lenardon and also the on-line Perseus Encyclopedia (click here and look under Achilles [2]) for a relatively fast entry-point). What effect does the Iliad achieve by narrowing the focus as closely as it does on a few themes? What kind of hero does this narrowed focus make of Achilles? What broader conclusions would you draw about the differences between myths and the texts that tell some part of those myths?
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