| | Classics 15
Review for the Final Exam The final exam will consist of two questions.
You may use an outline, no more than one side of one page, for each question. The outlines must be turned in with the exam.
The exam questions for Fall 2006 will be posted near the end of the semester. Meanwhile, here are questions from a past exam.
1. (65%) Most people would agree that Herakles (Hercules) was the greatest Greco-Roman hero.
Using specific examples from the myths of Herakles and of other heroes and heroines, describe both how Herakles is typical and how he is unique. Focus not on generalized character traits (e.g., bravery) but on specific story-patterns. Use Lord Raglan's patterns if you wish, but be sure to make reference to the ideas of Walter Burkert presented in class. Be sure to cite specific details from the myths of at least three other heroes or heroines. 2. (35%) "Love makes the world go round." Greek and Roman mythology could certainly be cited in support of this statement. For the second part of the exam, I would like you to write an essay on the various strange forms which love takes in these myths. You should concentrate on the love stories in Ovid, but you may mention other myths as well. See if you can find patterns in the stories. Do not re-tell the stories. Rather, mention their main points as you discuss them. There are a lot of myths which you might cite, so you must select those which are the most interesting. NOTE: I expect you to deal with several stories in Ovid which do not involve the great heroes and heroines, and to avoid duplication of material from the first question.
Here are some examples of stories you should consider using in this essay:
- Admetos and Alcestis
- Baucis and Philemon
- Caunus and Byblis
- Cephalus, Procris, Aurora, and Aura
- Cinyras and Myrrha
- Echo and Narcissus
- Hippomenes and Atalanta
- Iphis and Ianthe
- Minos, Nisus, and Scylla
- Orpheus and Eurydice
- Pygmalion and Galatea
- Pyramus and Thisbe
- Salmacis and Hermaphroditus
- Tereus, Procne, and Philomela
You may also use myths of the love affairs of god(desse)s and mortals, but they should not be the main focus of your essay. |
