English 208
Dr. Martin
Paper Assignment
We’ve studied a number of different themes and approaches in our readings so far this semester. Your job is to choose one theme in one or two of these works and develop an arguable thesis around that theme. (Unless you talk to me about your idea, I suggest sticking to a maximum of two works.) Following is a breakdown of the different parts of this assignment:
The Paper: After formulating an opinionated thesis statement, you will generate a 4-6 paged paper that uses the text(s) of your choice and at least 1 outside critical source to prove the thesis. The paper is due on 12/1.
The Outside Source: You will be employing at least 1 outside critical source in your paper. You can find sources in Dacus (see the introduction to your chosen work for a list of criticism on that work; Dacus has at least one book from each list) or online (try the English/core page for some good links: www.winthrop.edu/english/core.htm. In addition, JSTOR and Infotrac, both Databases on Dacus’ homepage, often bring up full-text articles.) Also, check out the MLA Database as well. Wherever you locate your source, you must make sure that your source is a work of criticism, not a mere summary of the plot.
Works Cited: You’ll need to cite any quotations, paraphrases, and summaries (from our book and from your critical source) using correct MLA parenthetical documentation (not footnotes). Make sure you are introducing all borrowed information according to the handout on “The Correct Use of Borrowed Information” (you’ll find a link on my homepage: http://faculty.winthrop.edu/martinme). You will also need a Works Cited page containing bibliographical information on our book and any other sources you cite. Please follow current guidelines
Turnitin.com: Before 12 AM on 12/1, each of you will need to submit your paper electronically to me using turnitin.com. To do this, go to www.turnitin.com, click on “create a user profile,” and follow the prompts to create your profile. Next, enroll in English 208 by entering our class i.d. # 2850403 and our enrollment password: epicjourney. This is case sensitive. Remember, I will be taking up a paper copy of your assignment in class on 12/1.
Ideas: Choose from one of the following to develop your paper, or let me know a topic you have designed.
1. The act of weaving is a prominent activity among the women in The Odyssey, both mortal women and goddesses. Explain/ analyze how this activity defines the role of women, but also how it may be seen as emblematic of the journey of Odysseus, or how it may be seen as a way women shape the men and/or stories.
2. Who is the hero of The Iliad, Achilles or Hector? Make sure you define an epic hero and show how your choice is the best fit.
3. Choose a work or two and argue what rules the lives of men and women in these works—fate, the gods, free will, or God’s design. Analyze the work or works chosen in terms of the cultural/historical context in which they were written.
4. Compare and contrast Homer’s Odyssey with Virgil’s Aeneid. How, in light of what we’ve discussed about the separate histories of Greece and Rome, does Virgil build on the ideas of The Odyssey? How do, for instance, Odysseus and Aeneas differ? How are their missions different? How are they alike? What, in you opinion, is Virgil’s main goal (keep the political motives of Rome in mind as well as the different values of each culture) in writing the first Roman epic? A review of the history of each country and each work (in our book) will help with this.
5. Explain/analyze the significance of wood in both Odysseus’ personal (emotional) and physical trials in his journey to return home. Be specific in showing the significance of wood to Odysseus. Is there a pattern in how wood is presented as the journey develops from the beginning to the end of the epic?
6. Pick one character from any two works and compare and contrast their perceptions of death and the afterlife and how it influences their growth as a dynamic character.
7. Discuss the imagery and significance of the forest in the Ramayana, especially in comparison with the wilderness in Gilgamesh or the sea in the Odyssey. How are the representations different or similar?
8. Discuss the hunting motif of hunting in Sakuntala. Compare this hunt to the hunt that leads Dido and Aeneas to consummate their passion in the cave. How do the representations of hunter and prey differ in these works?