Optional Projects on Greek and Roman Mythology

Option 1: Reading against the grain: write or analyze a poem

Option 1: Reading against the grain: write or analyze a poem
In Unit 10 we looked at several different versions of Greek and Roman myths that tell the story from the other side. Read some of the poems on Greek and Roman mythological subjects in the former British Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy's Collection, The World's Wife (Links to an external site.). Then EITHER write your own poem on another Greco-Roman character not treated by her OR offer a critique of 500 words maximum of either ‘Mrs Midas’ or ‘from Mrs Tiresias’ by Duffy, exploring how she re-uses elements from the ancient sources to create her new version of the myth. 

Option 2:  Independent research on the Amazons
Research the myths of the Amazons, starting with the dodgy (because lacking proper citations) Wikipedia page and write 500 words maximum discussing the following, providing the best citations that you can find:
a) the name “Amazon”
b) representations of the Amazons in art – how consistent are these and how do they relate to the name “Amazon”?
c) ways in which the Amazons present the essence of male heroes
d) ways in which the Amazons present the antithesis of male heroes

Option 3: Research and analysis: Apollo in Iliad Book 1
Research the various skills, powers and attributes of the god Apollo and then study this passage from Iliad Book 1. Write 500 words maximum
a) indicating which of Apollo's powers are shown in this episode,
b) then name or describe four of Apollo's other powers, giving examples of stories in which he uses those powers. 

So Chryses prayed, and Phoebus Apollo heard him. Angry at heart, he strode down from the peaks of Olympus, having his bow slung from his shoulder and his hollow quiver. The arrows clashed loudly upon his shoulders as he strode in his anger, and like night did he go. Then he sat apart from the ships and shot an arrow; terrible was the twang of his silver bow. First he shot the mules and the swift dogs, and next he shot his sharp arrow at the men. Constantly were the funeral pyres burning in great numbers.

Option 4: Study of a text within a framework: the Odyssey
How helpful is it to think of the Odyssey as a series of trials which reveal important aspects of Odysseus’ character? (It might be useful to think of the trials sequence in Joseph Campbell’s theory of the monomyth, studied in Unit 10.) Write 500 words maximum with reference to at least four different episodes in the Odyssey.

Option 5: Analysis of modern versions of an ancient myth: Troy.
Watch a movie or TV show or read a comic or a book portraying the Trojan War or the Sack of Troy. Here are a few suggestions for material. Write 500 words maximum in which you:
(a) relate the modern version to the Iliad and other ancient sources (i.e. which episodes / characters are selected);
(b) discuss how faithful it is to the original material;
(c) and indicate which changes you liked the most and which the least, giving your reasons.

Option 6: Compare and contrast: representations of Achilles
Read the miniature epic poem about the wedding tapestry of Peleus and Thetis by the Roman poem Catullus [insert link to Kline translation], focusing especially on the song celebrating the birth of Achilles to Peleus and Thetis which ends of the poem. From what you know of other sources about Achilles’ bloody deeds, do you think this praise is appropriate? What do you think the poet Catullus is inviting his readers to think about the older heroic Greek material? Write a maximum of 500 words on this.

Option 7: Visualize the Greco-Roman afterlife: draw a picture and provide a commentary
Go to Theoi.com (Links to an external site.) and look up images of the underworld, or images related to myths that take place in the underworld. Using these images, along with the descriptions in your primary source readings for this unit, draw a picture of the underworld. For example, this could be an image of Hades/Dis, Tartarus, or the Elysian Fields.