Greek Literature and Archetypes Essays

Greek Literature and Archetypes Essays Greek Literature and Archetypes Paper Greek Literature and Archetypes Paper Essay Topic: Literature They next arrived at the country of the Cyclopes. The Cyclopes were giants who inhabited an island of which they were the only possessors. The name means round eye, and these giants were so called because they had but one eye, and that placed in the middle of the forehead. They dwelt in caves and fed on the wild productions of the island and on what their flocks yielded, for they were shepherds. Ulysses left the main body of his ships at anchor and with one vessel went to the Cyclopes island to explore for supplies. He landed with his companions, carrying with them a jar of wine for a present, and coming to a large cave they entered it, and finding no one within examined its contents. They found it stored with the richest of the flock, quantities of cheese, pails and bowls of milk, lambs and kids in their pens, all in nice order. Presently arrived the master of the cave, Polyphemus, bearing an immense bundle of firewood, which he threw down before the caverns mouth. He then drove into the cave the sheep and goats to be milked, and, entering, rolled to the caves mouth an enormous rock that twenty oxen could not draw. Next, he sat down and milked his ewes, preparing a part for cheese, and setting the rest aside for his customary drink. Then, turning round his great eye, he discerned the strangers, and growled out to them, demanding who they were, and where from. Ulysses replied most humbly, stating that they were Greeks, from the great expedition that had lately won so much glory in the conquest of Troy; that they were now on their way home, and finished by imploring his hospitality in the name of the gods. Polyphemus deigned no answer, but reaching out his hand seized two of the Greeks, whom he hurled against the side of the cave, and dashed out their brains. He proceeded to devour them with great relish, and having made a hearty meal, stretched himself out on the floor to sleep. Ulysses was tempted to seize the opportunity and plunge his sword into him as he slept, but recollected that it would only expose them all to certain destruction, as the rock with which the giant had closed up the door was far beyond their power to remove, and they would, therefore, be in hopeless imprisonment. Next morning the giant seized two more of the Greeks, and dispatched them in the same manner as their companions, feasting on their flesh till no fragment was left. He then moved away from the rock from the door, drove out his flocks, and went out, carefully replacing the barrier after him. When he was gone Ulysses planned how he might take vengeance for his murdered friends, and effect his escape with his surviving companions. He made his men prepare a massive bar of wood cut by the Cyclops for a staff, which they found in the cave. They sharpened the end of it, and seasoned it in the fire, and hid it under the straw on the cavern floor. Then four of the boldest were selected, with whom Ulysses joined himself as a fifth. The Cyclops came home at evening, rolled away the stone and drove in his flock as usual. After milking them and making his arrangements as before, he seized two more of Ulysses companions and dashed their brains out, and made his evening meal upon them as he had on the others. After he had supped, Ulysses approaching him handed him a bowl of wine, saying, Cyclops, this is wine; taste and drink after thy meal of mens flesh. He took and drank it, and was hugely delighted with it, and called for more. Ulysses supplied him once again, which pleased the gia nt so much that he promised him as a favor that he should be the last of the party devoured. He asked his name, to which Ulysses replied, My name is Noman. 1. Identify the archetypal situation represented in the excerpt from The Odyssey. Support your decision with details from the story. 2. which archetypal character fits the character of Polyphemos *best*? 3. identify the archetype represented by the character of Ulysses. Support your decision with details from the story. 4. What is the *best* choice to describe the purpose of this myth? 1. This passage is an example of the battle between good and evil. Ulysses and his men represent the good. They are weary travelers simply looking for a place to rest and expect the hospitality required by the gods. Instead, they are eaten and imprisoned by the villain, Polyphemus, who represents the evil in the world. He ignores the laws of the gods. 2. the Villain 3. Ulysses is an excellent example of the Hero archetype. He is brave, cunning, and risks his own life to save his men. 4. history The influence of ancient Greece can be seen in all of the following fields *except* religion Which archetype fits the character of Arachne *best*? the Outcast Identify the purposes of myth found in the story of Arachne and explain how it illustrates each purpose. The story of Arachne illustrates several purposes of myth. First, it demonstrates the power of the gods and the consequences of angering them, so one purpose is religious. It also illustrates a code of behavior that is acceptable in Greek society. They looked down upon those who have too much pride (hubris), so this myth illustrates the danger of that fault. Another purpose illustrated by Arachne is explaining natural phenomena. It tells the story of how spiders came to weave their webs. Finally, it is an entertaining story that fills the purpose of early literature. The Quest is a situational archetype found in many stories. Choose a story you know that is an example of this kind of archetype. Explain how it illustrates the Quest archetype. In the Quest archetype, a person or group is searching for someone or something. Generally, finding that person or thing will restore order in the society or cure someone. One example of a quest is illustrated by the story of Jason and the Argonauts and their search for the golden fleece. It was said to heal any wound and bring pece to the country that owned it. Which archetypal character is the enchantress in the story Rapunzel? the Wicked Witch *The Metamorphosis of the Dnieper, the Volga, and the Dvina translated by M.A. Ralston and W.R.S. Ralston* Which purpose of mythyology does this story fulfill? explanation of natural phenomena The story of Arachne, as told in the lecture, illustrates which of the purposes of mythology? ethics and behavior Homers, The Odyssey, is an ancient Greek poem about a man who goes on an epic journey home after years in captivity. This classic work *most likely* influenced the film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, about a man who escapes prison to find a treasure and reunite with his family. William Shakerpeares, Hamlet, *most likely* influenced the animated film The Lion King. *Read the myth of Hero and Leander.* 1. Which situational archetype fits the story *best*? 2. Which archetype fits the character of Hero *best*? 1. the Star-Crossed Lovers 2. the Ingenue *Hansel and Gretel* 1. What archetype fits the wife of this story *best*? 2. Which character represents the archetype of the Hero *best*? 1. the Wicked Stepmother 2. Hansel :