History
February 8th, 2023
Please respond to each question separately and in complete paragraphs
Q1
What is your favorite line from the poetry of Sappho? Why? What does it mean to you?
Q2
Do you think that it is Oedipus’ fault how the story plays out or is it about fate? Use an example from the text.
Q3
How does the Aeneid appear similar to the Iliad? How is it different?
Answer:
- “Some say an army of horse and some of foot and some of ships, but I say: an army of women is the most beautiful thing.” This line is a demonstration of Sappho’s admiration and empowerment of women. It reflects her belief in the strength and beauty of women, and is considered a testament to the power of female solidarity.
- In the play “Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles, it can be argued that both fate and Oedipus’ actions play a role in how the story plays out. On one hand, Oedipus’ fate was foretold by the Oracle that he would kill his father and marry his mother, and this prophecy eventually comes to pass. On the other hand, Oedipus’ actions, such as his decision to leave Corinth and his confrontations with the Sphinx, ultimately lead to the fulfillment of the prophecy. It is up to the interpretation of the reader to determine the extent to which Oedipus is responsible for his own fate.
- The “Aeneid” by Virgil and the “Iliad” by Homer are similar in that they are both epic poems that tell the story of heroes and their adventures. Both the Aeneid and the Iliad follow the hero’s journey, describe battles and heroic feats, and use poetic devices such as similes and metaphors. However, the “Aeneid” is different from the “Iliad” in several ways. First, the “Aeneid” has a different focus, as it is a celebration of the founding of Rome and the rise of the Roman Empire. Second, the “Aeneid” is written in a different style, as Virgil employs a more ornate and elevated language compared to the more straightforward language used in the “Iliad”. Finally, the “Aeneid” has a different narrative structure, as it is more tightly structured and follows a clear progression towards a predetermined outcome, while the “Iliad” has a more open-ended structure that allows for multiple possible outcomes.
