Essays and Research Papers on Greek & Roman Literature

A 5 page paper on the process of 'tragic catharsis' in Sophocles' classic play. Beginning with a definition of tragedy which includes the concept of catharsis, the paper shows how audiences watching Antigone empathize by putting their own self-doubts up there on the stage, and symbolically work them out right alongside Antigone. Bibliography lists 2 ...

A 5 page paper discussing the characterization of Creon in Sophocles' play, and how he fits the traditional definition of a tragic figure. The paper traces Creon's development through the play, arguing that although his self-righteousness and inflexibility did not change until the end, his motivations degenerated from patriotic ones to personal ones, creating much ...

The father and son conflict contained in this play, between the characters Creon and Haemon, is analyzed in this 5 page paper. The emotional confrontation is discussed in the context of the entire Greek tragedy by Sophocles. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page essay that looks at Antigone from a feminist viewpoint. By asserting her individuality, she became free yet she remained a prisoner of her beliefs since by obeying her conscious she faced death. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page analysis of the last scene in the play by the ancient Greek playwright, Sophocles. The writer demonstrates how this climatic scene answers the theological and philosophical questions of the play and how they related to Greek society. No additional sources cited..

A 3 page essay discussing the characterization of Creon in Sophocles' play. Special emphasis is placed on presenting a defense of Creon as a patriotic man who believes he has the Gods on his side. No additional sources cited.

A 3 page paper based on Antigone, defending Creon's dedication to the State and his role as a divine leader under Zeus. The writer argues that the defense of his ideals destroyed everyone he loved and broke his spirit, but he remained true to the defense of his statesman role nearly to the end. ...

A 5 page paper examining the question of whether there is a true hero in Sophocles' play. The paper concludes that for the twentieth century reader both Creon and Antigone seem like victims. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 7 page paper on Sophocles' infaous play. The writer includes biographical information on Sophocles. A general plot analysis is provided, with commentary and some quoted lines from the play. Antigone was written around 441 BC and presented at the Athenian annual drama competition where Sophocles was a frequent winner.

A 4 page paper on Sophocles' Oedipus. The writer shows the predominance of demonic forces over divine forces by the actions and resulting events within this play. Oedipus is essentially viewed as a classic illustration of the age-old conflict between good and evil.

A 5 page essay on how 'Oedipus the King' is a definitive example of tragedy. Elements of plot, the role of the Chorus, and the theme of guilt are discussed in great detail to help explain how the circumstances of this particular story are in line with the classic definition of 'tragedy.' Bibliography lists 5 ...

A 5 page paper discussing Oedipus the King as a tragic hero, according to the definition set forth by Aristotle. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 4 page research paper examines the changes which occur within King Oedipus of Thebes during the course of the Sophocles' play, Oedipus The King (or Oedipus Rex). Specifically discussed are his insecurity, his interpretation of nobility, and his growing paranoia which alienates him from nearly everyone who is close to him. Bibliography ...

A 7 page essay that argues that Oedipus did 'see' after he was blind but he gained nothing but bitterness from his knowledge. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page paper that provides an insightful overview into the use of sight and blindness in Sophocles' 'Oedipus the King' and relates this imagery to the irony of the play. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

In 5 pages the author discusses Oedipus in 'Oedipus the King' by Sophocles. Oedipus is like an adopted child trying to meet his birth parents, although his is not the case. Oedipus fulfills his destiny and the prophecy comes true. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

5 pages in length. Oedipus the King represents what happens when one tries to interrupt fate and abandon responsibility. Having grasped the meaning behind Oedipus the King, the writer easily argues that Oedipus was more than significantly overruled by determinism rather than free will. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper looking at Sophocles' play in terms of Aristotle's definition of the classic tragic hero. The paper determines that Oedipus is a tragic hero because, although the cards are stacked against him through little fault of his own, he does his best against insurmountable odds. Bibliography lists two sources.

A 5 page essay which explores Oedipus The King as being an example to the citizens. The writer explore the complexity of this question. No additional sources cited.

A 6 page essay which explores the theme ignorance is bliss in Oedipus The King. The writer proves that Oedipus would have been much happier had he not known his life was fated. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper comparing the representation of familial bonds in Sophocles' 'Antigone' and 'Oedipus Rex.' The paper contends that Sophocles defines family not only in terms of emotional closeness -- the way we would define it today -- but as a mysterious genetic bond that connects its members through a complex web of immutable ...

A 6 page research paper on the detective fiction elements of these two books. The writer posits that the two books have two mysteries to solve — the murders and the internal battle with good and evil. Bibliography lists the 2 original sources.

A 5 page paper looking at the motifs of 'seeing' and feeling 'at sea' in Sophocles' play. The paper argues that Sophocles uses the images of being storm-tossed or lost at sea to denote spiritual chaos, and images involving vision and light to represent spiritual insight. No additional sources.

A 3 page research paper which examines the similarities and differences between Sophocles' play, Oedipus the King and Arthur Miller's play, Death of a Salesman to determine whether or not each could be considered a definitive tragedy. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page paper which discusses Roman Polanski's 1974 film, Chinatown, and Sophocles' 429 B.C. (?) play, Oedipus the King. Specifically examined are the meaning of Chinatown, why the movie is called Chinatown, how it resembles evil, and the significance of Oedipus the King, and finally, comparing and contrasting the two works. Bibliography ...