EXAMPLE BOOK REPORTS & EXAMPLE TERM PAPERS ON  GREEK & ROMAN LITERATURE, MEDIEVAL LITERATURE, RUSSIAN LITERATURE, SPANISH & PORTUGUESE LITERATURE, AND LATIN-AMERICAN & CARIBBEAN LITERATURE

GREEK & ROMAN
LITERATURE

(See 'Mythology' for most listings)

(The) Athenian Polis : A short essay examining how the writers and philosophers of Classic Greece criticized Athenian politics/the Athenian polis in their works. Mentioned are Aeschylus, Aristophanes, Euripedes, and Socrates. No Bibliography. Athenpol.wps

Letters To Atticus : A short three page overview of differences and similarities that exist between Cicero's letter to Atticus and Pliny the Younger's letters to Trajan. No sources listed. Atticus.wps

Thucydides and the Peloponnesian War : A 5 page summarization of major themes in Thucydides accounts of the Peloponnesian War. This paper presents the historical perspective prior to the onset of the war. It also contains consideration of the major thematic considerations of the era, including focus on democracy, morality, ambition, leadership and wealthy. The primary source is cited. Pelop.wps

Euripides’ "The Bacchae": A 5 page research paper which examines the behavior of the chorus in the play and the reasons behind their continued reverence for a deity who pledges brutal revenge against their ruler. Bibliography lists one source. Bacchae.wps

Euripides' "Medea" : A 5 page paper that discusses the way in which power corrupted Medea in this tragedy. This paper contends that it was not only the behavior of Jason that led Medea towards the pursuit of power, but also the determinations made by society that led her to murder her children, among others. No additional sources cited. Medea.wps

Lysistrata vs. Medea / A Comparison : A 5 page comparison between the two classic Greek plays : Lysistrata (by Aristophanes) and Medea (by Euripides). Although a number of inherent similarities are pointed out, the writer defines Lysistrata as a comedy and Medea as a tragedy. One of the key differences between the two central characters was that Lysistrata -- from the very beginning -- sought to end violence. Medea, in contrast, ultimately used violence in an attempt to prove her point. No Bibliography. Lysismed.wps

Ovid's Metamorphoses / Evidence of Tragedy : A 5 page paper discussing two stories in Ovid's Metamorphoses, "Apollo and Daphne" and "Pyramus and Thisbe." In an attempt to prove that these stories are tragedies, a definition of tragedy is provided and a number of examples from the book are excerpted. The primary source is cited. Ovid.wps

Petronius’ "The Widow of Ephesus" : A 6 page paper on Petronius' short fable, "The Widow Of Ephesus." The writer describes how Petronius satirizes, grief, crucifixion and fidelity and discusses the importance of Roman funeral practices. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Bibligoraphy lists 6 sources. Petron.wps

St. Augustine’s "The City of God" : 5 pages in length. St. Augustine describes how each city begins and what those who belong to each city will find on the last judgment day. The text is primarily the history of mankind, with generous quotations taken from the Bible. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Citygod.wps

Suetonius' "The Twelve Caesars" -- Discussion Of Augustus And Tiberius: A 6 page paper that describes the reigns of the first two real emperors of Rome. The paper gives a short explanation of Suetonius and the framework from which he wrote, then discusses and contrasts the administrations and policies of Augustus and Tiberius, dealing particularly with the difficulties of the transfer of power between them. No Bibliography. Caesar.wps

Terence : The life and works of this important early Roman dramatist are discussed in a 7 page paper. Compared are the author's life challenges to those of the characters in his plays, citing examples from works such as The Girl From Andros, The Eunuch, and The Brothers. Historical facts about Ancient Rome are noted in relationship to the thesis. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Terence.wps

Aeschylus’ Oresteia / Metaphors : A 5 page paper that provides an overview of metaphor, specifically bird metaphors, that are utilized to represent the tragedy of the young in the first play of the Oresteia. Bibliography lists no additional sources. Oresteia.doc

Aeschylus’ Oresteia / Agamemnon : A 5 page paper that discusses Cassandra's rendering of the play within the play, which describes the plot and the the story through the imagery of her words. No additional sources cited. Agam.wps

Aeschylus’ Oresteia / Agamemnon vs. O’Connor’s Wise Blood : 4 page-long essay comparatively analyzing the differences between finale for the Chorus in Greek tragedy's "Agamemnon" and Hazel Motes in Flannery O'Connor's "Wise Blood." No bibliography. Agamemot.wps

Aeschylus’ Oresteia / Agamemnon vs. O’Connor’s Wise Blood # 2 : A 2 page version of Agememot.wps [above] that concentrates on the theme of death within the two stories. Agemotes.wps

Sophocles & Euripides / Two Different Visions : A 4 page essay on the different styles of these two Greek classical playwrights. The paper supports Sophocles’ own claim that "[Euripides] paints men as they are; I paint men as they ought to be." Bibliography lists two sources. Eurip.wps

Sophocles’ "Antigone"/ The Patriotism of Creon : 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. Creon2.wps

Historical Challenge of Authority : In this 5 page paper, the writer compares Jesus Christ, Antigone, and Socrates - as individuals who each suffered fates for their challenging of authority in favor of Revolutionist ideals. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Crittrad.wps

Greed / Its Role in Three Works of Literature : This 5 page paper begins with Creon’s accusation in Antigone that money is the motive for most human evils. The paper discusses whether greed actually does plays a part in Antigone, and whether it features prominently in Voltaire’s Candide or Sartre’s No Exit. The paper concludes that financial gain turned out to account for relatively few of the human evils in any of the works discussed here, fear and intolerance being responsible for many more. No additional sources are listed. Greed.wps

Sophocles’ Antigone vs. Homer’s Penelope : A 7 page paper that compares two main characters in Sophocles' Antigone and Homer's Odyssey: Antigone and Penelope. These two women share a number of common characteristics and make similar determinations in regards to morality and family duty. Though the outcomes are significantly different, the inherent qualities of these two women are considerable. Bibliography lists 7 sources. Antigody.wps

Comparison of Sophocles’ "Antigone" and Dylan Thomas "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night" : The author contrasts the characters in these works in terms of how they welcome death. 6 pages in length. While both authors see death as inevitable, the paper concludes that Antigone welcomes death because she has nothing left to live for; Thomas, on the other hand, argues that every scrap of life you can wring out is another moment to be lived. No additional sources listed. Antig.wps

Jocasta vs. Phaedra / Comparison of Two Tragic Characters : A 5 page comparison of character and suicide between Queen Jocasta (Oedipus the King) and Queen Phaedra (Hippolytus). The writer argues that in both instances, the Queen was a lovelorn woman; deeply frustrated and in the end, completely desperate. Jocasta's death, however, was more sudden and rash when compared with the suicide of Phaedra who had accumulated such tendencies throughout the progression of her story. No Bibliography. Jocastap.wps

Phaedra & Her Lack of Freewill : A 2 page discussion of the mythological character Phaedra and how Aphrodite's influence over her was so strong that she could not act freely or of her own will. Consequently, Phaedra's death is ultimately blamed upon the overwhelming power of this particular Greek god. No Bibliography. Phaedre.wps

Phaedra / Theseus Compared with Elizabeth II : A 4 page paper comparing the actions of Theseus, from the Greek play Phaedra, with Queen Elizabeth II, reigning monarch of England, through difficult family situations. The writer presents the notion that each of these monarchs had to react to their own troubles as they related to family, the monarchy, and their societies. No Bibliography. Theseus.wps

"Prometheus Bound" / The Heart vs. The Mind : A 4 page essay on the underlying struggle between heart and mind in Greek mythology. The writer makes comparisons between this theme's existence in "Prometheus Bound" and in the play "Hippolytus." It is noted that Prometheus and Phaedre are both prisoners and that it is their own human condition that cause them to suffer such emotional anguish and turmoil. Points are supported with quotes. Bibliography lists 2 additional sources. Prometh.wps

"Prometheus Bound" / A Godly Love vs. Human Love : In this 5 page essay, comparisons are made between the role of love in "Prometheus Bound" and "Hippolytus." The writer argues that just as Phaedra was made to suffer as the result of her own love, Prometheus was similarly made to struggle as the result of his love for mankind-- which motivated him to give us the gift of fire. Additional examples of love's predicament are provided from Prometheus Bound as well -- to further support this thesis (i.e., the case of Iago, etc;). Bibliography lists one additional source. Prometh5.wps

Love in the Greek Classics : A 5 page analytical discussion of love & relationships in Greek classics such as "The Odyssey," "Antigone," and "Lysistrata." No Bibliography. Greklove.wps

Human Sacrifice in Greek and Roman Mythology : A 12 page analytical paper exploring the theme of human sacrifice in mythology. Using the stories of Selene and Endymion, Aphrodite and Adonis, and Cybele and Attis, along with two stories about Demeter, the writer supports the notion that human sacrifice is used to demonstrate the power of the gods and compassion. Bibliography lists 8 sources. Humansac.wps

The Stars' Names & Greek Mythological Origin : 25 pages worth of extensively detailed discussion relevant to how the stars and constellations derived their name from Greek mythology/stories. Bibliography lists 11 sources. Greeksta.wps

Homer’s "Odyssey" / Justice : A 6 page paper on Homer’s classic work. The paper demonstrates that the Homeric idea of justice is very different from our own; it suggests that whereas our sense of justice is founded upon morality, justice in Homer’s time centered around the maintenance of the status quo. Bibliography lists three sources besides book. Homer2.wps

Homer's "Odyssey" / The Maturing of Telemachus : A 6 page paper on the character development of Odysseus’ son Telemachus in the Odyssey. The writer argues that while Telemachus becomes more important throughout the course of the story, he is never quite the man that his father is. Several quotes from the Odyssey are used to support points. No additional sources cited. Telemac2.wps

Homer's "Odyssey" / Character Of Telemachus : A 2 page essay analyzing Telemachus' maturity level in Homer's "Odyssey." The writer points out how other characters still treat Telemachus like a child-- and rightfully so, for his own immaturity stops him from being able to do many things..like ask the suitors to leave. No other sources cited. Telemach.wps

Homer’s Odyssey / Sacrifice : A 5 page paper analyzing the way this theme is treated in Homer’s epic. The paper concludes that Homer viewed sacrifice as a way to return everything to its status quo, and as such, it was a function of duty and justice. Bibliography lists one source besides primary book. Sacody.wps

Role of Women in The Odyssey : A 3 page look at the portrayal of women in Homer's "Odyssey." Mostly focused upon is Penelope -- who, although strong-willed in resisting the suitors was still ultimately powerless when it came to getting rid of all the men who daunted her. She is stereotypically depicted as a woman whose main answer to her troubles is to sit for a year and sew--waiting to see if her husband returns. Bibliography lists 1 supporting sources. Odysswin.wps

Homer's Odyssey & Virgil's "Aeneid" # 3 : 4 page essay discussing the actions of Odysseus in "The Odyssey" and briefly mentioning those of Aeneas in "The Aeneid." Stressed is whether or not their behaviors were "necessary" and "acceptable" with regard to their respective situations. Aensod3.wps

Heroism & Violence in Gilgamesh and the Odyssey : In this 6 page essay, the writer argues that Odysseus (from "The Odyssey") and Gilgamesh (from "The Epic of Gilgamesh") were both heroes in the classic, definitive sense. It is reasoned that their violent tempers and mood swings actually had some "redeeming value."-- Excellent comparisons are made between the two characters. No Bibliography. Odysseus.wps

Gilgamesh and Candide as ‘Quest’ Novels : A 4 page paper discussing the genre of the quest novel in general, and how Gilgamesh and Voltaire’s Candide fit into it. The novel concludes that while it does feature a journey, Candide ultimately fails to pass the test of being a quest novel because Candide does not learn anything from his quest; he remains as stupid as ever. No additional sources cited. Novels.wps

Women as Depicted by Shakespeare vs. Homer : A thoughtful 3 page comparison between the characters of Desdemona (Shakespeare's "Othello") and Penelope (Homer's "Odyssey"). Both women are viewed as brave, determined, and loyal -- exemplifying the age-old concept of love in both stories -- No Bibliography. Othkim.wps

Desdemona (Othello) Vs. Penelope (The Odyssey) : A thoughtful 3 page essay comparing the character of Desdemona in Shakespeare's Othello with Penelope in Homer's Odyssey. Desdemona is regarded as being more of a simple person-- madly in love and fairly ignorant to the world around her. Penelope, however, was able to become a strong and triumphant woman..exhibiting more savvy and self-will. No Bibliography. Penelope.wps

Virgil's "Aeneid" & Plato's "Republic": A 2 page essay on fact vs. fiction in Virgil's "Aeneid" and Plato's "Republic." No outside references listed. Aeneas2.wps

*Some Classic Greek Works Can Also Be Found In Our PHILOSOPHY Section !

ANCIENT, CLASSIC
& MEDIEVAL LITERATURE

Beowulf : A 4 page (detailed) analytical discussion of the classic English epic poem - "Beowulf." No Bibliography. Beowulf2.wps

Beowulf / An Overview : A 5 page paper about the Old English epic. The writer provides an overview of the story and then analyzes its importance to contemporary readers today. No additional sources cited. Beowulf3.wps

The Character of Hrothgar in Beowulf : A 3 page essay in which the writer analytically presents Hrothgar as the most "human" character in the epic "Beowulf." It is posited that while Hrothgar does indeed have all of the qualities necessary for greatness, he is the one character with whom we can most identify. Also examined is Hrothgar's relationship with Beowulf and the fact that while he has wisdom, Hrothgar lacks courage. No Bibliography. Hrothgar.wps

Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight : A 5 page paper that discusses the difference between the two heroes in these works. Beowulf and Gawain both represent the characteristics of heroes, but both demonstrate them in different ways. While Beowulf fights his battles to achieve fame and glory, Gawain battles the Green Knight in service to Arthur. There personal characteristics determine the outcomes of the works. Bibliography lists 3 source. Gawain.wps

Beowulf vs. Achilles : A 6 page paper comparing the characters of Beowulf and Achilles (Greek mythology for Achilles). Shows basic similarities in their actions, but very different motivations. Bibliography lists a total of four sources (including the two primary ones).

The History of the Holy Grail : A 7 page paper discussing the sources from which the theme of the Holy Grail was gathered, and how the theme has changed over time. Sources discussed include the Mabinogion, Chrétien de Troyes, Robert de Boron, the Perlesvaus, the Queste del Saint Graal, and Thomas Malory. Bibliography lists six sources. Grail.wps

Courtly Love in Medieval / Arthurian Romances : A well-organized 11 page research paper on the theme of courtly love in Medieval Literature. The writer focuses upon such authors as Andreas Capellanus, Chretien de Troyes, and others. The role of women, chivalry, etc;-- is elaborated upon using such examples as "Lancelot" and various other Arthurian romances. Bibliography lists 10 sources. Medeiva2.wps

Chretien De Troyes' "Yvain" / Relationship Between Knights and Nobles : In this 3 page essay, the writer discusses such things as the importance of nobility in Knighthood, chivalry, and the "human side" of Knights as evidenced by the character of Yvain. This is contrasted with Nobles- who were not treated as heroes in this genre of literature. Specific examples from the story are provided. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Yvain.wps

The Legends Of King Arthur / Fiction or Reality : An 8 page essay exploring the historical roots of King Arthur. Stresses that the middle age authors who passed on the stories paid little attention to historical setting and that therefore the question of the reality of King Arthur is difficult to answer. Bibliography lists five sources. Kinga.wps

Literature & Medieval Warfare : An 8 page discussion of the "Song of Roland" as an example of the logical aspects of Medieval Warfare. It is noted that while the typical knight's code of honor should not be underestimated and was of great importance, so was his quest for financial rewards. Bibliography lists 5 supporting sources. Medieval.wps

Presentation of Kingships in Medieval Literature : A 7 page paper presenting the role taken by the medieval king in such works as Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The writer depicts the father-son relationship that existed between a king and his warriors. Bibliography lists three sources. Kingship.wps

Nobility in Medieval Literature : A 5 page paper describing the role of nobility in the Middle Ages. The writer uses Dante's Inferno as a primary source, and describes how Dante presented the noble class. Bibliography lists four sources. Inferno.wps

Dream Interpretation in "Gilgamesh" : 5 page discussion of dreams and open dream interpretation in the epic "Gilgamesh." No Bibliography. Gilgames.wps

Gilgamesh as an Epic Hero : A 3 page essay demonstrating how the character of Gilgamesh does indeed fall under the classic and definitive explanation of a "hero" as well as how the elements of his story comprise that which genuinely defines an "epic." Bibliography lists 2 sources. Gilgame2.wps

Heroism & Violence in Gilgamesh and the Odyssey : In this 6 page essay, the writer argues that Odysseus (from "The Odyssey") and Gilgamesh (from "The Epic of Gilgamesh") were both heroes in the classic, definitive sense. It is reasoned that their violent tempers and mood swings actually had some "redeeming value."-- Excellent comparisons are made between the two characters. No Bibliography. Odysseus.wps

Death & The Afterlife In Gilgamesh And The Iliad : A 4 page paper comparing and contrasting views on immortality and the afterlife in these two ancient texts. The paper concludes that their two conceptions of the afterlife closely resemble the main alternatives of belief -- heaven versus nonexistence -- held by people in our own day. Bibliography lists two sources (the books). Gilg.wps

The Two Lives of Charlemagne : A 5 page paper that describes some moments in a day in the life of Charlemagne, King of the Franks. The paper uses the text by Einhard to reference material for the a prose piece created from the perspective of a cautious friend of the King. Charle.wps

RUSSIAN LITERATURE

The Life & Influence Of Alexander Pushkin : A 7 page paper on the famous Russian writer of the nineteenth century. It analyzes how Pushkin’s writing reflected not only the events of his own life but the influence of European literary movements as well, and shows how Pushkin took these movements and made them Russia’s own. Four sources. Pushkin.doc

Alexander Solzhenitsyn : A 10 page research paper on the life of Solzhenitsyn, the famous Russian author. The writer details his life story up until 1995. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Solzhheni.wps

Solzhenitsyn & Morality : An 8 page research paper on the theme of morality in all of his works. The writer details the basis for his belief in morality and religion, and traces the themes through his works. Bibliography lists 7 sources. Solzh2.wps

The Plays of Anton Chekhov : A 10 page paper that discusses the style and themes of the plays of Anton Chekhov. This paper takes a specific look at two plays, "The Seagull" and "Three Sisters" and demonstrates the way these two plays represent Chekhov's stylistic and thematic considerations. Specifically, this paper reacts to Chekhov's realist tendencies and demonstrates that his plays represent his depiction of Russian life. Bibliography lists 7 sources. Chekhov.wps

Women’s Consciousness Chekhov And Ibsen : An 8 page paper discussing the way women’s need for identity and self-integration are dealt with in three of these author’s plays. Specific works discussed include : Hedda Gabler (Ibsen), A Doll’s House (Ibsen), and Three Sisters (Chekho). Bibliography lists two sources. Ibsen.wps

Ed Albee’s "The American Dream" v. Pohl & Kornblum’s "Space Merchants": A 5 page paper on the themes central to these two books. One set in the 1950's and the other in the future, they each deal with social issues and relationships concerning American life... what is was and what it may become. Four sources are cited. Space.wps

Dostoevsky’s "The Brothers Karamazov" / Individuation : A 6 page paper which discusses the way the personalities of the three brothers in the novel form one complete functional personality. Each of them borrows traits from the others as the novel progresses, so that by the end, each brother is a more complete person than he was at the start. No additional sources cited. Brothers.wps

Dostoevsky's "The Possessed" : A 6 page essay that studies the characterization of six characters in the novel in relationship to Dostoevsky's battle against socialism/atheism in Russia. One source cited. Possess.wps

Dostoevsky's "Crime & Punishment" : A 2 page comprehensive essay analyzing the character of Raskolnikov and the importance of the murder scene in Doestovsky's "Crime & Punishment." No Bibliography. Dostovky.wps

Doestovsky and His Many Themes : A 6 page comparative essay discussing how markedly different the author's characters are in four of his most popular novels. "Crime & Punishment," "The Idiot," "Possessed," and "The Brothers Karamazov." Bibliography lists these 4 primary sources, as well as 3 additional, outside sources. Dostovk2.wps

Dostoevsky's "Notes From The Underground"vs. Goethe's "Faust" : An 8 page paper comparing and contrasting Goethe’s (German) and Dostoevsky’s (Russian) view of the dark side of existence as depicted in these two novels. The writer posits that each book illustrates mankind's growing fascination with his own dark side --offering little hope for redemption (particularly true of "Notes From The Underground"). Bibliography lists 6 critical sources. Faust.wps

Nabokov’s "Glory" / Autobiographical Aspects : A 5 page essay that examines the similarities and differences between the character Martin in Nabokov’s novel and his own life. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Nabglory.wps

Nabokov’s "Laughter in the Dark" / Laughter In The Dark : A 5 page paper on one of Vladimir Nabokov’s least-known novels. It argues that Nabokov very cleverly presents the degree to which we all operate by our perceptions of reality, which are really nothing but illusions. No additional sources cited. Nabokov.wps

Nabokov's "Lolita": A 10 page paper that considers the themes of Lolita in the development of Nabokov's perspective as a Russian author and an author in general. This paper demonstrates Nabokov's focus as a European author with Russian roots rather than a representative Russian author. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Lolita.wps

Tolstoy's "Death of Ivan Ilych" & The Meaning of Life : 8 pages in length. A comprehensive, analytical examination of life's meaning and value as presented by Leo Tolstoy in "The Death of Ivan Ilych." The writer delves into Ivan's character and offers insight into his behavior. This is a well-written, thesis-orientated essay. Bibliography lists 3 supporting critical sources. Ivanily2.wps

Tolstoy's "Death of Ivan Ilych" : A 2 page overview of Ivan Ilych's character with discussion of how he was treated by society and the possible implications this may have had. No Bibliography. Ivanilyc.wps

Slave Girl Vs. Ilych : A 1 page essay comparing Linda Brent from "Incidents In The Life of A Slave Girl" with Ivan Ilych in "The Death Of Ivan Ilych." The author argues that Ilych is a bit more outspoken and upset with his condition and that such exemplifies how Brent was "brainwashed" to conform with her enslavement. Slaveg2.wps *TOTAL PRICE FOR THIS ESSAY ONLY $onfiles