Write a five to seven page essay on one of the following topics.  Use MLA format, including parenthetical documentation.  You do not need any outside sources beyond the text itself.  No works cited page is necessary because we are all using the same text.

1.                  Analyze the role of women in the Greek world.  How do the men treat their women, and how does this treatment reflect the way the Greeks view women?

2.                  Investigate the meaning of the term “tragic hero,” and discuss which character best fits this definition.  What is the character’s “hamartia,” or tragic flaw, and how does this tragic flaw result in the character’s downfall?

3.                  In many ways Patroklos acts as a foil to Akhilleus.  For example, while Akhilleus is the bravest and strongest of warriors, Patroklos seems fragile, almost vulnerable.  Discuss Patroklos as Akhilleus’ alter ego.  In other words, how does Patroklos show the other side of the brave warrior Akhilleus?

4.                  Discuss the role the gods play in the Trojan War.  Do they seem like gods, or do they seem more human?  Do they value human life, or do they use humans as a means for entertainment?

5.                  Choose to compare the actions of Agamemnon or Hektor to those of Akhilleus.