In a paper of two to three pages (double spaced), address the following question:
Identify one element of Vergil's Aeneid that you think is peculiarly Roman, in contrast to the Greek versions of myths we have studied throughout most of this semester. Defend your conclusions with specific evidence from the Aeneid and from the works of Greek literature we have read this semester.
Keep in mind the following guidelines.
a. You do not need to use any secondary works for this essay. Feel free, however, to use whatever secondary works you consider appropriate. Be sure that all such works are thoroughly cited, and that your essay reflects your own thinking.
b. Proofread carefully. Papers with egregious mistakes in grammar or spelling will receive very low grades. In particular, keep in mind the admonitions spelled out in my guidelines for writing papers.
c. Be sure to hand in your paper on time. Because of end of the semester deadlines, I will not be able to count papers received after December 18th.
d. Be very conscious of structure: provide a clear introduction and conclusion, and arrange your arguments logically and succinctly. Both your introduction and your conclusion should have a complete summary of your arguments.
e. It is important that you show accurate knowledge of the works you choose to analyze, but by no means should you include in your paper extensive summaries of the relevant myths. You can take for granted that your reader knows the myths, and you can spend your time analyzing rather than recounting them. You will want, however, to cite specific examples from the myths we have studied to support your conclusions.
f. Please come to see me at any time if I can provide advice or assistance.
Grading:
Substance and cogency of arguments: 30 points
Examples drawn from the Aeneid: 10 points
Examples drawn from Greek versions of myths: 10 points
Structure: 20 points
Clarity: 20 points
Style, grammar, and spelling: 10 points