Homer, Euripides, Vergil, and Ovid all devote significant portions of their works to the depiction of heroes, both as warriors and as men concerned for their families. In fact, it is these authors’ twofold presentation of Hector, Odysseus, Jason, and Aeneas that allows for the complexity of their character to surface. For this essay, you will discuss how heroes’ characters are made complex by examining the interactions they have on and off the battlefield. You will pick three heroes (choosing from the following: Aeneas, Odysseus, Hector, and Jason) and for each one, discuss one encounter on the field of battle and one with their families. What do these interactions reveal about these heroes? What do they suggest about notions of honor and shame that surround men (and women) and their families? Do these heroes make us reevaluate the importance and centrality of the family? If so, how, and if not, why not?
Please note, this essay at heart asks you to compare and contrast three episodes from texts we have read so far. Your thesis statement, therefore, needs to make an argument that says more than “these characters’ behavior is similar and different in different plays.” A thesis statement that offers this as its argument will lose points. Rather, your thesis statement needs to argue for something more specific, perhaps a theme or outcome or something else that emerges from the juxtaposition of the heroes you choose.
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