Aeneid

Procrastination is something that has plagued almost everybody at least once in their lifetime, more than likely in their high school and college careers. One of history’s most famous procrastinators is Hamlet, the prince of Denmark, from Shakespeare’s famous play “Hamlet”. There are many possible explanations for Hamlet's procrastination but the most believed three are that his conscience and religion make him unwilling to murder his uncle despite his father’s ghost telling him about his murder…

The Comparison To The Underworld Many pieces of literature contain many similar characteristics to Greek and Roman mythology as these references illustrate a certain idea or image for the reader. Many authors in the past would draw these comparisons to invoke a deeper meaning to their writing. The Underworld of Roman mythology is the kingdom of Pluto and is where Romans believed the dead went to in afterlife. For one, the house of Trimalchio as well as the contents in it, are directly related to…

In the time since its discovery, many artists have interpreted Homer’s story of Achilles’ shield. They have created and shared paintings and poems, each showing a slightly different version of the famous piece of metal. One artist who describes the shield of Achilles is the poet W. H. Auden. His rendition of the shield differs markedly from Homer’s original. Homer’s depiction of the ancient Greek world on the shield is a microcosm of humanity, displaying both peace and conflict enveloped by…

Homer once stated “what he greatly thought, he nobly dared”. These words eloquently written in Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, capture how Odysseus’ personality traits and attributes positively affect the hero status he has earned. His courage, wisdom, and intelligence drive his quest to return home to be reunited with his wife Penelope, and son Telemachus. Over the span of twenty years, Odysseus, pushed to the limits physically through battle, uses his will and perseverance to come out a hero.…

People are able to succeed in a mission by having a single-minded devotion to their goal. Aengus wanted to find the girl he fell in love with. Ernesto Galarza wanted to become an American but still retain his Mexican heritage. Annie Johnson started her own business so that she could support her children and not have others care for them. Aengus wanted to find love while Galarza and Johnson wanted to survive desperate circumstances; however all three shared the ability to endure hardship. Aengus…

Lucius Vorenus is depicted in the HOB series as a professional soldier from the XII legion under the command of Gaius Julius Caesar. He is a semi-fictional character and is depicted as a serious, correct and educated man that follows Roman laws above all. He is concern deeply with his family wellbeing and is carried along Roman leader’s agenda in order to maintain the survival of his family. Vorenus always followed his leader commands even when he did not agree with those orders, an example of…

Odysseus has a multitude of traits for him to be qualified as a true hero. In the classic novel The Odyssey written by Homer, translated by Robert Fitzgerald, the reader experiences Odysseus’s journey back to his home after the Trojan War. Odysseus experiences many obstacles and encounters many mythical creatures and Greek gods and goddesses who help and hinder his journey home. Odysseus is considered a hero because he exhibits many characteristic of the “Archetype of a Hero”. The main two…

In Dante’s Inferno, Dante Alighieri writes himself as a traveler who is traversing through the realm of the underworld with the Roman poet Vergil as his guide. In documenting his journey, Dante continually references and encounters both fictional characters and historic figures from the Greek, Roman and Catholic canon. In doing so, he brings the characters and figures back to life, allowing him to rewrite them in his own context and perspective. By reviving these characters and melding the…

Since the beginning of recorded history, man has been telling grand adventure stories; exciting tales of heroes defeating enemies, seeking treasure, and experiencing perilous tribulations. “The Odyssey”, by the Greek poet Homer, is one of the most famous epics to date. It follows the adventures of the Greek king, Odysseus, as he travels through the Mediterranean, trying to return home. The protagonist of an epic is called the “epic hero”, and he must exhibit certain characteristics to fulfill…

“We don't mature through age. We mature in awareness.” Byron Katie, an American speaker and author. The Odyssey, by Homer, is about the main character Odysseus leaving his home of Ithaca to fight a battle in Troy. Odysseus also left behind his wife Penelope, and their newborn son, Telemachus. Odysseus has not been home in 20 years, so Telemachus did not have a father figure growing up. Telemachus is not very mature and he does not know how to act like a “real” man. Throughout The Odyssey,…