Research Paper: Women in Antiquity
This paper will examine the position of women in antiquity based upon
selected readings in the Metamorphoses. You may select one of the following
myths: Pyramus and Thisbe, Pygmalion, Baucis and Philemon, or Orpheus
and Eurydice. It will include
research and supporting evidence of your position from literary sources
and art sources. Include the following points in your paper:
1. Examine the role of women in these stories from a Greek perspective,
recognizing that these are Greek myths.
2. Examine the role of women in these stories from a Roman perspective,
understanding that these were written by a Roman author.
3. Give your perspective on which society these roles most strongly represent
and why. Include a comparison of women's position at a subsequent time
in
western civilization.
4. Use the story line to support your position.
5. Examine the primary text for nuances of words (such as etymology),
poetic devices, and scansion. Explain how this would convey information
not found in translation. Use this information to support your position.
6. Examine outside sources for information for background and/or support.
7. Examine art sources for supporting evidence.
Interactive Project Based on Myth
Confer with your magistra for approval of your project. The project
will be presented in class and one of the necessary components is that
it be interactive. Another requirement is that it involve some other discipline
such as psychology, science, music, art, or other area. Use the project
either to support your position in your research paper or to expand upon
women's position in antiquity.
Examples of how these may be done are given below but are not limited
to these ideas.
Baucis and Philemon:
1.Prepare meal similar to that in text following recipes from ancient
sources. (Gourmet Foods)
2. Prepare a play or video deomonstrating the role of a woman in this
myth. (Theater)
Pygmalion
1. Examine the psychological aspect of the woman and her role, perhaps
using a survey (Psychology)
2. Examine more modern stories, plays, or musicals based on this story.
(English)
Pyramus and Thisbe
1. Examine women's health issues such as reproduction, PMS, lead poisoning
(from make-up). Explain how these issues may have colored
the perception of women in antiquity. (Biology)
2. Influences of this story in western literature. Examine treatment of women by later authors. (English)
3. Examine the psychology of grief as related to this story. (Psychology)
Orpheus and Eurydice
1. Write an original piece of music based on this story which represents the female perspective. (Music)
2. Examine other forms of music based on this myth. Compare the treatment of women in these compositions. (Music)
We welcome your comments
and suggestions
The Center for Renaissance & Baroque Studies
0139 Taliaferro Hall
The University of Maryland
College Park, Maryland 20742
301-405-6830
Last updated August 1, 2002.