Section A
1. Write short notes in about 100 words each:
1(i) Iliad
The Iliad is an ancient Greek epic poem traditionally attributed to the poet Homer. The story is set
Word count: 102
1(ii) Roman Comedy
Roman comedy developed under the influence of Greek drama and became an important part of Roman liter
2. Reference to the Context in about 100 words each:
(i)“…Here, as Pentheus profanely spied on the sacred rituals,
Who saw him first? Who rushed on him first in maniacal frenzy?
And who first launched her thyrsus to savage her own dear son?
His mother Agave. ‘watch me, sisters,’ she shouted, ‘both of you!
Look at this huge wild boar there wandering over our meadow.”
These lines refer to the story of Pentheus and Agave from the Greek myth connected with the worship o
(ii)“The family I have now protected for year…
He left behind a son, the one who lives here now,
And he’s as bad as dad and granddad were before,
And yet his only daughter daily worships me.”
These lines are spoken by Lar Familiaris, the household god, at the beginning of Plautus’s play The P
Section B
Answer the following in about 350 words each:
1. Do you agree with Plato’s criticism that the Iliad offers no morals? Give a detailed answer.
The Iliad, traditionally attributed to Homer, is one of the most important works of ancient Greek lit
One of the most significant themes of the epic is the destructive nature of anger. The poem begins wi
Another important moral idea in the epic is the value of honour and duty. Many characters in the poem
The epic also contains a powerful moment of compassion towards the end. After Hector is killed, his f
Therefore, although Plato criticised the poem, it would be incorrect to say that The Iliad offers no
2. Examine Oedipus Rex as a Greek Tragedy.
Oedipus Rex, written by the Greek playwright Sophocles, is one of the finest examples of classical Gr
One of the main features of Greek tragedy is the tragic hero. In this play, Oedipus is the central ch
Another important aspect of Greek tragedy is the idea of fate. According to a prophecy given by the o
The play also contains an important moment of recognition. As the story progresses, Oedipus slowly di
Another feature of tragedy is the emotional effect on the audience. The story creates feelings of pit
Therefore, Oedipus Rex clearly represents the main characteristics of Greek tragedy. Through the stor
3. Would you agree that Pot of Gold is a comedy discuss keeping in mind the dramatis personae of Lar
The Pot of Gold is a Roman comedy written by the playwright Plautus. The play presents a humorous sto
At the start of the play, Lar Familiaris speaks to the audience and describes the history of the hous
The discovery of the treasure creates the main comic situation in the play. After finding the pot of
The play also includes several typical characters found in Roman comedy. These include young lovers,
Another important feature of comedy is the resolution of problems at the end of the play. The conflic
Therefore, The Pot of Gold can clearly be described as a comedy. Through the character of Lar Familia
4. Discuss the relationship between Horace and his father basing your answer on “Satire 1:4”.
In “Satire 1:4”, Horace reflects on the nature of satire and also speaks about the influence of his f
Horace explains that his father was deeply concerned about his upbringing. Even though he did not bel
Another important aspect of their relationship is the moral guidance that Horace’s father provided. I
Horace remembers his father with great respect and gratitude. He clearly acknowledges that the lesson
The poem also shows that Horace’s father made many sacrifices for his son’s future. Even though he ha
Therefore, the relationship between Horace and his father is shown as one based on respect, guidance