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Greek Religion, 2007.
An analysis of the roles of the gods, temples, sacrifices and priests in Greek religion.
3,412 words (approx. 13.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and explains Greek religion. It describes the vast influence of religion on Greek life and how Greeks worshiped numerous gods that each covered a particular domain in life. It discusses how each god had its own purpose, personality and mythical origin and how the Greeks dedicated much of their life to contacting and appeasing the gods. The paper also describes the Greek temples and sacrifices and the importance of priests.
From the Paper
"Ancient Greek religion is defined by its polytheistic and informal nature. It is a system which changes from polis to polis without dilemma. Yet there are some Pan-Hellenic aspects including the twelve Olympians, the importance of a sacred sanctuary for the gods, and the need to please the gods through sacrifice and festivals. The form Greek religion took on society can largely be attributed to the nature of Greek religion. As there were numerous gods, each with his or her own domain, there was always a place for new gods as the existing number of gods could not cover all aspects of life. This was important because Greek religion was incorporated into all aspects of Greek life and thus was not separate from the political or public sphere. This was common to all the Greek religions; each cult believed in the importance and practice of religion in all capacities of daily life. As a result, the gods must be pleased and the Greeks responded with an elaborate system of sanctuary, rituals, sacrifices, and initiations to help ensure that the gods were properly honored and no god was excluded. Ultimately, this meant Greek religion would have an even larger impact on life as it was completed and deeply ingrained on ancient Greece."
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The Greek, Roman, and Mayan Religions, 2004.
This paper discusses why the Greek, Roman, and Mayan worlds are of prime interest to Western civilization.
880 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 22.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the Greek, Roman, and Mayan worlds are of prime interest because of their influence upon the cultural and societal aspects of the civilizations that followed them. The author points out that the Mayan religion has greatly influenced Western thought and culture, although not as predominant as the Greek and Roman systems, because of its perceived origins in a traditional non-Western setting. The paper relates that the Mayan pantheon was very complex. Heaven and Hell were not considered either as reward or punishment for behavior on earth; rather, they were the after-life abodes natural to different classes of people, for one passed on to the sphere appropriate to one?s class and occupation.
From the Paper
"Culturally, the Greek ?polis? or city-state was presided over by a particular god as protector and patron, such as Athena for the city of Athens. Different communities could choose the same deity as their protector; Sparta, for example, also had Athena as its patron god. The members of the ?polis? constituted a religious association obliged to honor the state?s patron deity as well as the community?s other gods. Thus, the central ritual of a ?polis? was the sacrifice of animals to demonstrate to the gods as divine protectors the respect and piety of the members of the ?polis.?"
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Major Religions in Western Europe, 2001.
A discussion on how Western Europe was influenced by the Greek and Roman religions.
1,790 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 4 sources, £ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how religion has influenced Western Europe society: culturally, politically and economically. The author focuses on the Greek and Roman religions and their impact on other religions such as Christianity.
From the Paper
"One may begin a description of the ways in which religion has influenced the West by looking at the role of religion in Greece and Rome, since these two great empires were undoubtedly highly influential in terms of molding at some level every important aspect of Western European society. Of course, Roman and Greek religions did not arise from the thin air; they are based on older traditions and remained (especially in the case of Rome) syncretistic religions throughout the course of their respective empires. Greek and Roman settlements allowed for the incorporation of local beliefs into the state religion in a way that helped to ensure that those peoples who had been subjugated by the colonial powers would be less inclined to object to their loss of political autonomy. The fact that Greek or Roman rulers would allow local gods and semi-divine figures to be incorporated into the pantheon of the major gods did not negate the fact that various peoples were being subjugated but it must have made their continuing (if forced) inclusion in the empire easier to bring about (Sissa 119)."
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Greek Mythology: Women in Greek Life, 2002.
Examining the way in which women were depicted in classic Greek mythology.
1,025 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 25.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces, discuss and analyzes the topic of Greek mythology. Specifically, it contains an analysis of the role of women in Greek life as depicted in literature. It discusses how women underwent a tremendous change between the time of Homer and that of Aristophanes four hundred years later, as five different plays clearly illustrate. Early Greek women were one-dimensional and needy, while four hundred years later they were feminists complaining about their sex lives.
From the Paper
"Women in Greek life are portrayed in a wide variety of ways, and they did indeed change between Homer's type and Aristophanes' time. Homer often portrays women as scheming to keep men from performing their duty, such as how Calypso holds Ulysses on her island in "The Odyssey," attempting to keep her with him rather than allow him to return to his home and family. "This daughter of Atlas has got hold of poor unhappy Ulysses, and keeps trying by every kind of blandishment to make him forget his home, so that he is tired of life, and thinks of nothing but how he may once more see the smoke of his own chimneys" (Odyssey, Book I). In the Iliad, Homer continues to portray women as one-dimensional beings without feelings when he has Chryseis, the daughter of Chryses given as a war prize to Agamemnon as his share of the looting and subsequently ransomed by her father."
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The Greek Philosophy of Xenophanes, 2006.
An analysis of the background and teachings of Greek philosopher, Xenophanes.
1,786 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 11 sources, MLA, £ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the Greek philosophy of one of the distinctive philosophers, Xenophanes. It presents a history and background of his life and then analyzes some of his teachings, particularly with regards to popular Greek religion and society. The paper then looks at Xanophanes' views on Divine nature and how they related to the popular beliefs of the time.
Table of Contents:
On Popular Greek Religion and Society
Divine Nature and Xenophanes' Philosophy
From the Paper
"Though Xenophanes' fragments are the only legacy we have in remembrance of his breakthrough in philosophical thought, this philosophical poet may have an enormous impact in modern society. Christianity was not existent until a few centuries later during his time, yet he was considered one of the pioneers of monotheistic thought. His courage and unconventionalism to move and think against dominant tradition is what is truly needed in today's society. We may believe at this point in time in the one God Xenophanes was trying to defend, but to go beyond common belief is the challenge among us. Ionian predecessors of the poet had initiated the study of phenomena beneath the realm of human beings but, as sources describe, they did not turn their critical fire against the leading poets of ancient Greece nor did they apply teachings to correct or improve the conduct of their fellow citizens. Although many aspects of his thought are still subject to academic debate, Xenophanes may be considered a multi-dimensional thinker who contributed significantly on many aspects toward the advancement of Greek thought (and probably society). His philosophy and poetry may not have been as celebrated as those of other Greek philosophers, but his character itself is reason enough for him to be remembered as a mark of courage and non-traditional thinking and action amidst dominant tradition."
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Thesmophoria, 2005.
A debate of the traditional and modern critical views of the female festival Thesmophoria in the Greek religion.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 3 sources, £ 50.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes theories presented of the festival of Thesmophoria and Haloa. In many cases the modernity of feminine perspectives has helped to bring about a newer, more pragmatic solution of the status of women had in Greek society. The paper looks at the important studies carried out by Lucia Nixon, which examines the possible medicinal power of plants used in ritual that gave women the power to control fertility even unto the birth of the child.
From the Paper
"This religion study will analyze the ancient Greek female festival of Thesmophoria in relation to the many complex and differential critical views that scholars have crated regarding the Grecian religious right. In this view, the more traditional critical view of the festival as 'fertility' rite has been challenged due to the patriarchal constructs of the Elysian mysteries in relation to the goddess Demeter. Furthermore, the issue theology plays a large role in negating the need for the festival, since the societal construct of women in Greek society seems to negate the positive role of Thesmophoria. In essence, by investigating the primary document of the Haloa, one can realize a modern view of how the Thesmophoria truly portrayed an image of power through femininity within ancient Greek religious traditions. From a more traditional vantage point Lucia Nixon provides the..."
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Ancient Greek and Hebrews, 2001.
This paper compares the religion and culture of the Ancient Greeks and Hebrews.
1,600 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the ways in which Greek religion was tied to Greek political beliefs and practices and the ways in which Hebrew religious beliefs and practices were linked to social conventions and cultural values since neither religion can be understood in isolation from its social context.
From the Paper
"Because most people have now heard of Greek mythology, we should start off by discussing how it differs from Greek religion. Greek mythology was a collection of folk stories about heroism, passion, loss and victory. Greek religion was much more serious, being focused on the ways that people should feel towards the gods. Greek religion was practiced for over a thousand years, from the time of the poet Homer (who lived in the ninth century before the Christian era) through the reign of the Emperor Julian in the fourth century a.d."
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Ancient Religions, 2002.
This paper discusses the religions of the early Greek and Roman societies and of the Hindus.
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 18.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses that the early Greek and Roman societies used ideas introduced by their philosopher thinkers as their own religion, which formed into many cults. The paper presents the teachings of the Bhagavad- Gita, a Hindus, and their relationship to yoga. The author states that the yoga of perfect knowledge is the attainment of one?s individual consciousness and Ultimate Truth, through the process of intellectual thinking and contemplation.
From the Paper
"The Bhagavad- Gita is translated as the ?Song of God,? and the texts of this sacred book, a list of songs of praise for the gods of the Hindus, contains messages that gives its listeners an understanding of what is the ?essence of human existence, immortality of the soul, and eternal relationship with God? (Bhagavad- Gita Trust 1998). One of the primary teachings of the Bhagavad- Gita is to know the said concepts and knowledge about life through the process and activity of doing yoga. Yoga is the ?science of the individual consciousness attaining communion with the Ultimate Consciousness? (Bhagavad- Gita Trust 1998)."
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Ancient Greek Theater, 2006.
A paper on ancient Greek drama, the Greek theater and ancient Greek playwrights.
2,413 words (approx. 9.7 pages), 9 sources, MLA, £ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the role of ancient Greek drama in Greek society. The paper explains the stage styles, how actors performed and the main types of plays performed in ancient Greek theater. The author discusses tragedies, comedies and a special form of theater called "dithyramb," which was sung by a large chorus. The paper goes on to discuss the importance of the elements of prose, lyrics and dancing in the ancient Greek drama. The paper then goes on to discuss some of ancient Greece's foremost playwrights, as well as theories about the origins of drama.
From the Paper
"The word 'Drama' as such has originated from the Greek words that mean 'to do', or 'to act'. When a story is acted out, it becomes a 'play', and this was the medium used by the ancient Greeks to act out their stories, which were either humorous and were about funny situations in their everyday lives, or they would be great tragedies, which would act out some important episode or period of their lives at the time. The speech and actions of the play would therefore, recreate human lives and its flow. It can be stated that ancient Greece was in fact the real birthplace of the future 'drama' of the Western world. In Greece, these plays or dramas were presented on stage twice a year, in honor of the God Dionysius, and there would be choruses made up of men who would be dressed up in goatskins, and who were meant to represent 'satyrs' or those mythical creatures who were partly goat, and partly man."
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Who Are the Greeks Today?, 2006.
A look at the Greek-American experience, including their successes, challenges they've overcome and prominent Americans with Greek heritage.
2,339 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper details the Greek-American experience, focusing primarily on their achievements in all aspects of American life. The paper also discusses Greek culture and religion in American and prominent figures in America who are of Greek heritage.
Table of Contents
Statement of Position
Some Interesting Facts About Greeks
The Greek-American Experience
Notable Greeks
In Conclusion
From the Paper
"Several notable and famous Greeks who come to mind are the late Aristotle Onasis, former candidate for U.S. president, Michael Dukakis, and former White House official in the Clinton administration, George Stephanopoulos. Of course, there are numerous other Greeks today who have made an indelible impression upon the world: Candice Bergen, Dr. Joyce Brothers, Carol Burnett, Liz Claiborne, Sheryl Crow, Elizabeth Dole, Faye Dunaway, Betty Ford, Kate Jackson, Mary Tyler Moore, Debra Norville, Jane Pauley and Gloria Vanderbilt."
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?Literature; Ancient Greek Literature?, 2002.
A discussion of the relationship between ancient Greek burial and death rites and ancient Greek literature.
1,409 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper focuses upon illustrating the relevance of the obvious emphasis and taboo regarding Greek burial or death rites as it is portrayed in a significant amount of ancient Greek literature. It examines how literature has long been a relevant source that historians as well as other scholars can turn to so as to glean at least a marginal understanding regarding the societal norms of the era or culture in particular.
Outline
Introduction
Generalities Regarding Ancient Greek Burial Rites
Relevance of Literary Illustrations Regarding Ancient Greek Perspectives on Death
Burial Rites Within Ancient Greek literature
Conclusion
From the Paper
"One of the first things that essentially needs to be taken into consideration is that, as a result of their significantly un-advanced and superstitiously primitive preconceptions and beliefs, that nearly all kinds of ancient literature is tinged, to some degree or another, with elements of the super natural or paranormal. The occult, witches, curses and ghosts, all are things that are mentioned, with varying degree of figurativeness and realism, within ancient British as well as Greek literature. Moreover, there appears to be a particular degree of emphasis upon the relevance and effectuality of such things as oaths and curses, especially in regard to the likes of such being implemented in concern to a particular person?s death or burial. This something that is quite strongly portrayed when Euripides? Hippolytus, the protagonist within the play, reasserts his confidence to his father in so much as taking an oath that in death may neither sea nor earth receive my flesh, if I have proved false (Lawson, 1964)."
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Greek Mythology, 2008.
This paper looks at Greek mythology and discusses the Greek system of gods and goddesses.
2,093 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 46.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer first explains that Greek mythology is a collection of stories by ancient Greeks about their gods and heroes. The writer notes that these stories include myths of the origin of the world, an attempt to understand and interpret the universe and the origin of the world in human terms. Many of these stories have been passed down from ancient times and in more than one version. The writer discusses that ancient beliefs eventually mixed with legends from Greek kingdoms and city-states and myths from other tribes. Together, they evolved into this body of stories that were accepted by most Greeks. These myths were transmitted from generation to generation for hundreds of years in the form of spoken tales. It was not until the Classic Period that these stories were put down in written form. The writer looks at the Greek system of gods and goddesses and concludes that traditional literary mythology reflected an increasing dissociation from actual religious practice.
From the Paper
"The leader was Zeus, the god of the sky, the weather, thunder, lightning, and the father of all mortals and immortals. His wife and sister was Hera. Poseidon, his brother, was god of the seas and shaker of the earth or earthquakes. Athena was the goddess of war, of crafts and of wisdom, the wisest of the gods and goddesses. Apollo was the god of light and order, of both plague and healing who foretold the will of Zeus, his father. His twin sister, Artemis, was goddess of childbirth and all wild animals. Aphrodite, a daughter of Uranus, was the goddess of erotic love. Hermes was the guide of souls in the underworld and the god of sleep and dreams. Demeter, the symbol of Gaia, was goddess of the earth and vegetation. His mother Persephone was a sister of Zeus. Dionysus was th god of madness, frenzy, of wine and the theater. Hephaestus was the god of fire and of the crafts. And Ares was the god of war and the only son of Zeus and Hera. Hades was not among the 12, but he was the ruler of the underworld."
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Ancient Greeks and the Twenty-First Century, 2008.
An analysis of the importance of study into the Ancient Greeks, according to Thomas Cahill's work, "Sailing the Wine-Dark Sea: Why the Greeks Matter."
801 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 20.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses why the study of the Ancient Greeks matter to the citizens of the West in the twenty-first century. Specifically, the paper analyzes Thomas Cahill's work, "Sailing the Wine-Dark Sea: Why the Greeks Matter" and describes the arguments that Cahill presents as to why we should study the Ancient Greeks. The paper also touches on the negative effects of the Greek legacy as well as the positive.
From the Paper
"Greece was an undeniably patriarchal society, and women were excluded from political enfranchisement. In understanding the Greek assumptions regarding the warrior-citizen ideal, Cahill believes we may better unburden ourselves of our own obsession with violence as a benchmark of a society's greatness. The presence of both Zeus and Demeter is there: "If Demeter takes us back to an agricultural way of life that imagined Earth and its manifestations as aspects of maternal nurturing, the strident gods of Olympus, challenging and overthrowing one another, males always primed for battle and sexual conquest, females seizing control only by wheedling indirection, are projections of a warrior culture that set victory in armed combat above all other goals--or at least seemed to, for there are always, deep within any society, dreams that run in another, even in a contrary, direction from its articulated purposes" (Cahill 5). We cannot undo the negative effects of the Greek legacy if we do not strive to understand the complexities of Greek civilization, its obsessions and its gifts."
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Toronto's "Greek-Town", 2008.
An analysis of the future of the Greek community in Toronto, particularly in the enclave of Greek-Town.
2,672 words (approx. 10.7 pages), 7 sources, APA, £ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper considers the future of the Greek community in Toronto and discusses what its dispersal from Greek-Town means regarding the eventual integration or assimilation of the group into the mainstream Canadian population and economy. The paper presents four interviews with different aged Greek persons living in Canada. It then discusses the current situation and the future of the Greek population there.
Table of Contents:
Interview Questions - Local Persons
Interview Questions - Expert
Introduction
Theoretical Background
Responses and Critical Analysis
From the Paper
"In this analysis, in considering the future of the Greek community, we cannot say with certainty that this dispersal from GreekTown means the eventual integration/assimilation of the group into the mainstream Canadian population and economy. Certainly, the primary challenge the community faces in the years to come is how it deals with assimilationist pressures against the desire - as cited by several interviewees - to preserve their cultural heritage. While GreekTown on the Danforth is clearly "history", this does not mean that the Greek ethnic economy in Toronto has ceased to exist. Indeed, it may even be possible that the suburban enclaves may themselves become voluntary cocoons in which Greek micro-business can find its niche in delivering Greek services and amenities to a co-ethnic population in a suburban landscape dominated by the "big box" retailers like Costco or Wal-mart."
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