1. Ramayana Important characters: RamaSitaLaksmanaBharataKaikeyiKausalyaJatayuSurpanakhaRavanaMaricaHanuman Important concepts: dharma and adhering to one’s dharma is what motivates all of the characters’ actions. Note Rama’s response when Sita is recovered. Why does he react this way? Note the jealousy between wives—we will see this again in other works.

2. Dharma in Ramayana Rama’s father (Dasaratha) to Kaikeyi Rama’s father (Dasaratha) to Kaikeyi Rama to his father Rama to his father Rama to Kaikeyi Rama to Kaikeyi Rama to Kausalya Rama to Kausalya Rama to Sita Rama to Sita Kaikeyi to Rama Kaikeyi to Rama Dasaratha to Rama Dasaratha to Rama Kausalya to Dasaratha Kausalya to Dasaratha Sita to Rama Sita to Rama Kausalya to Rama Kausalya to Rama Etc. Etc.

3. Aeneid Important Characters: Important Characters: Aeneas Aeneas Dido Dido Anchises Anchises Ascanius Ascanius Turnus Turnus Aeneas’ story is told from the opposite point of view as that of the Iliad. Aeneas is a Trojan who had to watch as his city was sacked and burned. Aeneas’ story is told from the opposite point of view as that of the Iliad. Aeneas is a Trojan who had to watch as his city was sacked and burned. Aeneas’ duty is to found Rome. NOTE: Found in this sense does not mean to recover something lost (past tense of the verb to find). It means to establish something (infinitive to found: “–verb (used with object) 1.to set up or establish on a firm basis or for enduring existence: to found a new publishing company. 2.to lay the lowest part of (a structure) on a firm base or ground: a house founded on solid rock. 3.to base or ground (usually fol. by on or upon): a story founded on fact. 4.to provide a basis or ground for” (dictionary.com). Aeneas’ duty is to found Rome. NOTE: Found in this sense does not mean to recover something lost (past tense of the verb to find). It means to establish something (infinitive to found: “–verb (used with object) 1.to set up or establish on a firm basis or for enduring existence: to found a new publishing company. 2.to lay the lowest part of (a structure) on a firm base or ground: a house founded on solid rock. 3.to base or ground (usually fol. by on or upon): a story founded on fact. 4.to provide a basis or ground for” (dictionary.com). The story of Dido and Aeneas is well known and many writers in the Middle Ages comment on it and play with the plot. Does Aeneas love Dido? Why does he leave her? The story of Dido and Aeneas is well known and many writers in the Middle Ages comment on it and play with the plot. Does Aeneas love Dido? Why does he leave her?

4. Essay questions Discuss the theme of hospitality in The Odyssey. Why is hospitality so important in the ancient world? Give some examples of good hospitality as well as instances where hospitality was warranted but not given or evil was done to the characters. Discuss the theme of hospitality in The Odyssey. Why is hospitality so important in the ancient world? Give some examples of good hospitality as well as instances where hospitality was warranted but not given or evil was done to the characters. Is Gilgamesh a whole man before he meets Enkidu? What does Enkidu represent? Gilgamesh? Did Gilgamesh have to meet Enkidu in order to be a hero? Are all of the elements of the archetypal hero quest present in The Epic of Gilgamesh? What are the elements, and how (if at all) are they presented in the story? Is Gilgamesh a whole man before he meets Enkidu? What does Enkidu represent? Gilgamesh? Did Gilgamesh have to meet Enkidu in order to be a hero? Are all of the elements of the archetypal hero quest present in The Epic of Gilgamesh? What are the elements, and how (if at all) are they presented in the story? If a "title" could be placed on the selection of works we have read in the past few days, "Sacred Duty 101" would certainly be a good choice. Consider the actions of Arjuna, Rama, Sita, and Aeneas, Did these characters act out of a sense of sacred duty? What was their duty? Was each character successful in his/her plan? Do you believe that each character fulfilled his/her sacred duty? If a "title" could be placed on the selection of works we have read in the past few days, "Sacred Duty 101" would certainly be a good choice. Consider the actions of Arjuna, Rama, Sita, and Aeneas, Did these characters act out of a sense of sacred duty? What was their duty? Was each character successful in his/her plan? Do you believe that each character fulfilled his/her sacred duty?