University of Oxford

Essay plan on comparison of Homeric epics, including the Iliad, Odyssey, and Aeneid. Paragraphs include the characterisation of protagonists, endings, divine intervention, use of imagery, and a conclusion. Strong foundation for writing an essay or understanding key points throughout the poem.

Essay plan on the nationalism within the Aeneid. Introduction includes definitions of nationalism. Paragraphs on the presentation of the war (such as the shield of Aeneas); the role of fate and the gods; portrayal of the Roman ideal; physical description of Italy. Inclusion of secondary sources e.g. Parry and Pogorzelski.

Essay plan debating whether Turnus is more heroic than Aeneas. Firstly references to Turnus being heroic/Aeneas being the opposite, then Turnus being unheroic/Aeneas being the opposite. Overall conclusion also included.

Strong essay on the relationship between Jupiter and fate in the Aeneid. Discusses the idea of Stoicism, and its place within the epic; arguments between Jupiter and Juno, and this power dynamic; scenes which present Jupiter as a mediator and fixer of all problems.

Strong essay on the ending of the Aeneid: is it unsatisfactory and why; is it incomplete; why does the ending pose problems of interpretation for the entire work? Mainly focussed on Book 12 but does reference the entire poem. Discusses issues such as the lack of closure of the death of Turnus, the lack of foundation, relationship between the gods etc.

Basic, bullet-point facts about characters within the Aeneid. Solid foundation for who the main people are in the epic.

High-quality commentary essay on the speech of Jupiter in Book 12. Demonstrates relationships between the gods themselves, between gods and men, and the impact of war. Comments on content, vocabulary, grammar, syntax etc. Useful for essays on closures, divinity, or relationships.

Highly-marked essay on the satisfaction of the ending of the Aeneid. Mainly focuses on Book 12. Ideas of ktistic poetry (lack of foundation), ambiguous death of Turnus, death of Dido etc. are discussed among much more.

Highly-marked essay on the influences of Homeric epic on the Aeneid. Discusses issues such as characterisation of protagonists (e.g. Achilles, Odysseus, Aeneas), presentation of the gods, and the use of key imagery such as the shield of Aeneas/Achilles.

Essay on Greek tragedy elements within the Aeneid, with a strong focus on Book 4. Comparisons to Sophocles, Euripides, Aeschylus. Use of Aristotle's definitions of tragedy and epic.