Section I: Pictures. Two or three pictures to comment on. You might have
to identify the figure(s) in a Classical or post-Classical work of art, and
make any other comments appropriate about the appearance or use of that figure.
You should be able to recognize the gods and goddesses we have specifically
studied, by their attributes and/or pose. Below in each section is a list
of specific works of art that we have discussed in class. They should help
you study. If a work is illustrated in H&P the reference is there; if
not, click on the link to see it. Some works of art just illustrate a deity
or a site; others we discussed the symbolism, the pose, or other features,
and you should know what we talked about (it is also discussed in H&P).
Section II: Short answer, factual. I am not looking for arcane details,
but for basic knowledge of the kind on the handouts (what is Poseidon the
god of, what is a satyr, why was Zeus angry at Prometheus, give an example
of a certain kind of myth, etc.).
Section III: shorter and longer essays. For the shorter essays you will
identify and explain the importance of certain mythical figures and/or events.
For the longer essay you will discuss themes we have covered (parallels in
creation myths, tricksters) and apply the theories to the myths. There will
be some choice in this section.
How to study
start from this review sheet
use handouts and class notes as a guide to what is important in the textbook--don't
get bogged down in factual detail from the book that we did not discuss
think about how the Greeks' stories, world view, solutions to problems,
compare to those of other cultures
Content of midterm
theories of myth
know the external and internal theories of myth, as described in H&P.
be able to apply them appropriately to the myths we have studied.
creation
how does the universe begin according to the different cultures we looked
at? why does that make sense for them?
how is man created in Greek myth?
conflicts at world's beginning
between generations of gods (esp. father/son): Ouranos-Kronos-Zeus;
Hurrian parallel
between gods and giants/titans/monsters (we didn't discuss these;
you should just be aware that such struggles did exist)
between gods and mankind: flood myths (compare to other cultures);
Zeus steals fire (why?)
how does Prometheus help mankind, and why?
early mankind
Hesiod's 5 ages of man: decline from golden age, vs. notion of progress
from savagery to civilization
Pandora: Hesiod tells two versions: unnamed women is a punishment, or
named Pandora brings evils in a jar; compare Garden of Eden
all these stories deal with mankind's current condition of hard work,
troubles, etc.
the Greek gods, generally
like human beings on a grand scale, with human failings; key difference
from humans is that they are immortal and we are not
most "at home" on mount Olympus, but have various origins
We specifically covered Zeus, Apollo, Dionysos, Demeter, Aphrodite,
Hermes. Be able to say how/where they originated (there may be more than
one version), what their responsibilities are, and (except for Demeter
and Hermes) how to recognize them in art:
Zeus
be aware of the following mortal lovers of Zeus: Europa, Leda, Ganymede
what does Zeus symbolize?
where are his main sanctuaries?
images for study:
the birth of Athene. H&P p. 83 fig. 3-14.
the marriage of Zeus and Hera. H&P p. 84 fig. 3-15.
Zeus and Ganymede. H&P p. 188 fig. 6-3.
Apollo
be able to define: Hyperboreans, Delphi, Pythia, Daphne, oracle
what does Apollo symbolize?
what happens at Delphi? how does the oracle work?
images for study:
Apollo from the temple of Zeus at Olympia. H&P p. 201 fig. 6-10.
Belvedere Apollo. H&P p. 238 fig. 7-1.
Bernini, Apollo and Daphne. H&P p. 981 fig. 20-1.
Delphi. H&P p. 240 fig. 7-3.
Pythia. H&P p. 248 fig. 7-8.
Dionysos
be able to define: Semele and Pentheus, Delphi, satyrs, maenads, Zagreus
what does Dionysos symbolize?
what do Dionysiac rituals involve (mythical/real)?
