Essаy Directiоns: --Chооse one of the following topics аnd write а detailed, focus response that fully answers the question(s) --The response is a minimum of 400 words, but recognize that "A" essays usually go well beyond minimum standards. --Include a word count: you'll get one additional bonus point for doing so! --Have a short introduction to the response and a short conclusion. Do most of your writing in 3-4 body paragraphs. Do not make your response one giant paragraph. --Put spaces between paragraphs in your response --Be sure to include specific examples from the text, and incorporate key ideas from the PowerPoints. --Do not merely summarize the plot of the work--have ideas, address the topic directly, and use the details from the text to prove your points. Go well beyond information you have already mentioned on this exam. The topics are not designed to have you repeat much information from a quote identification or multiple choice answer. Note: you may write this essay in Microsoft Word, then copy/paste it to the appropriate space on the exam. Topic A: Discuss Oedipus as a character whose ultimate destiny is shaped by both fate and free will. In your essay, be sure to: --Discuss Oedipus as the pawn of fate, of circumstances beyond his control. Provide specific details and examples here where he seems controlled by his destiny, no matter what he does. (one body paragraph of your essay) --Also discuss how his own character flaws, such as rage, irrationality, paranoia, etc. are part of his undoing. Identify the key scenes here and explain them. (one body paragraph of your essay). --Finally, assess Oedipus' act(s) of self-punishment near the end of the play. What does he do, and why does he do it? How does it help us put Oedipus' character in perspective, for better or for worse? --Final Words: What kind of character was Sophocles ultimately creating in Oedipus? --**Note: you must discuss in detail (several sentences) the scene at the Triple Crossroads in your essay, whether you use it to explain Oedipus in relation to fate, free will, or both. Topic B: Discuss the heroic qualities of Antigone as she is depicted in Sophocles' play. How is she presented as a character who defies the conventional gender stereotype of the submissive female? How does the author at the same time create sympathy for Antigone's plight? In your essay, be sure to: --Identify her specific actions regarding her brother Polyneices, as conveyed by the Guard and in Antigone's own words . What does she do, why does she do it, and what is revealed about her character through her actions? (One-two paragraphs of your essay) --Analyze her confrontation with Kreon. What charges does he bring against her, and how does she respond to him/defend herself? (One full paragraph of your essay) --Describe and evaluate Antigone's final thoughts and actions in her confinement. Be sure to assess her suicide and state of mind before her death. (One full paragraph of your essay). --Final Thoughts: In the final analysis, what kind of woman was Sophocles creating in Antigone? Topic C: Characterize Aeneas by focusing on his relationship with Dido in Book IV and Book VI of the Aeneid. In what ways does Virgil use this relationship to ultimately present Aeneas as the Roman hero but also a flawed human being who suffers and makes mistakes? In your essay, but be sure to discuss the following as well as anything else you think relevant: --Describe the early moments of Dido and Aeneas' relationship in its early moments. How would you characterize it? In what way can Aeneas be criticized here? Be sure to discuss scene in the cave and its relevance. (One body paragraph) --The breakup scene between Aeneas and Dido in Book IV. How would you characterize Aeneas here? Make sure you assess the visit from Mercury and its impact on Aeneas' state of mind. (one body paragraph) --The scene in Book VI between Dido and Aeneas, when they meet in the Underworld. Discuss this scene in detail. How would you characterize the meeting? (One body paragraph) --Offer up a final assessment of Aeneas in the conclusion. In the end, what does the relationship with Dido reveal about the kind of hero Virgil was Virgil trying to create in his poem?