The final exam, will be held Friday May 19, 4:00–6:00 in Herter 205. It will consist of four parts:

1. CHARACTERS: A very brief section (in some form of matching, multiple choice, or the like) testing your knowledge of who the main characters are in the works we have read.

2. SHORT ID'S: You will be asked to briefly identify terms, people, concepts associated with the the poems read in this course chosen from this list. You will have a choice. The best answers will not only provide a brief definition but also point out the significance of the thing for our discussions of epic poetry by, for instance, mentioning an example of where the concept occurred or the person was an important part of the action.

3. PASSAGES FOR COMMENT. Again you will have a choice. You will be asked to identify the passages you discuss by saying generally where they figure in their work (not book and line number but, for instance, "this passage occurs in the middle of Odysseus' narrative of his adventures while staying with king Alkinoös on Scheria " or "this speech of Hector occurs immediately after has been mortally wounded by Achilles" or "during Achille's visit to Africa in a dream"). Then you will be asked to comment on the passage's literary significance. Possible ideas to consider would include the thematic relevance of the passage, how it demonstrates characteristic techniques of Homeric style, or how it serves to advance the plot of the poem in which it appears. You should support your answer by referring directly to the language of the passage, quoting where appropriate. A good answer might also make reference (as specific as possible) to other passages in works read in this course which are similar or different in important ways.

4. ESSAY. You will be asked to write an essay on your choice of three or four set topics. You will be required to incorporate into your essay evidence from at least three separate works read in this course. A good essay will argue for a specific thesis within the parameters of the topic. It will draw on evidence (as specific as possible) from the poems we have read in this course at every stage of its arguments. It will be aware of similarities and differences between the various poems read in the course.

The best preparation for the exam will be to look back through all the works read in this course re-reading passages that we discussed together in class, considering to yourself how you might describe each passage's significance if asked to do so on the exam. Also study any notes you have to make sure you have a firm grasp of basic facts, themes, and characteristics of each work. To prepare for the essay, make mental notes of important passages in each work which are illustrative of broad themes and significant characteristics of epic poetry.