General Instructions. Write on two (2) of the following three questions. Take about an hour per question. Make certain that your exam responses differ wholly or substantially from what you wrote on your outside essay. If one of the questions below is your paper topic, choose the other two questions. As always, avoid raw plot summary but do articulate a main idea and write by subtopics. The best responses will be thoughtful and rich in detail (with show not tell).

2. Why do fools fall in love? Compare and especially contrast at least two characters from our readings this semester who illustrate (or embody) the follies and foibles (frailties) of love/lust. Explain the meaning of these all-consuming passions--which lead to comedy or to tragedy--for the works in which they appear. (That is, how does this issue further the literary goals of the works in question?)

3. How and why does God or the gods intervene in human affairs? Compare and especially contrast at least two significant moments when God or the gods come down among mortals for specific purposes. Explain the meaning of these interventions for the works in which they appear. (That is, how does this issue further the literary goals of the works in question?)