Part 2: Analyzing Variations

Full Citations for all 6 primary Sources:

SOURCE 1

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SOURCE 2

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SOURCE 3

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SOURCE 4

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If pottery/ceramic, what are is it (black figure, red figure, white figure)?
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SOURCE 5

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If pottery/ceramic, what are is it (black figure, red figure, white figure)?
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SOURCE 6

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If pottery/ceramic, what are is it (black figure, red figure, white figure)?
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To answer this question, use the Canvas Pages for the myths. Choose one of the myths. There are a lot of options. Why? Because the ancient world was diverse and had diverse myths. Each of these is myths is unique and my hope is that each group will find something that resonates with them. Look over all of the sources for your chosen myth. Identify some important/significant features that vary among the sources.

Examples:

Notice what characters appear in different sources for/versions of the myth.
Notice what episodes of the larger myth appear in different sources/versions.
Notice what details appear in the written sources but not in the visual sources, or vice versa.

Analysis of Variations between sources

Which characters are always (or almost always) present in different versions of the myth?

Which characters seem to be optional? For the optional characters, list what sources include them.

Why do you think some characters are always included? Why are some optional? For the optional characters, why would an author/artist chose to include them?

Which plot points are always (or almost always) present in different versions of the myth?

Which plot points seem to be optional? For the optional plot points, list what sources include them.

Why do you think some plot points are always included? Why are some optional? For the optional plot points, why would an author/artist chose to include them?

Which other aspects are always (or almost always) present in different versions of the myth. (NOTE: In this case, you should list anything that doesn't fall under the category of "characters" or "plot points" so think setting, attire, accessories, etc.)

Which other aspects seem to be optional? For the optional aspects, list what sources include them.

Why do you think some aspects (besides plot or characters) are always included? Why are some optional? For the optional aspects, why would an author/artist chose to include them?

Variations in the Historical Contexts:

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List ALL of your sources, written and visual, in chronological older, oldest to youngest.

For each source, include the date range. Recall that years in B.C. (B.C.E.) proceed from bigger to smaller numbers until reaching A.D. (C.E.), where they move from smaller numbers to bigger numbers.

Example: Homer's Iliad 1.13-14, c. 800 B.C.Ceramic, black-figure, Museo Nazionale, Chiusi. Bell krater (used for mixing wine), c. 490–460 B.C.Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 2.74-76. c. 2nd century A.D.Marble Statue, c. 3rd century A.D.

- Oldest source (first) & dates:
- second:
- third:
- fourth:
- fifth:
- sixth (youngest):

Do you think chronology explains some of the variation in your sources? If so, give specific details. If not, explain why not.

NOTE: Do not tell me that there is differences because stories change with time, like the game of telephone. This is a weak argument because nobody can argue it--it goes without saying that sources change with time. If you want to make an argument from chronology / time period, then you need to have specific examples.

Looking at your visual sources, what types of mediums are represented? List the media of your visual sources.

NOTE: Medium refers to the type of piece--so is it pottery / ceramic, a fresco, a mosaic, etc.

Example: Ceramic, stamnos (used for holding liquids), c. B.C. Fresco, Wall of a House, c. 74 A.D. Marble Statue, Found in temple, c. 3rd century A.D.

Visual Source #1:
Visual source #2:
Visual source #3:

Do you think medium explains some of the variation in your sources? If so, give specific details. If not, explain why not.

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Looking at your written sources, list each one and its genre.

Example: Homer's Iliad: Epic Poetry. Pseudo-Apollodorus' Bibliotheca: Mythography

Written source #1:
Written source #2:
Written source #3:

Do you think that the genre of any of your written sources could explain the variation(s) found within them?

If so, give specific examples why. If not, explain why not.

How does the presentation of the myth differ between written and visual sources? Whydo you think this is? Be specific.

NOTE: Be sure to think about the difference between your specific sources AND about the more general way that written sources differ from visual sources (i.e. what written sources can do that visual sources cannot and vice versa).

QUESTIONS 4-6

Answer this question while keeping in mind your research question. Describe this variation source by source and any patterns in this variation. Be specific--your answer should be several paragraphs long. NOTE: You should not be giving any analysis at this point. You can think of this as giving the "what" of your writing project: what is the variation you see source by source.

'Big picture' question about sources and variation: What is your research question / focus / theme for your writing project?

Answer this question while keeping in mind your research question. Describe this variation source by source and any patterns in this variation. Be specific--your answer should be several paragraphs long. NOTE: You should not be giving any analysis at this point. You can think of this as giving the "what" of your writing project: what is the variation you see source by source.

What is(are) the most important variation(s) in your sources?

What do you think might explain the most important variation(s) in your sources and the patterns in that variation(s)?

Answer this question while keeping in mind your research question. Be specific--your answer should be several paragraphs long.

NOTE: At this time, you should be moving along to the "why" part of the assignment: why do we see the variation that we do. You should use your answers from parts 2 and 3 above to help explain variation. This is intended to segue into part three of the writing assignment, so the more thorough you are here, the better foundation you will set for yourself later.