Comparison and Contrast: Medieval Characteristics Paper

Several major cultural shifts occurred as Europe moved from the ancient and the classical periods to the medieval. Chief among them were changes in belief systems, the nature of the hero, and the relationship of the individual to society.

Use the following theme: Belief systems

Write a 700 word paper comparing one medieval example to two earlier examples--one from the classical period and one from the pre-classical or ancient period.

For example, you could compare the hero of Gawain to the heroes in Virgil's Aeneid and Homer's Iliad, humanity's relationship to the divine as portrayed in Dante's works to those relationships evoked in the works of Sophocles and Hesiod, or the society described in Beowulf to the societies implied by Plato and Homer.

Describe your theme and how it is characteristic of medieval literature.

Compare the three examples with a reasoned argument about the similarities and differences, as well as the meaning of those similarities and differences.

Explain how the earlier pieces you selected may have influenced the medieval work you selected.

Explain the influence your selected medieval piece may have had during its time.

Format your assignment according to appropriate course level APA guidelines.