A2 Unit CC10 F390 - Virgil and the world of the hero
Institution
OCR
My revision notes contain nearly 200 pages of all of the information required to achieve an A* in the World of the Hero component of your OCR A-level Classical Civilisation exam. The optional epic choices included are the Iliad by Homer and the Aeneid by Virgil.
My notes include a link to accomp...
Things to Include in the Paper ............................................................................................................................... 3
Iliad Book Summaries: ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Iliad Modern Scholarship .................................................................................................................................. 19
Composition of the Epic ................................................................................................................................. 25
1.1Literary Techniques and Composition .............................................................................................................. 27
1.2 The Heroic World: Characterisation and Themes................................................................................................ 32
1.3 Social, Cultural and Religious Context ........................................................................................................... 52
Aeneid Book Summaries .................................................................................................................................. 85
Aeneid Modern Scholarship ............................................................................................................................. 103
3.1 Literary Techniques and Composition ........................................................................................................... 112
3.2 The Heroic World: Characterisation and Themes ............................................................................................. 127
3.3 The Social, Historical, and Religious Context .................................................................................................. 141
3.4 Historical and Political Background ............................................................................................................ 159
, Welcome!
Welcome to my notes! These were used when I was completing the World of the Hero
module of my A-Level in Classical Civilization for the OCR exam board. There may be a
few spelling errors, but as far as I know everything is as it should be.
Before we start, here are some additional things I found useful for you:
1. The link to the 2019 examiners report
(https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/622773-examiners-report-the-world-of-the-hero.pdf)
2. The link to marked pieces of work from 2019
(https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/630529-the-world-of-the-hero.pdf)
3, The quizlet I made/used alongside these notes
(https://quizlet.com/fleurcasson/folders/classical-civilisation-world-of-the-hero/sets)
I hope you find everything in here useful and get the grades you want!
, Things to Include in the Paper
ways in which writers shape meanings in classical texts (literary techniques and stuff like
that)
ways in which classical texts might be interpreted by different readers or audiences both in an
ancient and modern context
ways in which classical texts relate to the historical, social, political, religious and cultural
contexts in which they are written and received (context)
ways in which classical texts relate to literary traditions and genres of the classical world (oral
poetry)
how the attitudes and values of the classical world or author are expressed
recognition of the complex issues of reliability and the difference between what a text might
say and what can be inferred from this
10 Markers
The Single 10 Markers:
5 marks for selecting relevant quotes, and 5 for interpretation/analysis/evaluation of it. Make 5 points.
You will be asked to explain how an effect is created, which means you need to write how the
examples you choose creates that effect. These points should be from multiples places in the passage
and clearly different from each other. Always use quotes from the passage as support.
The Comparison 10 Marker:
In this question it will include the phrase ‘for an audience.’ Make it clear what type of audience
you’re referring to: ancient or modern. The same rules apply for the other 10 marker.
If they ask what one is more engaging, think what one causes the audience to be immersed, want to
know what will follow, visualise the scene and be emotionally moved by it.
There should be 3 comparative points and a short conclusion.
20 Markers:
10 marks for selection of material: very detailed knowledge and a thorough understanding of the
material studied and use of a range of well selected, accurate and precise material from classical
sources and appropriate, effective use of their cultural context and possible interpretation (this could
mean talking about modern vs classical audiences and interpreting how different audiences would
react to things).
10 markers for interpretation/analysis/evaluation of it: The response is logically structured, with a
well-developed, sustained and coherent line of reasoning. A very good response to the question
containing a wide range of relevant points leading to convincing conclusions. Points are very well
supported by perceptive critical analysis, interpretation and evaluation of classical sources (perhaps
talking about why certain things were included: propaganda or because it would have made more
sense for a bard).
Make 3 points, maybe a 4th IF YOU HAVE TIME. Try and mention the passage at least once if
you’re told to use it as a starting point. If there’s ambiguity in the question, mention this in the
introduction. If you’re asked about heroism, mention that definitions will vary, but Greek/Romans
would find x y and z traits heroic, whilst modern audiences would look for x but not y. This means
, you’re thinking complex thoughts and showing knowledge of contexts, all before getting into the meat
of your essay.
30 Markers:
10 marks for selection of material: Very detailed knowledge and a thorough understanding of the
material studied. Use of a range of well selected, accurate and precise material from classical sources
and appropriate, effective use of their cultural context and possible interpretation.
20 for interpretation/analysis/evaluation of it: The response is logically structured, with a well-
developed, sustained and coherent line of reasoning. A very good response to the question containing
a wide range of relevant points leading to convincing conclusions. Points are very well supported by
critical perceptive analysis, interpretation and evaluation of classical sources and secondary sources,
scholars and/or academic works (pit scholars against each other).
This means you’ll have more evaluation than evidence, so try and present the best argument you can
whilst using evidence to back it up. Don’t narrate the poem, but instead use it to drive your answer to
the question.
If you’re asked what the main purpose of driving force of the epic is, evaluate multiple answers. For
example, if it’s about Virgil praising Augustus being the only purpose of the Aeneid, look also at what
the epic says about morality, fate, and family-relationships. READ THE QUESTION CAREFULLY.
For this question, you also need to show an understanding of secondary sources, scholars and
academic works. Use what scholars said. If you use exact words, you get brownie points, but you
don’t need them. Try to pit 2 scholars against each other and use it to enlighten your own viewpoint.
Timings
This exam is 2 hours and 20 minutes (or 140 minutes). It starts at 1:30pm and ends at 3:50pm.
NOTE: This is for the 2023 exams. When you find out when yours begin adjust the times
accordingly)
HOMER:
1st 10 Marker-
Time allowed- 15 minutes.
Time to move on- 1:45pm
1st 20 Marker-
Time allowed- 25 minutes.
Time to move on- 2:10pm
VIRGIL
2nd 10 Marker-
Time allowed- 15 minutes
Time to move on- 2:25pm
2nd 20 Marker-
Time allowed- 25 minutes.
Time to move on- 2:50pm
COMPARISON
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