NCEA Level 2 Classical Studies (90247) 2011 — page 1 of 15
Assessment Schedule – 2011
Classical Studies: Examine a passage from a work of classical literature in translation
(90247)
Candidate chooses TWO questions from ONE topic.
A holistic judgement on the level of achievement attained will be made over the two questions answered.
Judgement Statement
Achievement
Achievement with Merit
Achievement with Excellence
A
M
E
Achievement with Merit
Achievement with Excellence
Generic Schedule
Achievement
The candidate examines literary
features by identifying, describing,
clarifying, giving reasons for, and /
or placing in context aspects of
passages from a work of literature.
The candidate examines literary
features by identifying, describing,
clarifying, giving reasons for, and /
or placing in context aspects of
passages from a work of literature.
Supporting evidence is present.
The candidate discusses literary
features of the work by showing a
detailed understanding of the wider
context and / or a depth of
understanding of the literary
features. Supporting evidence is
present.
The candidate provides a general
examination of the literary features.
Knowledge and interpretation of
textual detail is at a basic level and
specific references may be lacking.
One or more parts of questions
are underdeveloped or omitted.
The candidate incorporates greater
detail, qualitative or quantitative as
required, in an answer based on
sound knowledge of the literary
works. Most parts of the question
are covered, but treatment may
be unbalanced. Relevant
supporting evidence is present, but
may not be consistently provided.
The candidate’s answers have an
analytical focus. They are based on
a thorough knowledge of the literary
works themselves, as well as the
wider context in which they were
produced. All parts of the question
are answered in detail. Supporting
evidence is relevant, accurate and
consistently provided.
The candidate:
The candidate:
The candidate:
•
must show some knowledge
and understanding
•
must show sound knowledge
and understanding
•
must show depth of knowledge
and understanding
•
must briefly respond to both
bullet points
•
respond to both bullet points but
answers may be unbalanced
•
must respond to all parts of the
question
•
must provide some relevant
supporting evidence but
evidence may be general
•
must provide some relevant and
specific supporting evidence
•
must show some analysis.
•
may provide factual rather than
analytical answers.
•
must provide relevant, specific,
accurate and detailed
supporting evidence
•
must have an analytical focus.
NCEA Level 2 Classical Studies (90247) 2011 — page 2 of 15
Evidence Statement
TOPIC ONE: HOMER’S ODYSSEY
Question One
Achievement
Achievement with Merit
Achievement with Excellence
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Achievement level.
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Merit level.
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Excellence level.
The ways in which Odysseus
outwits the Cyclops
Odysseus outwits the Cyclops by
getting him drunk so he can blind
him. Then, he and his men hide
under the sheep so they can escape
from the Cyclops who sits at the
entrance of the cave attempting to
catch them as they go out.
The ways in which Odysseus
outwits the Cyclops
Odysseus outwits the Cyclops by
devising a plan that enables him and
his men to escape from the Cyclops’
cave. Firstly, he gets the Cyclops
drunk knowing that this is a good
way to put him to sleep. This
enables Odysseus and his men to
blind the giant so they can escape
more easily.
Finally, in order to get out of the
cave, Odysseus and his men
cleverly hide under the bellies of the
Cyclops’ sheep and therefore outwit
the blind Polyphemus who sits at the
exit of the cave attempting to catch
the men as they go out.
The ways in which Odysseus
outwits the Cyclops
From the moment he meets the
Cyclops, Odysseus is cautious and
realises that in order to survive and
save his men he must outwit the
giant. Therefore, he cunningly lies
about his name (saying his name is
Nobody) and the location of his ship;
his lies pay off when the Cyclops
calls out for help to the other
Cyclopes and foolishly says
“Nobody has blinded me”. As a
result, no one comes to help the
Cyclops and Odysseus and his men
are able to escape.
Odysseus also outwits the Cyclops
by devising a plan that enables him
and his men to escape from the
Cyclops’ cave. Firstly, he gets the
Cyclops drunk knowing that this is a
good way to put him to sleep and
overcome his superior strength. This
enables Odysseus and his men to
then blind the giant so they can
escape more easily.
Finally, in order to get out of the
cave, Odysseus and his men
cleverly hide under the bellies of the
Cyclops’ sheep and therefore outwit
the blind Polyphemus who sits at the
exit of the cave attempting to catch
the men as they go out.
Reasons why Odysseus feels the
need to reveal his true identity
Odysseus must reveal his true
identity so that everyone knows the
name of the man who blinded the
Cyclops and escaped from him.
Other answers possible
Reasons why Odysseus feels the
need to reveal his true identity.
The hero can only achieve fame and
glory through famous deeds;
therefore, Odysseus must announce
his victory and reveal his true
identity so that everyone knows the
name of the man who outwitted the
Cyclops.
Other answers possible
Reasons why Odysseus feels the
need to reveal his true identity.
The driving force behind the hero
was the need to achieve fame and
glory, and so it is not enough for
Odysseus to simply escape from the
Cyclops. The hero can only achieve
fame and glory through famous
deeds and his achievements are his
only chance for immortality;
therefore, Odysseus must announce
his victory and reveal his true
identity (even though this endangers
him and his men) so that everyone
knows the name of the man who
outwitted the Cyclops.
Other answers possible
NCEA Level 2 Classical Studies (90247) 2011 — page 3 of 15
Achievement
Achievement with Merit
Achievement with Excellence
Discuss, with supporting evidence from this extract and / or other parts of book 9, the differences and / or
similarities between the Cyclopes’ way of doing things and Odysseus’ way.
Differences
The Cyclopes’:
•
rely on the gods’ bounty; Odysseus acts for himself
•
ignore / abuse the rules of hospitality; Odysseus follows them
•
show no respect for the gods; Odysseus does
•
live independently with no social organisation; Odysseus is part of a community
•
live quietly on their island, Odysseus seeks adventure and challenges.
Similarities
The Cyclopes’ and Odysseus:
•
worship the same gods
•
live pastoral lives
•
show cruelty and uncivilised behaviour towards each other.
(Note: the supporting evidence must be from book 9 and can include, but is not limited to, evidence from the
extract. Evidence from outside book 9 should be disregarded. Candidates can address either the similarities or the
differences, or may address both.)
Discuss, with supporting evidence from this extract and / or other parts of book 9, the ways in which Odysseus
outwits Polyphemus
Odysseus:
•
gives his name as “Nobody”
•
uses a gift of wine to put Polyphemus to sleep
•
hides his men and himself under Polyphemus’ sheep in order to escape the cave.
and why he feels the need to reveal his true identity.
As a Homeric hero Odysseus seeks fame and glory and cannot achieve it if his name is not attached to his deeds.
(Note: the supporting evidence must be from book 9 and can include, but is not limited to, evidence from the
extract. Evidence from outside book 9 should be disregarded. Candidates must address both the points above to
have fully answered this bullet point.)
NCEA Level 2 Classical Studies (90247) 2011 — page 4 of 15
TOPIC ONE: HOMER’S ODYSSEY
Question Two
Achievement
Achievement with Merit
Achievement with Excellence
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Achievement level.
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Merit level.
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Excellence level.
Discuss Homer’s concept of justice
and revenge as it relates to the
killing of the Suitors and the
punishment of the disloyal slaves
Odysseus has the right to punish the
Suitors for abusing his son and wife
and for eating his food and drinking
his wine.
He also has the right to punish the
disloyal slaves and so he hangs the
maids and chops off the male
slave’s genitals.
Discuss Homer’s concept of justice
and revenge as it relates to the
killing of the Suitors and the
punishment of the disloyal slaves
Odysseus has the right to take
revenge on the Suitors for
disrespecting him and also for
disrespecting his son and his wife
and abusing his household. For
example, the Suitors kick and push
the beggar around, plot to kill
Telemachus and call out obscenities
at Penelope. Odysseus has to
punish the Suitors in order to restore
order in his household and regain
his and his family’s honour.
Similarly, both Odysseus and
Telemachus have the right to punish
the disloyal slaves and their
punishment is vicious. For example,
the female slaves are made to clean
the hall of the bodies of their lovers
before Telemachus hangs them;
similarly, Telemachus punishes the
disrespectful male slave by
chopping off his genitals.
Discuss Homer’s concept of justice
and revenge as it relates to the
killing of the Suitors and the
punishment of the disloyal slaves
Odysseus is expected to and in fact
has the right to take revenge on the
insolent Suitors for repeatedly
harassing and disrespecting him
when he was disguised as a beggar
and also for disrespecting his son
and his wife and abusing his
household. For example, the Suitors
kick and push the beggar around,
plot to kill Telemachus and call out
obscenities when Penelope speaks
to the bard at the symposium.
Furthermore, they abuse the
customs of guest friendship by
overstaying in Odysseus’ house,
wasting his property and sleeping
with his maids. Odysseus has to
punish the insolent Suitors in order
to restore order in his household
and regain his and his family’s
honour. The Suitors deserve to
suffer for their unjust and
inappropriate behaviour and so
when Odysseus kills them viciously,
his actions are justified.
Similarly, the ruthless killing of the
disloyal slaves is both justified and
necessary so that both Odysseus
and Telemachus will regain their
honour and restore order in the
palace. And so, the female slaves
are made to clean the hall and
remove the bodies of their lovers
before Telemachus hangs them; the
insolent male slave Melanthius was
also punished severely: “with a
pitiless knife they sliced his nose
and ears off; they ripped away his
genitals as raw meat for the dogs,
and in their fury they lopped off his
hands and feet”.
Other answers possible.
Other answers possible.
Other answers possible.
Explain what the image of the hound and fawn represents
•
The hound represents Odysseus, and the fawn represents the Suitors.
•
The hound is an individual animal known for courage and loyalty, which is why it is used to represent
Odysseus.
•
The fawn represents the Suitors because it is seen as weak and it is part of a group or herd.
NCEA Level 2 Classical Studies (90247) 2011 — page 5 of 15
Achievement
Achievement with Merit
Achievement with Excellence
and discuss, with supporting evidence, the ways in which this image foreshadows events that will take place later in
the poem
•
The image represents the final battle in the hall where Odysseus crushes and kills the Suitors.
•
The desperation of the scrabbling fawn foreshadows the cornered Suitors and their attempts to escape
Odysseus’ revenge.
• The blood thirsty nature of the image foreshadows the violence of the final battle in the hall.
(Note: Candidates must address both the points above to have fully answered this bullet point.)
Discuss, with supporting evidence, Homer’s concept of justice and revenge as it relates to the killing of the Suitors
and the punishment of the disloyal slaves.
•
It was Odysseus’ right and responsibility to punish those who had betrayed him in his absence.
•
As a hero he cannot allow such disregard for his rights to go unpunished.
•
As a ruler Odysseus needs to reinstate his authority by exacting swift justice on the Suitors and slaves.
•
The disloyal slaves were punished more harshly as their loyalty was more expected and more important.
•
Homer’s concept of justice and revenge does not sit well with a modern audience, as it seems excessive for
the crime committed, but for his audience it would seem appropriate and was expected.
NCEA Level 2 Classical Studies (90247) 2011 — page 6 of 15
TOPIC ONE: HOMER’S ODYSSEY
Question Three
Achievement
Achievement with Merit
Achievement with Excellence
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Achievement level.
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Merit level.
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Excellence level.
Discuss reasons why Penelope is
the ideal wife for Odysseus
Discuss reasons why Penelope is
the ideal wife for Odysseus
Discuss reasons why Penelope is
the ideal wife for Odysseus
•
She remains faithful to
Odysseus even though he has
been gone for so long.
•
Penelope is cunning like
Odysseus; for example, she
outsmarts the Suitors with her
weaving trick, saying she will
only marry one of them when
she has completed a shroud for
her father-in-law.
•
She still loves him and remains
faithful to Odysseus even
though he has been gone for 20
years.
•
Penelope is most proper in the
way she behaves in front of her
Suitors; for example, when she
is in their presence she always
covers her face and is escorted
by her maids. She does this
when she comes into the hall
where the Suitors are dining in
Book 1.
Other answers possible.
•
•
She remains faithful to
Odysseus even though he has
been gone for 20 years and she
is constantly pressured by the
Suitors to remarry. After all
these years, she still cries about
him and speaks candidly about
her love for Odysseus and how
much she misses him; for
example, when she enters the
symposium to tell the bard to
stop singing this sad song.
•
Penelope is most proper in the
way she behaves in front of her
Suitors. Not only does she not
flirt with them, but when she is
in their presence she always
covers her face and is escorted
by her maids. She does this
when she comes into the hall
where the Suitors are dining in
Book 1 and then again in Book
21 when she brings Odysseus’
bow to the Suitors in order to
begin the contest.
•
Penelope is a good match for
Odysseus. Like Odysseus she
is wise and cunning; for
example, she outsmarts the
Suitors with her weaving trick,
saying she will only marry one
of them when she has
completed a shroud for Laertes,
her father-in-law. Instead, she
unravels the weaving every
night to avoid remarrying.
•
Penelope even outwits
Odysseus with the bed test in
Book 23.
•
Like Odysseus, Penelope is
also very cautious, for example
when she talks to the beggar in
Book 19, she carefully checks
his identity and asks for proof of
his background before she
trusts him and opens her heart.
Penelope is a good match for
Odysseus. Like Odysseus she
is wise and cunning; for
example, she outsmarts the
Suitors with her weaving trick,
saying she will only marry one
of them when she has
completed a shroud for her
father-in-law. Instead, she
unravels the weaving every
night to avoid remarrying.
Other answers possible.
Other answers possible
NCEA Level 2 Classical Studies (90247) 2011 — page 7 of 15
Achievement
Achievement with Merit
Achievement with Excellence
Discuss, with supporting evidence, the character of Penelope as she is portrayed in this extract
•
Bewildered, shocked, confused, lost, doubting, faithful, perceptive, wise, cunning.
Hard-hearted or unmotherly are acceptable with evidence from Penelope’s character / behaviour in the extract
– NOT just quoting Telemachus’ view.
(Note: the supporting evidence for this point must be from the extract. Evidence from outside the extract should be
disregarded.)
and whether Telemachus’ accusations of hard-heartedness are justified.
Yes
•
• She has not leapt into Odysseus’ arms but is holding herself aloof.
No
• Her wider character as seen in earlier books, eg she cries for Odysseus repeatedly.
(Note: the supporting evidence for this point can come from anywhere in the Odyssey but may be drawn only from
the extract. Where candidates choose to draw their evidence from will affect their answer, so both yes and no are
acceptable answers with valid supporting evidence.)
(Note: Candidates must address both the points above to have fully answered this bullet point.)
Discuss, with supporting evidence, the reasons why Penelope is the ideal wife for Odysseus.
•
Penelope matches many of Odysseus’ characteristics, such as being cautious, wise, cunning, pious and
following society’s rules (examples / evidence should be given for both characters)
•
She is loyal and faithful to Odysseus throughout his long absence.
•
Penelope adheres to society’s rules for her rank and position as Odysseus’ wife.
NCEA Level 2 Classical Studies (90247) 2011 — page 8 of 15
TOPIC TWO: GREEK TRAGEDY
Question One
Achievement
Achievement with Merit
Achievement with Excellence
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Achievement level.
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Merit level.
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Excellence level.
Discuss with supporting evidence
the tone of Teiresias’ speech in lines
10–22
The tone of Teiresias’ speech is
angry. He angrily reveals that in fact
it was Oedipus himself who had
committed the crime; for example,
he says, “rich now, then a beggar”.
Other answers possible.
Discuss with supporting evidence
the tone of Teiresias’ speech in lines
10–22
The tone of Teiresias’ speech is
extremely aggravated. He has been
provoked to anger by Oedipus'
accusation, and this is evident in his
initial words; for example, he begins
by saying very firmly that he will only
go when he has finished, not
because he has been dismissed by
Oedipus. His aggravated tone is
also shown when he finally reveals
that in fact it was Oedipus himself
who had (unwittingly) committed the
crime.
Other answers possible.
Discuss with supporting evidence
the tone of Teiresias’ speech in lines
10–22
The tone of Teiresias’ speech is
extremely aggravated. He has been
provoked to anger by Oedipus'
accusation, first that he has no
foresight and then that he has had a
hand in the murder by collaborating
with Creon. Teiresias’ initial words
show the aggravated tone of his
speech; for example, he begins by
saying very firmly that he will only go
when he has finished, not because
he has been dismissed by Oedipus
and then he continues, quietly but
again firmly, to say that he is not
afraid of what Oedipus might do to
him. When he finally reveals that in
fact it was Oedipus himself who had
(unwittingly) committed the crime,
his choice of harsh words again
reflects his anger: “rich now but then
a beggar”, “groping his way to a land
of exile”. And finally, Teiresias
angrily spits out the words “go in
and think of this”.
Other answers possible
Discuss, with supporting evidence, the ways in which Oedipus’ skill at solving riddles proves to be the gift that is his
greatness and the cause of his great misfortune and downfall.
•
Solving the riddle of the Sphinx made him king, which gave him greatness, but married him to his mother,
which was part of his great misfortune.
•
Solving the riddle of his parentage answered his questions about who he was and cleared him from his fear of
doing harm to his adoptive parents. Solving the riddle also made him king by birth, but this knowledge led to
him blinding and exiling himself and losing his wife / mother.
•
Solving the riddle of the plague ended the pollution that caused the plague making him a great king; but forced
him to blind and exile himself.
Discuss, with supporting evidence, the tone of Teiresias’ speech in lines 10–22
(Note: ‘tone’ will mainly deal with emotions such as those listed below, but take a broad approach to defining this
term and focus on the justification of any answer based on the supporting evidence.)
•
Angry, frustrated, arrogant, spiteful, vehement, patronising, courageous, warning etc.
NCEA Level 2 Classical Studies (90247) 2011 — page 9 of 15
TOPIC TWO: GREEK TRAGEDY
Question Two
Achievement
Achievement with Merit
Achievement with Excellence
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Achievement level.
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Merit level.
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Excellence level.
Discuss the differences in the
characters of Ismene and Antigone
as they are portrayed in this extract
Antigone is strong-willed and
courageous. This is reflected in her
words “I will bury my brother”; she is
even prepared to die for her brother.
Ismene on the other hand, is weak
and appears to be lacking in
courage; she says it would be crazy
to stand up to men.
Other answers possible.
Discuss the differences in the
characters of Ismene and Antigone
as they are portrayed in this extract
Antigone is strong-willed and this is
reflected in her words “I will bury my
brother”.
Ismene on the other hand, is weak
and timid, and this is reflected in her
words “I can do no other but as I am
commanded”.
Antigone is a courageous tragic
hero who is willing to suffer the
consequences in order to do what
she believes in. Her courage is
shown in her defiance of the king
and most importantly in her
fearlessness of death.
Ismene, in this extract, appears to
be lacking in courage; she is afraid
to stand up for what she believes in
and she simply justifies her fear by
saying “we are women…. To do
more is madness”.
Other answers possible.
Discuss the differences in the
characters of Ismene and Antigone
as they are portrayed in this extract
Antigone is strong-willed and
resistant, a woman of thrasos
(daring); she believes in her moral
duty to the gods over her duty to the
state and so she firmly declares “I
will bury my brother”.
Ismene on the other hand, is weak
and timid, and this is reflected in her
words “I can do no other but as I am
commanded”.
Antigone is tough and some might
even say she is hard; for example
she says, “if I die for it, what
happiness”. Her hard nature is also
seen in the way she rejects Ismene.
Ismene is feminine, and appears to
be softer. She knows what she
cannot do as a woman, and is
happy with her limitations; “we must
obey in this, or in worse than this”.
Antigone is a courageous tragic
hero who is willing to suffer the
consequences in order to do what is
morally right, what she believes in.
Her courage is shown in her
defiance of the king and his edict
and most importantly in her
fearlessness of death.
Ismene, in this extract, appears to
be lacking in courage; she is afraid
to stand up to men, afraid to stand
up for what she believes in and she
simply justifies her fear by saying
“we are women…. To do more is
madness”.
Other answers possible
Discuss, with supporting evidence, the reasons why Ismene refuses to help bury her brother.
•
Ismene states that “we are women” and thus unable to defy the male patriarch.
•
She states that it is wrong to go against the state.
Discuss, with supporting evidence, the differences in the characters of Ismene and Antigone as portrayed in this
extract.
Ismene
NCEA Level 2 Classical Studies (90247) 2011 — page 10 of 15
Achievement
•
Achievement with Merit
Achievement with Excellence
represents the superiority of the state laws; Antigone the superiority of religious devotion
• makes rational logical arguments; Antigone’s arguments are based on emotion and passion
Antigone
•
is in love with death; Ismene wants to live
•
is determined to play the role of a martyr; Ismene wants an ordinary life
•
is loyal to her family over her own needs; Ismene puts herself first.
(Note: The candidates need to directly compare the two characters. Giving a description of one and not the other,
or describing both in a way that does not relate does not answer the question.)
NCEA Level 2 Classical Studies (90247) 2011 — page 11 of 15
TOPIC TWO: GREEK TRAGEDY
Question Three
Achievement
Achievement with Merit
Achievement with Excellence
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Achievement level.
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Merit level.
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Excellence level.
Discuss the ways in which Creon’s
character changes and develops
in this play
When we first meet Creon he is a
confident, strong leader who is
determined to uphold his edicts.
However, in the end, Creon changes
and becomes weak and lacking in
confidence.
Discuss the ways in which Creon’s
character changes and develops
in this play
When we first meet Creon, he
shows himself to be a confident,
self-controlled leader who believes
that his decrees are consistent with
the will of the gods and is
determined to uphold them in order
to protect his people.
However, when Teiresias makes his
prophecies, Creon changes
direction and even asks his
councillors what he should do; this
shows he is weak and no longer in
control as a leader.
Other answers possible.
Discuss the ways in which Creon’s
character has changed since the
beginning of the play
When we first meet Creon he is
addressing the Theban councillors,
explaining to them his edict and
reasons for it. During this speech he
shows himself to be a confident,
self-controlled and calm leader who
believes that his decrees are
consistent with the will of the gods
and is determined to uphold them in
order to protect his people. His
explanations are plausible and his
values appear noble; therefore he
commands their respect.
When a legitimate argument is
raised against his course of action
by Teiresias, Creon is completely
open to changing course. The tone
of his voice also changes and this
shows that he is no longer confident
and in command. Instead, he now
appears worried and he even asks
his councillors what he should do.
This shows him to be a weak leader
and therefore a far cry from the
strong king that speaks confidently
and with authority to his councillors
at the beginning of the play.
Other answers possible.
Other answers possible.
Discuss, with supporting evidence, how this scene may have been staged in Sophoclean Athens with reference to
how the actors would have made use of the theatre during the performance:
•
the speaking actors on stage
•
the chorus in the orchestra
•
Creon probably entered through the doors in the skene
• Creon may have been dragging the body of Haemon using the ekkyklema.
theatrical conventions:
•
no death shown on stage
•
role of the chorus in drawing out key themes and moving the plot forward
•
use of non-speaking actors (the attendants)
• three speaking actors, changing roles – note: in this play Creon was played by one actor throughout.
costuming:
•
masks with a large mouth and overstated expression with generic features such as ‘young man’
•
generic robes (Haemon) to allow character change
•
more elaborate robes for the protagonist if it was the only role played by an actor (eg Creon)
•
soft actors’ boots
NCEA Level 2 Classical Studies (90247) 2011 — page 12 of 15
Achievement
•
Achievement with Merit
Achievement with Excellence
masks and costumes as Theban elders for the chorus.
Discuss, with supporting evidence, the ways in which Creon’s character has changed since the beginning of the
play.
•
He was arrogant and is now humble.
•
He was ignorant and now has knowledge of himself and the gods.
•
He was obsessed by the power of the state and now respects the gods.
•
He thought power was the most important part of life but now realises family is more important.
NCEA Level 2 Classical Studies (90247) 2011 — page 13 of 15
TOPIC THREE: ROMAN COMEDY
Question One
Achievement
Achievement with Merit
Achievement with Excellence
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Achievement level.
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Merit level.
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Excellence level.
The characterisation of Tranio in this
extract and from other parts of The
Ghost
The characterisation of Tranio in this
extract and from other parts of The
Ghost
The characterisation of Tranio in this
extract and from other parts of The
Ghost
• Tranio has a superior city
attitude especially when dealing
with a country slave he thinks is
beneath him.
• Tranio has a superior city
attitude especially when dealing
with a country slave he thinks is
beneath him, eg he talks down
to Grumio when he asks
“haven’t you got any cattle to
look after in the country?”
• Tranio is depicted as smartmouthed and quick in his
responses, eg pointing out the
lack of logic in Grumio’s
comment about “eating the life
out of him.”
• Grumio implies that Tranio is an
extravagant layabout when he
claims that he “drinks with his
friends all day and night.”
• Grumio also implies that Tranio
is not a good slave.
• Tranio shows inventiveness
when he has to explain to
Theopropides why a voice is
calling from the haunted house.
• Tranio is cunning / manipulative,
when he succeeds in diverting
his master’s anger towards him.
Other answers possible.
• Grumio implies that Tranio is an
extravagant layabout when
claims that he “drinks with his
friends all day and night.”
• Grumio also implies that Tranio
is not a good slave because he
is not looking after his master’s
house and son.
• Tranio shows inventiveness
when he has to explain to
Theopropides why a voice is
calling from the haunted house.
•
Tranio is cunning / manipulative,
when he succeeds in diverting
his master’s anger towards him
by making him leave what he
says is the haunted house.
Other answers possible.
• He has a superior city attitude
especially when dealing with a
country slave he thinks is
beneath him, eg he talks down
to Grumio when he asks
“haven’t you got any cattle to
look after in the country?”
• Grumio implies that Tranio is an
extravagant layabout when
claims that he “drinks with his
friends all day and night.”
• He also implies that he is not a
good slave because he is not
looking after his master’s house
and son the way he has been
entrusted to.
• When Theopropides returns
unexpectedly, Tranio has to
think quickly to get himself out
of trouble with his master, eg he
shows inventiveness when he
has to explain to Theopropides
why a voice is calling from the
haunted house, saying it was “a
dead man crying out because
you knocked at the door”.
• He is disrespectful to his master
when he says “Really, you are
so dense”.
• Tranio is cunning / manipulative,
when he succeeds in diverting
his master’s anger towards him
by making him leave what he
says is the haunted house, then
asking the gods to look down on
his “wonderful wickedness”.
Other answers are possible.
NCEA Level 2 Classical Studies (90247) 2011 — page 14 of 15
TOPIC THREE: ROMAN COMEDY
Question Two
Achievement
Achievement with Merit
Achievement with Excellence
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Achievement level.
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Merit level.
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Excellence level.
The ways in which Philolaches
claims that he and a house are
similar and how these
characteristics are illustrated in the
rest of the play
The ways in which Philolaches
claims that he and a house are
similar and how these
characteristics are illustrated in the
rest of the play
The ways in which Philolaches
claims that he and a house are
similar and how these
characteristics are illustrated in the
rest of the play
•
Once a house is complete, it
needs maintenance. In the play,
Philolaches’ father has been
overseas and Philolaches has
spent this time drinking and
partying.
•
“Rainy weather” sapped the
timbers of a house. Philolaches
equates this with his own
“idleness”. Philolaches has
parties for three or four days on
end and has not considered
what will happen on his father’s
return.
•
•
Once a house is complete, it
needs maintenance or will
become “a ruin”. In the play,
Philolaches’ father has been
overseas for three years and
Philolaches has spent this time
drinking and partying.
•
“Rainy weather” sapped the
timbers of a house. Philolaches
equates this with his own
“idleness”, doing nothing to
repair his character when things
went wrong. Philolaches has
done nothing to restore his
earlier good behaviour, has
parties for three or four days on
end and has not considered
what will happen on his father’s
return.
The flood of the “wet season”
damaging the house was like
love pouring into his soul. In the
play, he has fallen in love with
the slave girl.
•
Other answers possible.
•
Once a house is complete, it
needs maintenance or will
become “a ruin” – a young man
left to his “own devices” will
undo “all the builders’ work”. In
the play, Philolaches’ father has
been overseas for three years
and Philolaches has spent this
time drinking and partying,
destroying the character –
building his parents had done in
his youth.
•
“Rainy weather” sapped the
timbers of a house. Philolaches
equates this with his own
“idleness”, “showers” with his
“sloth” and “hailstorms” with his
“carelessness”, doing nothing to
repair his character when things
went wrong. Philolaches has
done nothing to restore his
earlier good behaviour, has
parties for three or four days on
end, allows people to stay in his
house and has not considered
what will happen on his father’s
return.
The flood of the “wet season”
damaging the house was like
love pouring into his soul. In the
play, he has fallen in love with
the slave girl Philematium.
Other answers possible.
The flood of the “wet season”
damaging the house was like
love pouring into his soul. In the
play, he has fallen in love with
the slave girl Philematium and
paid for her freedom. Love for
her has left him “fit for nothing”
just as “wear and tear” do the
same to a house.
Other points are possible.
•
NCEA Level 2 Classical Studies (90247) 2011 — page 15 of 15
TOPIC THREE: ROMAN COMEDY
Question Three
Achievement
Achievement with Merit
Achievement with Excellence
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Achievement level.
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Merit level.
Here is a sample of part of a
response at Excellence level.
What happens to Palaestra and
Ampelisca at the end of the play and
why Roman audiences would
approve of such an outcome for
both the young women and other
characters
What happens to Palaestra and
Ampelisca at the end of the play and
why Roman audiences would
approve of such an outcome for
both the young women and other
characters
What happens to Palaestra and
Ampelisca at the end of the play and
why Roman audiences would
approve of such an outcome for
both the young women and other
characters
Palaestra is reunited with her
parents, who had lost her when she
was a baby. Palaestra is able to
marry Plesidippus. Plesidippus set
free his slave Trachalio who married
Palaestra’s friend Ampelisca.
The unlikeliness of the events would
have appealed to the Roman
audience. For example:
Palaestra is reunited with her
parents, who had lost her when she
was a baby. They knew she was
their daughter because she had the
trinkets that they had given her.
Palaestra is able to marry
Plesidippus. Plesidippus set free his
slave Trachalio who married
Palaestra’s friend Ampelisca.
The unlikeliness of the events would
have appealed to the Roman
audience. For example:
Palaestra is reunited with her
parents Daemones and Daedalis,
who had lost her when she was a
baby. They knew she was their
daughter because she had the
trinkets that they had given her,
such as the sword and axe with her
parents’ names on them. Palaestra
is able to marry Plesidippus, the
Athenian citizen who had fallen in
love with her earlier. Plesidippus set
free his slave Trachalio who married
Palaestra’s friend Ampelisca, for
whose freedom Daemones had paid
the pimp, Labrax.
•
the happy reunion of parents
and child after so long
•
the young people Palaestra and
Plesidippus, who were in love,
could be together
Gripus the slave gained his
freedom, because he had
indirectly reunited Daemones
with Palaestra by finding the
trunk.
Other answers possible.
•
•
the happy reunion of parents
and child after so long
•
the young people, Palaestra
and Plesidippus, who were in
love, could be together
•
the pimp, a character universally
disliked by Roman audiences,
lost his girl Palaestra
Gripus the slave gained his
freedom, because he had
indirectly reunited Daemones
with Palaestra by finding the
trunk. The good luck coming to
the slave would have appealed
to the audience.
Other answers possible.
•
The unlikeliness of the events would
have appealed to the Roman
audience. For example
•
the happy reunion of parents
and child after so long
•
the young people Palaestra and
Plesidippus, who were in love,
could be together when it had
seemed impossible
•
the pimp, a character
universally disliked by Roman
audiences, lost his girl Palaestra
•
Gripus the slave gained his
freedom, because he had
indirectly reunited Daemones
with Palaestra by finding the
trunk. The good luck coming to
the slave, when in real life this
was not common, would have
appealed to the audience
Other answers are possible.