This A Level unit explores the works of two landmark poets of the Western literary canon: Homer and Virgil. The epics of Homer, with their heroes, gods and exciting narratives, have been in continuous study since their conception, and remain popular with learners and teachers today. This component also provides learners with the opportunity to appreciate Virgil’s Aeneid, a cornerstone and landmark in Western literature. Drawing inspiration from Homer, as well as from his own cultural and political context, Virgil explored what it was to be a hero in the Roman world and created a work which has proven enduringly popular.
The unit is 100% examined in one paper, contributing to 40% of a student's grade. They will need to:
demonstrate knowledge of literary works and understanding of how they reflect their cultural context;
analyse and evaluate different interpretations of the themes within the works.