Compare and contrast the rape of Io by Jove and the rape of Philomela by Tereus.

English and Literature

Paper instructions:
• Concisely paraphrase both stories using proper citation.
o Your citation belongs either after a direct quote or what you are paraphrasing
o An example of correct citation: (Ovid, Met. II. 375-404).
• Provide concrete examples from the primary sources by use of direct quotation and/or summary
• Discuss the difference in the language used to describe the rape scenes
• Discuss why the rapes could be different due to the divine status of Jove vs. the mortal status of Tereus
• Discuss how such a myth could be didactic, i.e. used to reinforce social values or teach a lesson
• Discuss the ‘significant other’ in both cases and what role they play in the myth (Hera and Procne)
• Comment on how such myths can teach us about Greek and Roman civilization, culture, and religion