Answer two of the following as usual:
Q1: The Sagas were always written in prose, as a way to capture the down-to-earth speech of the people and to impart legendary events with an air of realism. Discuss other aspects of the style of these tales which make them different from our other readings. How can you tell this isn't supposed to be "high" language (like poetry) but something more "low" and accessible?
Q2: The ethics of this work are the most exotic of all of our readings so far: Signy, for example, callously directs her brother to slay her children and even disguises herself as a sorceress in order to sleep with him. How might this complicate the definition of "heroes" and "protagonists" in this work? What seems to make the "good guys" good, if anything? Do the Volsungs follow a different code than others in the land? Or are they simply stronger/more cunning?
Q3: Though this is a strongly patriarchal world where men fight the battles and rule the kingdoms, women play a surprisingly large role in the story. How do they compare to other women we've seen, particularly in The Odyssey and The Ramayana? Are they variations of Helen of Troy, or do we see a new figure emerge in this story?
Q4: Considering that this work was recorded by a Christian Icelandic scribe from pagan sources, why do you think he/she decided to preserve it? Did they see it as a profound work of literature? A valuable work of history and culture? Or something else? What would prompt a Christian to see something of value in this very dark and (to some) repugnant story?
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