1. Compare and contrast the concepts of fate and free will in The Epic of Gilgamesh, The Iliad and The

Aeneid. How do the characters respond to the divine interventions and prophecies in their lives?

Answer: Fate and free will are central themes in the three epic poems, but they are presented differently in

each work. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, the Mesopotamian hero is driven by his quest for immortality, which

he believes he can achieve by his own actions. However, he also faces the limitations of his human

condition and the inevitability of death, which are imposed by the gods. Gilgamesh struggles to accept his

fate and tries to defy it, but ultimately fails to overcome it. In The Iliad, the Greek hero Achilles is also

motivated by his personal glory and honor, which he pursues through his prowess in war. However, he also

acknowledges the role of the gods in determining the outcome of the Trojan War and his own destiny.

Achilles chooses to follow his fate, even though it means a short and tragic life, rather than compromise his

values. In The Aeneid, the Roman hero Aeneas is guided by his sense of duty and piety, which he derives

from his divine mission to found Rome. He submits to the will of the gods, even though it requires him to

sacrifice his personal happiness and love. Aeneas follows his fate, even though it is difficult and painful,

because he believes it serves a greater purpose.

2. Discuss how the concept of dharma is illustrated in The Bhagavad Gita, The Mahabharata and The

Ramayana. How do the protagonists of these texts balance their social obligations with their moral

principles?

Answer: Dharma is a complex concept in Hinduism that refers to the cosmic order, the moral law and the

individual duty. It is often expressed through the four stages of life (ashramas), the four goals of life

(purusharthas) and the four classes of society (varnas). In The Bhagavad Gita, a part of The Mahabharata,

the warrior Arjuna faces a dilemma between his dharma as a kshatriya (warrior) and his personal

attachments to his relatives and friends, who are on the opposite side of a righteous war. He receives

guidance from Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, who teaches him that he should perform his dharma without

attachment to the results, as a form of selfless service and devotion to God. In The Mahabharata, a larger

epic that narrates the conflict between two branches of a royal family, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, both

sides claim to uphold their dharma as rulers and warriors, but they also resort to deceit and violence to

achieve their goals. The Pandavas are ultimately victorious, but they also suffer great losses and remorse for

their actions. In The Ramayana, another epic that tells the story of Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu, and his

wife Sita, who are exiled from their kingdom by a jealous stepmother, dharma is manifested through their

loyalty, courage and virtue. Rama follows his dharma as a son, a husband and a king, while Sita follows her

dharma as a wife and a mother. They overcome many obstacles and enemies, but they also face challenges

to their relationship and reputation.