analyze the Laocoön statue in relation to its depiction in literature, specifically Book 12 of Quintus Smyrnaeus’ Posthomerica, and explore the interplay between visual art and literary narrative.

For this assignment, students will critically analyze the Laocoön statue in relation to its depiction in literature, specifically Book 12 of Quintus Smyrnaeus’ Posthomerica, and explore the interplay between visual art and literary narrative.

The Laocoön statue, is one of the most famous pieces of Greek statuary dating from the Hellenistic period. It represents the tragic death of Laocoön and his sons in the grip of a monstrous serpent sent by the gods. For this assignment, you will write a 1000-1200 word essay assessing the Laocoön statue within the context of the literary account of the same mythological event in Book 12 of the Posthomerica by Quintus Smyrnaeus.

 If you would prefer to read a continuous text, an older (less readable) translation exists in the public domain and can be accessed at https://www.theoi.com/Text/QuintusSmyrnaeus12.html

Your essay should take the form of a cogent argument, grounded in a central thesis. As you think about crafting that argument and what you would like to say by way of critical analysis of these works, consider how you would address the following:

• Consider what the sculptor is able capture and express in visual media that reflect and enhance the themes and emotions described in Book 12 of the Posthomerica. What, if anything, does the statue express more effectively than the poem? How is it successful in this? Would it be as successful without our knowledge of the Laocoon’s story as preserved in works like Posthomerica? How are the themes of the story, as preserved and accessed through literary media, important to the interpretation of the statue? How would you explain to a Brock student not taking 1P95 why the statue is about more than the pain of being bitten by fearsome serpents?
• What themes are emphasized by the statue’s artistic depiction of Laocoön and his sons? How do these themes—such as divine retribution, human suffering, and the clash between knowledge and fate—correspond with the themes presented in Book 12 of the Posthomerica?
• How does the artistic style of the Laocoön statue—its composition, expression, and use of space—affect the viewer’s understanding of the narrative? Consider how the emotional intensity conveyed by the statue complements or enhances the literary portrayal of Laocoön’s fate.

Your essay does not need to respond directly to each of these questions; however, the argument that you present should give some sense that you have reflected on these and similar questions. 

You may use academic sources to support your analysis, including books, journal articles, and scholarly online resources about the Laocoön statue and the Posthomerica but the critical reflection and analysis should be your own and should arise organically out of your thinking about the question prompts above.  

As always, claims should be backed up by references; citation of primary and secondary materials should be in a standard academic style (e.g., MLA, APA, etc). 

Citations of Posthomerica should appear as, e.g., (Smyrn. Posthom. 12.211-24), thereafter, (Posthom. 12. 36-41).

Submission Guidelines:

• Length: At least 800 words
• Format: Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins.