Ancient Greek & Roman Literary and Philosophical Legacies
Greek Epic: Homer and Hesiod
Greek epic is a narrative genre that recounts the heroic deeds and cultural traditions of a people. Representatives:
- Homer: Although we have no information about his person, he is considered the most important author of two epics: The Iliad and The Odyssey. These two poems extol the glory of ancient heroes. The religious presence is constant, featuring divine interventions and prayers. The Homeric poems are considered two fundamental pillars of universal literature.
- Hesiod: He wrote two important poems, Theogony and Works and Days, belonging to the didactic epic genre, with clear moral, religious, and didactic content.
Greek Lyric Poetry: Sappho’s Monody
The term ‘lyric’ designated poetry sung and accompanied by a lyre or any other musical instrument. Its subjects were the poet’s own feelings. Representative:
- Sappho: Authored poems of a loving character. She is the highest representative of monodic lyric (interpreted by a soloist).
Ancient Greek Drama: An Introduction
The term refers to the creation and dramatic representation of theatrical works. Drama was the literary form par excellence in the classical Athenian period. It has two subgenres: tragedy and comedy, both written in verse.
Greek Tragedy: Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides
Tragedy presents conflict; its characters are important people. It uses elevated language, and its ending is always fatal or tragic. Great authors:
- Aeschylus: Considered the creator of tragedy.
- Sophocles: In his work, he addresses the relationship between man and the gods. His work Oedipus Rex is a highlight.
- Euripides: He always raises human problems; he shows heroes and gods with the same defects as mortals.
Greek Comedy: Aristophanes’ Satire
Comedy deals with everyday life. Its characters are ordinary people, it has a happy ending, and uses colloquial language. The foremost representative of Greek comedy was Aristophanes, characterized by his fantasy, satirical wit, and mocking humor.
The Fable: Aesop’s Moral Tales
A fable is a short narrated story in which imaginary anecdotes are presented, usually featuring animals that act as humans. It has a moralizing intention; a moral lesson often appears at the end of the fable. Aesop finalized this genre with the creation of his fables.
Greek Historiography: Herodotus, Thucydides
History as a literary genre emerged in the 5th century BC. It recounts past events in order that they may be remembered in the future. Historians:
- Herodotus: Considered the creator of history in Greece. He used personal compilations of data for his history. His work covers the formation of the Persian Empire and the development of the Greco-Persian Wars.
- Thucydides: The best Greek historian. He wrote a work titled History of the Peloponnesian War, a conflict in which he participated as a general.
- Strabo: Historian and geographer. He devotes a book of his Geographica to the Iberian Peninsula.
Greek Philosophy: Plato and Aristotle
The desire to know and explain everything led the Greeks to write about the different branches of knowledge. Key figures:
- Plato: An important figure of thought for all times. His influence on subsequent philosophy has been substantial.
- Aristotle: A pupil of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. He had a great influence on later writers and thinkers, especially in the Middle Ages.
Greek Oratory: The Art of Demosthenes
The term refers to the composition and pronunciation of discourses. Political oratory constituted a normal activity in classical Greece. The most eloquent orator was Demosthenes. He confronted Philip II of Macedon and his son Alexander with his Philippics.
Plato’s Later Focus (Context: Roman Bust)
(The original text begins this section with “PHOTO: ROMAN BUST:”)
Plato’s political vocation is unquestionable, although after his failures, he centered his hopes in the Academy, an institution he created as a scholar.
Latin Theatre: Plautus, Terence, Seneca
Some Latin playwrights composed tragedies and comedies, imitating Greek themes and authors. Most representative authors:
- Plautus: The best Latin playwright. The principal value of his comedies is their witty and spontaneous language. He wrote 21 comedies; The Pot of Gold (Aulularia) is a highlight.
- Terence: His comedies are like those of Plautus but present a more refined description of characters, an educational and moral message, and more delicate and less vulgar language.
- Seneca: The major Latin author of tragedies, which he wrote in imitation of Greek tragedy. Medea is a highlight.