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Development Of Socially Normative Ideals And Identities Through Epic Story Telling

576 Words3 Pages

Sydney A. Hall
Dr. Brien Garnand
Interdisciplinary Humanities: Greece and Rome M/W/F 10:10-11:00
29 January 2017

Similar Themes in Greek and Roman Literature: The Development of Socially Normative Ideals and Identities Through Epic Story Telling Aeneas, Odysseus, and Achilles, the main protagonists of the Aeneid, the Odyssey, and the Iliad depict similar facets of Greek and Roman society. The histories of both societies can, accordingly, be closely interwoven, as much of Roman society was influenced by Greek nationalism. In this way, Greek and Roman epic literature was used as a blueprint for the values and ideals of society at the time. All three parallel through their depictions of national identities, exemplary heroes (and by extension, the archetypal ideal for a model citizen), and the antithesis of such (the out-group). …show more content…

Both shields are a manifestation of Greek and Roman culture. As depicted in the Iliad, as it is Zeus fashions a shield that depicts all areas of life (Homer 485-490). Similarly the shield of Aeneas is forged in Book VIII 370-406 of the Aeneid when Venus shows concern for Aeneas's safety just as Thetis did for Achilles in the Iliad., enlisting the help of Vulcan for new weaponry to be made for Aeneas prior to the war (Virgilius 307-453). The construction of the shields parallel the important aspects of society on the opposing sides of the Trojan War and are vital in shaping

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In conclusion, the Iliad presents readers a mystical world with double duality through the god's intervention in the Trojan War. The inner layer is the conflicts between Achaians and Trojans, while the outer layer is the opposition between mortals and immortals. The duality of gods and humans gives the readers a new perspective of considering the world of the Iliad, in which human beings, regardless their nationality, can be seen as an entity. The new perspective places mortal's value system in an equivalent position with god's will when mortal decides their active movement. The intervention also transforms the reader's attitudes towards heroes, especially Achilles, Hektor, and Diomedes, who reveal their persistence in either moral value or

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The Romans emerged from Italy and formed their culture that can find its roots among an array of native tribes and Greek colonies that populated Italy. There are two parts of the foundation of a Roman’s identity that stemmed from the cultural influences that produced the Romans, their culture and their ideals. The first component of the foundation of the Roman identity is the usage and the incorporation of others’ myths into their own etiological myth. The second part stems from these myths that made the Romans believe that their existence and success was the result of fate. By looking into Virgil’s Aeneid and Sallust’s Conspiracy of Catiline one can see that this two-part foundation produced a society and people that embodied this idea that they were the best parts of all the cultures

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The pathos and ethos of cultures is often discernable in literary narratives as expressions of the sentiment of approval or disapproval. Thus, the impact of literary narratives on cultures cannot be understated; the arts do impact and influence culture in both positive and negative ways. This is not a new phenomenon and can be observed in cultures as early as 6 Century B.C. and can be traced throughout human history. An example of this can be seen in Homer’s Odyssey, in which there are certain characters within the narrative that portray what is known as “arete.” Arete is viewed as a desirable character trait which some define as the display of perseverance, quick-wittedness, prowess, valor, etc.

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When the poet Virgil wrote the national epic The Aeneid between 29 and 19 BC, all written works and conduits for creative expression were monitored by Roman ruler Augustus Caesar – a real-life contention between passion and control. Throughout the excerpt on pages 139 and 140 of Fagle’s translation (which covers themes such as fate, the gods, and divine intervention, and piety), Virgil explores the underlying theme of conflict between desire and duty, emotion, and reason. Exploring irony, the comparison of Dido and Aeneas’ traits, and pietas being a decision, Virgil shows Aeneas to be a flawed, enigmatic epic Roman hero who personifies the human conflict – passion versus control – of the Aeneid and the Roman empire itself. To begin with, it’s

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Greek culture was taken and given a Roman twist as seen with the mythological

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Throughout book 18 of the Iliad, we are told in great detail of Achilles magnificent shield. Achilles decides to go into battle, but Hector has his armor. His mother, Thetis, hears his cries and comes down to him. He asks her to find armor that is stronger than his armor that Hector has taken. Thetis goes up to Hephaistos and requests him to make this armor as fast as he can.

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In Homer’s “The Odyssey” the traces and nuances of this pursuit can be found in the very structure and hierarchy of Ancient Greece. Through his storytelling, Homer paints a vivid picture of adventure and wonder, but even while Homer tries to deliver an

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Rome on the other hand was not so lucky when it comes to new ideas, and talent among the art forms. Rome’s primary focus and strongpoint was law, government, and military affairs. Homer was believed to be the creator of epic poetry. “Homer’s poetry had embraces all social levels, … his authority and influence approached… a modern combination of television, Shakespeare, and the Bible” (44). This type of broad span of cultural influence is no wonder why he is so famously known around the world, and a huge contributor the Greek culture.

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It can be seen as a trend throughout history that stories reflect a society’s culture and values. One of the most memorable and inspirational civilization that made a substantial contribution to literature was Greece. Sophocles, a renowned Greek playwright, is beloved for his dramatic and action-filled plays that effectively satisfied the ancient audience. In Sophocles’ tragic play, Oedipus the King, the main character, Oedipus finds difficulty proclaiming his purpose against the fate bestowed upon him by the gods. Alongside his struggling, the values and cultural aspects of the Greeks emerge, reflecting their views on society during that time period at which the play was produced.

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The Ancient Greeks value specific qualities in a person however they did not value other. Ancient Greeks valued these qualities based on certain achievements or on a performances in war or even inside the city walls making substantial decisions. The Iliad is a epic novel by the Greek poet Homer. The Iliad is based off of the Trojan war between the Achaeans led by King Agamemnon and the Trojans led by King Priam of Troy. This novel focuses on the actions of several characters and how the disparate gods interfered with the war to help one or the other side have a chance to win.

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Aeneas being a decedent from Troy and thus is he seen as an associate of the royal house of Troy. In the Iliad Aeneas is an important warrior in the Trojan war. However, Aeneas most significant role is through Virgil’s Aeneid, where Virgil made the arrival and settlement of Aeneas in Italy the main theme in his story. Aeneas was born near to tear, on mount Ida, he was given to his father Archallis at the age of five. During the Trojan war he lead the troops of Dardanian, but still under Hectors demands.

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The contrasting intent between the two poems are heightened within the description of the hero's’ shields. Aeneas’ shield portrays the glorious accomplishments that future Rome will achieve.(Mastin). His shield solely revolves around the future of Rome. But Achilles shield is more cynical, it depicts what was occuring during the Siege of Troy and seems to mostly display the detriment of war. (“Iliad”).Considering that The Aeneid is political propaganda, it should come as no surprise to the reader that Aeneas’ shield caters to the Roman delusion that their empire is

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