Literature reflects changes in the empire - Democratic
government, class warfare forced change Connects diverse
city-states Writing developed out of necessity -Previously spoken
word was dominant Model for later periods -Both in literature,
politics, and culture Historical Parallels
Slide 4
Authors formed dramatic scenes within their literature.
Dramatic scenes were used as a form of entertainment. -A majority
of poems and plays contained dramatic scenes. Highlighted the flaws
of the characters thoughts and actions to create dramatic scenes.
Tenet #1:
Slide 5
Danae and Perseus - Simonides Oh son, what unbearable pain Im
in! (Simonides). And you dont sense my despair! (Simonides). And
let this torment end! (Simonides). Where can you find this
Tenet?
Slide 6
Greek Mythology was the basis of many pieces of literature.
Fully developed in 700s B.C. Belief: their gods were immortal and
controlled all aspects of nature. Three classic pieces of
mythological literature: Theogony (Hesiod) Iliad (Homer) Odyssey
(Homer) Tenet #2:
Slide 7
Winter- Alcaeus Zeus is pouring; heavy storm is coming from the
sky, and the water streams turn to ice (Alcaeus). "Iliad" - Homer -
Setting takes place at Olympus - Refers to characters as sons of
the gods - The weather was based off the gods emotions Where can
you find this Tenet?
Slide 8
Comedy and tragedy were popular genres for plays. Comedy: The
first comedies satirical and mocked men for their vanity and
foolishness. Tragedy: Dealt with the big themes of love, loss, and
the fraught relationships between men and gods. Tenet #3:
Slide 9
The three great playwrights of tragedy were Aeschylus,
Sophocles, and Euripides. Comic episodes were felt to be out of
place in a Greek drama, and therefore when a tragic scene had taken
place, the Chorus followed it by a song of poetry. In one play of
Euripides, a scene of tragedy was followed by a song in which the
Chorus prayed for escape from such sorrows on the wings of a bird
to a land where all was peace and beauty. Ex: Could I take me to
some cavern for mine hiding, In the hill-tops where the Sun scarce
hath trod; Or a cloud make the home of mine abiding, As a bird
among the bird-droves of God. Tenet #3 (cont.)
Slide 10
Artist emphasized the beauty of realistic portrayals of the
human form. -Art and sculpture served on the whole to glorify human
achievement -Even though much of the Greek art was meant to honor
gods, those very gods were created in the image of humans Tenet
#4:
Slide 11
Features an armed Athena on the principal side, and the
athletic event, a chariot race, on the reverse. The goddess is
depicted with her characteristic aegis, a goatskin bordered with
snakes, helmet, shield, and spear. Panathenaic prize amphora
Slide 12
Poetry and Plays emerge as the dominant form of literature
Poems: Epic Narrative-elevated style, heroic achievement emphasized
Ex: Homers The Odyssey Odysseus symbolizes the ideal honor and
superiority Lyric Poetry-sung, usually satirical Tenet #5:
Slide 13
Plays: Available to every member of society Masks usually worn
by the actors Key to cultural identity Ex: Sophocles Oedipus Summit
of dramatic achievement Literary discussion of human psychology and
motivations
Slide 14
The arts were highly stylized, often overly dramatic Ornate
language, emphasis on human capability in comparison to others Ex:
But you, O Dika, wreathe lovely garlands in your hair, Weave shoots
of dill together, with slender hands, For the Graces prefer those
who are wearing flowers, And turn away from those who go uncrowned.
-Sapphos Where can you find this tenet? Tenet #6:
Slide 15
After an overview of all the tenets, how can you revise your
original interpretation of each poem? Discussion
Slide 16
"Ancient Greek Texts from the Epic and Lyrical Poetry of the
8th-6th Century B.C." Ancient Greek Texts from the Epic and Lyrical
Poetry of the 8th-6th Century B.C. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2014.
"Greece, A History of Ancient Greece, Mythology." Greece, A History
of Ancient Greece, Mythology. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2014. Greek
Art. Greek Art. N.p., n.d Web. 05 Nov. 2014 Greek Literature.
Britannica School. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Nov. 2014 "Greek Mythology."
History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2014.
Guisepe, Robert. A History of Ancient Greece Historyworld.org
N.p.,1998 web. 05 Nov. 2014 Works Cited