Ancient+and+Modern+Greek+Literature

By Chris
 * Ancient and Modern Greek Literature**

The Greeks reinvented literature as we know it. They had their own style and complexity of stories. The Greeks were famous for epic poems and their philosophy. In this wiki I am going to compare and contrast the Greeks modern literature and ancient literature.

What was Greek literature like in ancient times? In ancient Greek literature there were many different forms of text. Forms and topics of this period include scholarly and popular epic songs celebrating acts of heroism; long compositions; romance, but these genres rooted in the Roman imperial ages. Ancient stories reviving mythical and historical figures such as Achilles and Theseus and [|Alexander the Great]. Other books concerned with philosophy and the allegory of daily life, with birds and animals taking the spotlight. Although back in ancient Greek times they had an era when they were invaded by romans. This caused the Hellenistic age. Basicly it is roman influesned literature. The poetry during this time was based on the catholic religion.

How has Greek literature changed since ancient times? In modern day Greek literature their style has changed. There is not as much mythology incorporated with their writings. Also through the ages a much narrower choice of genre happened. In result the genres ignores autobiography, memoirs, travel writing, essays, criticism, and even theater. Some pros of this change of heart in remapping the genres allow a better focus on its more deep areas like poetry and [|prose].

Why was the Odyessy one of the most influential epic poems of ancient greece? One of the most famous poems ever in Greece was the Odyssey. The Odyssey is one of two major ancient Greek epic poems written by Homer. Its a sequel to the Iliad, the other work written by Homer. The poem is essential to modern and ancient Greek literature. Like in Chinese culture, the Greeks like to tell stories over and over in various ways. Determined to them as an epic poem, or story. The Odyessy is placed in a ten year period after the trojan war. Odysseus, the main charater, is cursed to a ten year voyage home after thaking credit for Posidens work. On his journey home he runs into gods, beasts, cyclopes, and many more. I can see why this is a major part of the creative era of Greek literature.

How do ancient and modern Greek poetry differ? How are they the same? Poetry for the Greeks was a major part of their literature. In ancient times it was epic poetry, long stories. Instead of rhyming " Roses are red, Violets are blue." Modern Greek literature is about daily activity and not about killing cyclopes. Some ways that they are the same is that they are still valued equally if you are a good writer. Also poetry and prose are both major importance in modern and ancient literature.

How did the ancients Greeks literature change from ancient times to modern times? Over a period of time, the ancient Greeks created a literature that has its own style and originality. In poetry, tragedy, comedy, and history, Greek writers created genius writings that have inspired, and influenced readers even today! A British philosopher Alfred North Whitehead said "All philosophy is but a footnote to Plato." Back then they didn't write as many normal poems. Their main fancy was epic poems (long stories). Now they like poems and prose.

The Greeks definitely set the bar for literature. Modern Greek literature has definitely changed since the times of the odyssey, from epic poems to rhymes and riddles. I researched this because instead of focusing on something like mythology or weapons I wanted to go off the beaten path.

___

See W. Barnstone, ed., //Eighteen Texts: Writings by Contemporary Greek **(1972); E. Keeley and P. Bien, ed.,** Modern Greek (1972); C. A. Trypanis,// Greek **(1981).** Poetry from Homer to Sefaris //**Writers Authors**// R. Beaton, "//An Introduction to Modern Greek Literature//", Oxford University Press, USA, 1999. Beye, Charles. "Ancient Greek Literature and Society." New York: Cornell University Press, 1987. Web. Hadas, Moses. "A History of Greek Literature." New York: Columbia University Press, 1950. Web. Whitmarsh, Tim. "Ancient Greek Literature." New York: Cambridge: Polity Press, 2004. Web. Wright, Anne. //Philosophy and Writing//. Armonk, NY: Sharpe Focus, 2008. Print.