Representations of Greek Change in Literature - Essay Example

Representations of Greek Change in Literature Introduction The content that was written in literature was one that was based on the changes and phenomena that was a part of the Greek world in this specific time period. Each of the artistic works showed how the society was beginning to transition with thoughts and concepts related to their culture and beliefs. Three of the most important changes that can be seen in the literature included the philosophical ideas of religion, political alterations and the cultural values that one was expected to live by. Each of these created a different understanding of one’s livelihood as well as what was acceptable within society. Philosophies and Religion The philosophies that were a part of the changes of this time began with an understanding of the several gods that were a part of the culture. This began to alter with several philosophies and debates that were a part of the time period. One of the ways that this can be seen is through “The Republic” by Plato. The beginning part of this book shows the debate between several religious principles and morals, as well as how these contradicted ideas in society. Socrates, throughout this book, represents the new thought, which includes an understanding of justice, happiness and a questioning of morals and truth. This is opposed to other characters, such as Glaucon, who show the old ideas in society and how they no longer work with functioning in society. For instance, in an opening debate, Socrates and Glaucon begin to debate over the different concepts of wealth and how this can lead to justices or injustice. Glaucon states, “If, Socrates, we are to be guided at all analogy of the preceding instances, than justice is the art which gives good to friends and evil to enemies” (Plato, 42). These types of debates would move through the religious concepts of justice as well as how they pertained to society, specifically to determine new types of morals that were being looked into during this time frame. While this particular concept was seen from one viewpoint, it could also be noted that the debates with morals and philosophies appeared to have more tensions in society. For instance, “The Clouds” by Aristophanes, is based on the works of Plato and specifically with the ideologies that Socrates represents. The play begins with the son Strepsiades, who is devoted to go to the school of Socrates, known as the Thinkery. This becomes a debate when Strepsiades sees goddesses and representations of clouds, which come to tell him truth outside of the Thinkery. This becomes the main conflict of the play, specifically because of the altering attitudes. Several of the debates arise when one is seen performing immoral behavior. This moves into superior and inferior arguments within the Thinkery, as well as debates from the Clouds. This specific concept shows how one of the prevailing concepts of the time was linked to the attitude toward the gods and the higher powers, as opposed to the philosophical debates based on the morality of man. Political Changes The second major change that can be seen from the Greek literature is related to the political changes of the time. From these pieces, it can be seen that warfare and the desire to conquer land was one of the ruling parts of this culture. More importantly, the politics moved into debates about how to handle different political issues, not only with conquering land, but also with ruling over a state. These two central parts of Greek society began to alter at this time with a questioning of how to alter the functioning of justice, a democratic society and the attributes that were a part of politics. One of the ways that the idea of politics can be seen is through the play of Euripedes, “The Trojan Women.” This play is set during the Peloponnesian War, one of the most famous battles of the time. There is a specific focus on the capture of the island of Aegean, as well as the slaughter of Melos. This represents the attitude toward war, which was based on capturing and slaughtering another area for the land. This is followed by the main point of the story, which is based on the women of Troy and what occurs with the death of their men, specifically because they are forced to become slaves for the other side. Focusing on the suffering of the women, as well as the slavery and complications during this time, is a representation of the cultural changes of the time. This shows the controversies of conquering land and going to war and also shows the complications of politics and the persuasion that occurred in culture. The combination of slaughter in war, as well as the behind the scenes controversies with Helen and the manipulation of politics from women, shows the controversies as a part of politics during this time. Cultural Values The third concept that is seen in each of the text is based on the cultural values that were represented during each time frame. The cultural values include changing roles of those in society. Gender was one of the alternative concepts that were beginning to become questioned, specifically with the patriarchal society that is seen in each of the texts. This is followed by an understanding of status, specifically with the boundaries that were seen between royalty and the common people of Greece. The royalty is often focused on, not only with the values and ideals of having attributes, but were also recognized with the corruption and the inability to have a sense of leadership. The culture that played a part in this showed the attitudes and the culture that was a part of the time period. Each of the books focuses on the way that culture played a part in the attitudes and changes that were in the books. For instance, “Corcyra” relates directly to the wars of the time, showing a political sense of what was occurring during the time. However, there is not only a focus on the political tensions from war, but also the cultural values that were a part of this. The story includes a focus on the roles of women, the ideas of the war and the political leadership of the time. This is similar to “The Trojan Women,” which shows the same role of women in society as a secondary component. The women, without their husbands, become slaves and are unable to build within society. However, the play also notes that the women that were in royalty, such as Helen, were able to manipulate and change the outcome of the war while altering the way that political leaders ruled. This shows the juxtaposed concepts of women in society, as well as cultural values that linked to the understanding of politics and the corruption that followed. The idea of cultural value was one that continued with the ideas of status in society. Each of the pieces of literature represents an idea of royalty and how it was a part of the decisions and lifestyle of each. This was one that was valued not only because of the basic rulings, but also was determined by intellect and value. For instance, in “The Clouds,” there is a subtle statement about the idea of status. The son that goes to The Thinkery is considered of a higher status because of the amount of knowledge that he has. This is followed by his ability to connect to those who are in a hierarchy within the school. This shows that the status of the time was changing from royalty, specifically because of the corruption that was a part of politics, to an understanding of what it meant to be held in high esteem and to have a specific status within society. The Greek literature that is a part of this time period is one that shows change and questioning on several levels. It can be seen that society questioned ideas of philosophies and morals both from the perspective of religion and intellect. This was combined with questions of the political agendas because of the barbaric influences that were a part of the culture. The last part to this includes an understanding of the cultural changes of the time, specifically with women and status. The literature represents a questioning of where each individual in society should stand, and also asked what the morals and values should be during this time of change. Works Cited 1. Aristophanes. The Clouds. Oxford University Press: UK, 1970. 2. Euripedes. The Trojan Women. Cambridge University Press: UK, 2007. 3. Plato. The Republic. Abe Books: New York, 1908. Read More