Research Paper on Ancient Greek and Roman Literature: From 800BC to Modern Times

Introduction

The Greek literature traces back from the time of the ancient literature of Greek. The literature started in 800BC and up to the modern literate of Greek that exists currently (Beaton). The literature of ancient Greek got written by the use of an ancient Greek language. The literature varies from the work of the oldest until works from around the 5th century AD (Beaton). The period gets discovered into four further periods. The pre-classical period of literature had many myths. The classical period involved history and some drama. Philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato existed in this particular period. In the time of the Roman period, there were noteworthy improvements in various subjects, which included science, history, and philosophy. The Greek literature referred to as modern gets usually written in the mutual Greek language.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

Roman History of Literature

The literature of Roman history started around the third century BC (Boardman, John, Jasper, and Oswyn). The golden age of the literature got achieved in the time of the rule of Augustus and the starting portion of the Roman Empire. They participated in writing many poems and a lot about history. Additionally, they made many formal speeches and even composed letters. The primary language that got used in ancient times in Rome was Latin (Boardman et al.). The Greek language also got applied because there were many individuals, especially from the eastern part who used the language. Papyrus scrolls got used in the writing of essential documents. A metal pin, which usually got dipped in ink, got applied in writing. Wax tablets also got involved in the writing of temporary works.

Elements of Greek Literature

Plot

Aristotle described the plot as not the story, but the "arrangements of events," or the assembly and demonstration of a given play (Beaton). Furthermore, every incident must be a result of a constructed chain of events. The plot got considered an essential element in Greek literature.

Characters

The characters also got considered essential in Greek literature. Aristotle termed the tragic hero as one that should contain weaknesses and also commit some mistakes. In the literature, the hero does not die at the end of the play.

Thought

The thought got considered the third essential element. Thinking applies to prove where something is to be or not. Thoughts also assist in the revelation of the theme of a given play.

Diction

Diction refers to the manifestation of words' meaning. The words must be appropriate and suitable for the given plot. At the end of the story, the characters and the plot also get displayed.

Song

Song got considered the chorus' musical element. According to Aristotle, the chorus should get included in a given play similarly to a given actor. The chorus also should assist in unifying the plot.

Spectacle

Spectacle got considered the last one since it is not very much connected with literature. The effects of spectacle usually have more dependence on the art rather than the author. According to Aristotle, poets considered to be superior have a reliance on a play's structure instead of the spectacle in the arousing of panic and pity.

Elements of Roman Literature

The Roman Empire got considered one of the historical most essential (Boardman et al.). However, they applied the Greek culture in most of their work, including literature. The genres of literature even got directly adopted by the Romans. As time went by, the literature got modified by the authors using their styles. The characterization got aimed at making the literature become a mechanism in the roman state (Boardman et al.). The government also influenced the opinions of the public through the oral diffusion of the literature. Therefore, literature got applied to segregate individuals because it was only the lawyers who got allowed to have access. The ordinary individuals consequently had to follow what the rulers dictated for them. Most of the roman authors preferred to remain anonymous. The literature of the Romans was prepared by great authors, who have big names in society until now.

Carpe Diem

Horace came up with the poem entitled carpe diem. The translation of the phrase to Latin means "seize the day" (Boardman et al.). The phrase has grown to become a life philosophy. Since the establishment of the poem, it has been shown as essential in the life of people. Individuals, through the phrase, have been advised to live their lives. Telling individuals to seize their day is a piece of essential advice for them that can help them in their lives. Carpe diem can get applied as a phrase urging individuals to keep loving, as they can conquer anything g that comes in their way. The life philosophy can help people in achieving great happiness in their lives.

The Iliad

Sometimes, it gets referred to as the "song of the ilium." The song got established during a time of war and a siege that lasted ten years in Troy (Beaton). The Greek states formed a coalition to overcome the battle. The story covers only a few years before the war came to an end. However, the Iliad mentions most of the legends of Greece who fought the war. Additionally, it talks about the siege, the factors that led to the war, and other concerns of that time. The narrative then predicts the future, for instance, the collapse of Troy. The Iliad gets referred to as a complicated poem.

Importance

Reading about both cultures is essential to us because it reminds us of the world that surrounds us. The two cultures are essential because reading them helps learners to understand the vital roles that they played. For instance, the Greek culture is vital for humans because it contributed to some critical areas. Such areas include philosophy, medicine, and also mathematics. The roman culture is also essential for the Romans came up with useful ideas on governance and law. The reason for this is that the Roman Empire was big and thus need for the invention of governance tactics.

Works Cited

Beaton, Roderick. An introduction to Modern Greek literature. Clarendon Press, 1999.

Boardman, John, Jasper Griffin, and Oswyn Murray, Eds. The Oxford history of the Roman world. Oxford Paperbacks, 2001.