Greek+Literature

Greek literature was very Important in Greek culture and showed Greece's focus on reason and individual expression. Greek poems had a very unique style and were written about a wide variety of topics. Different poets wrote about different topics, depending on their likes and dislikes. The majority of poems focused on adventures and the gods, who represent reason. Also, teaching writing skills was very important in schools, and this focus on learning also shows their love for reason. Individual expression is evident in all forms of writing, and in poems it greatly showed because of Greece's unique writing style. Fables were used by public speakers to relate what they are saying to the village. Instead of speakers all sounding the same dry speeches, they illustrated their point and made it come to life. Greek comedies were very popular because they were humorous and ridiculed prominent people. Focus on individual expression is shown through the writer's political views, which were plain to see in comedies. Even though Greek society was mocked and political figures were ridiculed, no uprising occurred and everyone took it light-heartedly, showing the power of reason. Greek tragedies were probably the most famous form of literature. Disaster occurred in each tragedy, but everything always turned out ok, showing their love for reason. Also, it emphasized the point that everyone should be humble and respect the gods. Individual expression was shown through the moral of the play, which was determined by the writer. In all, Greek literature showed many sides of reason and individual expression.

Source: Dijk, Van-Gert. There Were Fables before Aesop: Fables in Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic Greek Literature. Short Story Criticism. 124 (205-214). Gale Group database. micds library, St. Louis, Mo. 10/12/09. 