This essay explores the relevance of ancient authors in modern times. The assignment 1 essay topic reads: "Using the internet and Study Unit for some ideas, comment on whether you agree that Homer, and by the same token Vergil, should still be read and studied today."
Virgil and Homer
Assignment 1
Using the internet and Study Unit for some ideas, comment on whether you
agree that Homer, and by the same token Vergil, should still be read and studied
today.
As William Faulkner once said, “The past is not dead, it’s not even past.”
It may sound surprising to some that plays and poems dating back to ancient times should
be applicable in our modern age. However, hisstory evidently repeats itself time and time again,
and Virgil and Homer dealt with many issues that are equally relevant today, ones we can all
relate to on a universal level, no matter our background, very one of us can take away from the
works of these extraordinary authors of the past.
The Epics paved way for enormous growth in education. Through exploring many of the
key elements addressed and relating them to the present, we gain greater understanding. These
works are also structural masterpieces and fantastic materials to study in order to further our
understanding of the many elements and origins of phenomenal poetry. The Epics also help
piece together the ancient world and gauge how those in power were viewed, ethics, etiquette and
dress of the age. So much history lies between their pages, a treasure trove for avid historians.
The Homeric epics have been read as moral tales of adventure. They deal with heroes and
their traits displayed in battles against unimaginable enemies. In short, good versus evil. The
heroes respect towards the gods plays a pivotal role and may be likened to our conscience and the
concept of fate, gratitude and karma. The epics also reflect how we need to expand our minds to
incorporate the traditions of other cultures. The world is filled with different people, and aiming
to understand others furthers our progression. Hope, trust and forgiveness are other prominant
CLS2604 !1
, themes in Homeric works, dealing with what it means to be human including all the messiness
and beauty of love and character-types that define every community in this very day.
The incredible part about these classic pieces of literature, is that everyone gains unique
insight from reading them, and that will never go out of style. Understanding and comparing
parts of the past to the present is essential in order to secure a brighter future, and Epic poetry is
a great place to start.
Bibliography:
Websites
CLS2604 !2
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller GabriellePollock. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $6.19. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
