Greek culture-2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Greek culture-2 - Essay Example er moral or amoral men, is extensive, and even baffling that the authors were able to compact the many sins that mankind would be enticed to commit into single, albeit epic, poetics. There are relationships between the two works, such as the power of Perseus, in Metamorphoses, to turn his enemies to stone; and that of Poseidon coming to the rescue of the Odysseus, turning the threat of the seafaring ship that pursued them to stone. All of these representations speak to the issue of how men conduct themselves in society in ways that demonstrate their responsibility to themselves, and especially in service to others. Each work uses the fulfillment of prophecy to serve as cautionary tales to the reader, to the communities within which the works would be offered and read by; to serve as guidance in the choices that the people of those societies made for themselves. There are instances of loyalty in both works, supporting the population’s sense of loyalty to kingdom (society), and home (family). In the Odyssey, Odysseus is favored by the Gods, but he is dependent upon the loyalty of his mortal men who support him, protect him, and stand with him against the forces of evil. The slaves in his household are loyal to the master, Odysseus, and work to support and protect his household from the suitors who would steal that most precious to Odysseus, his home, wife and property. The social significance of these themes would be no different, really, in ancient societies than they are in modern societies. In order for men and women to prevent chaos, to lead quality lives, it requires loyalty and supporting one another in civic endeavors. To the extent that prophecy was an important and recurring element of ancient literature, is no different than in modern society where ancient, Biblical, and other ancient prophecies (Mayan 2012 calendar); impact the psyche of the population in compelling the population to make moral choices. The ancient myths serve to remind modern