The Discovery of Ancient Greek Civilization Ideals Through Greek Literature Essay Example

will to pursue justice, regardless of the circumstances. This is exemplified in Achilles' determination to avenge Patroclus' death, as depicted in the Iliad. Additionally, Sophocles' play "Antigone" also showcases traits that were admired by Greeks, beginning with the death of Thebes' king, Oedipus.

The tragic events continue when Oedipus' two sons, Polynices and Eteocles, engage in a fight over the throne, resulting in both their deaths. Subsequently, Creon, Oedipus' brother-in-law, assumes the crown and issues a decree forbidding the burial of Polynices. According to Creon, Eteocles was the rightful heir. Antigone, Oedipus' daughter, chooses to defy the decree and bury her brother, leading to her own tragic death.

Once again, the play highlights the principles ingrained within olden Greek culture. The Greeks upheld individual rights to a higher degree over laws established by monarchs, as they favored direct democracy over authoritarian rule or elitist oligarchies. Despite being predominantly male-dominant, the Greeks still held great reverence for strong women, such as Antigone. Antigone herself chose to disobey the king's edict in burying her brother, opting instead to follow divine law instead of human law. Compliant with the customs of the era, this would have been esteemed by society, as the people would have valued serving the gods above adhering to laws shaped by humans.

Regarding the powerful ideals cherished by the ancient Greeks, the play "Antigone" serves as a notable example. Greek literature serves as a clear avenue to uncover the values held dear by this civilization. From respecting the "gods' laws" to celebrating the strong will of women and pride in physical strength, works like Sophocles' "Antigone" and Homer's "Iliad" provide vivid illustrations of

these ideals. These values continue to endure beyond the Golden Age of Greece.

Today's society, particularly western culture, is still heavily influenced by the art, philosophy, and science of Ancient Greece. Therefore, we can find these ideals even now. This idea is expressed by nineteenth-century poet Percy Shelley who said "We are all Greeks."