Classical_Literature

Classical Literature refers to the great masterpieces of the Greek, Roman, and other ancient civilizations. This term is also used for the literature of any language in a period notable for the excellence and enduring quality of the works of its writers. In ancient Greece, the classical period extended from about 500 to 320 BC. Some of the famous works written during such a period are The Creation by Hesiod, the epic The Iliad by Homer, and the tragedy Oedipus, the King by Sophocles. Classical literature reflects the culture and tradition of people during the ancient times. Thus, it is considered as a cultural or historical artifact. But, it has more significance than any other artifacts. It is not simply a work of art. It opens our minds to the world. It introduces us to new experiences and it enables us to discover life through the viewpoint of the authors. Through these experiences and discoveries we acquire, we eventually learn to grow. Timelessness and universality define classical literature. Classical literary works have not lost their significance even in the modern times. They possess the enduring quality which makes them enjoyable for readers of various generations to read. It is true that many of the settings used in these works are no longer applicable to the present but the messages they conveyed are timeless. One factor that makes these classics timeless is that they deal with universal themes which common readers can relate with. Some of these themes include the struggle of man to escape from his destiny, the power of love, pride and selfishness of man, wars and their disastrous effects, indestructible friendship, and great loyalty and heroism. One best example of a classic is the epic poem The Iliad by the blind poet Homer. Though this was written thousands of years ago, this still remains relevant to the present society. Thus, offering poetic memory as a way to transcend the afflictions and losses of history. The epic seems to celebrate war – the Trojan War. This war is a tragic event which resulted because of the greed and lust of man. Even today, such social power articulated in the Iliad occurs. Classical Literature is not taught in school not simply because teachers have a fascination with boring their students. It’s true that these works are no longer applicable to students today, but the message gleaned from these has been able to stand the test of time and has been revered by many for its greatness. Learning about classical literature gave me an opportunity to have an invaluable experience of the people's tradition and culture in the past, their beliefs, and general way of life.