Greek Literature
...once
commented that all philosophy is but a footnote to Plato . A similar point can
be made regarding Greek literature as a whole.
Over a period of more than ten centuries, the ancient Greeks created a
literature of such brilliance that it has rarely been equaled and never
surpassed. In poetry, tragedy, comedy, and history, Greek writers created
masterpieces that have inspired, influenced, and challenged readers to the
present day.
To suggest that all Western literature is no more than a footnote to the
writings of classical Greece is an exaggeration, but it is nevertheless true
that the Greek world of thought was so far-ranging that there is scarcely an
idea discussed today that was not debated by the ancient writers. The only body
of literature of comparable influence is the Bible.
The language in which the ancient authors wrote was Greek. Like English,
Greek is an Indo-European language; but it is far older. Its history can be
followed from the 14th century BC to the present. Its literature, therefore,
covers a longer period of time than that of any other Indo-European language .
Scholars have determined that the Greek alphabet was derived from the
Phoenician alphabet. During the period from the 8th to the 5th century BC, local
differences caused the forms of letters to vary from one city-state to another
within Greece. From the 4th century BC on, however, the alphabet became uniform
throughout the Greek world.
CLASSICAL PERIOD
There are four major periods of Greek literature: preclassical, classical,
Hellenistic-Roman, and Byzantine. Of these the most significant works were
produced during the preclassical and classical eras.
Epic Tradition
At the beginning of Greek literature stand the two monumental works of Homer,
the 'Iliad' and the 'Odyssey'. The figure of Homer is shrouded in mystery.
Although the works as they now stand are...
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