Literature has known to transcend time and offer a historical lens in which world cultures are understood. The analysis of the ancient and medieval texts enhance free exchange of ideas and information and how they clarify our modern times as well as our age. The intellect and motivation behind their composition has also been the basis of analytical and critical thinking in the contemporary world literature. Of key emphasis are the ancient and medieval literature texts by Homer and Shakespeare respectively in this paper. The two authors are revered in the world literature circles with much of their work having much impact on the modern day literature.
Homer’s The Iliad is one of the literal pieces that help construct events surrounding the Trojan War. The work is believed to be derived from Greek oral tradition that Homer was keen to convert into text. The Iliad, a combination of a number of epics, was written in 760-710BC. The book acted as the background story of the war deeds committed by heroes and villains. Being one of the most enduring European texts, it has been integral in shaping Western civilization minds. The literature has been hailed as integral for many civilizations in their quest to understand war. Its emphasis on glory, honor and martial competency can be linked to the creation of the war culture over the centuries. For instance, Alexander the Great is said to have been an admirer of Homer’s work, The Iliad that had bestowed to him by Aristotle. This gave the literature much reverence in his battle inspiration and engagements.
The Iliad is centrally focused on an individual, Achilles and his battle prowess. The individualism depicted has a strong influence in the contemporary world that has continued to embrace individualism. Much of the battle praises and successes go to the leaders at the expense of the foot soldiers. The books further had an impact in portraying the role divinity plays in the affairs of men. “We everlasting gods-Ah what chilling blows we suffer-thanks to our own conflicting wills-whenever we show these mortal men some kindness” says Ares in Book 5 of The Iliad (Allan 112). He weeps after being wounded Diomedes portraying the emotional attachment between the Homeric gods and the mortals. The Homeric gods favored different men differently. The “chilling blows” to the gods’ “conflicting wills” continues depict the modern world’s war culture. Many religious-based wars have been launched in recent times with different legions motivated by their different divine affiliations.
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is another classical literature of the renaissance period. The text captures the tragedy of love as portrayed by the two main characters, Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare uses this play to depict how love can be true even in death. The play further used poetry making it the timeless vehicle of conveying love. Much of the play’s poetic lines have been adopted in many literal platforms to demystify love. Focusing on the play’s central theme, forbidden love, much of the modern day love plots revolve around such tension.
Forbidden love, as portrayed by the two lovebirds in the play, has been a hallmark in popular culture such as music, films and novels. “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny Thy and Refuse Thy name, Or if thou wilt not but be sworn my love, And ill no longer be a capulet” are words said by Juliet to vent her frustration regarding the hurdles associated with love (Hunt 86). Romeo being a Montague was an enemy of her family but Juliet’s love was beyond the family feud. It is this celebration of love that has even seen the contemporary society embrace even gay marriages that have always perceived as wrong and queer. Thanks to Shakespeare’s work the tragedy of love is embraced as a way of life and a true definition of modern day love in every essence.
Works Cited
Allan, William. Homer: The Iliad. London: Bristol Classical Press, 2012. Print.
Hunt, Maurice. Approaches to Teaching Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. New York: Modern Language Assn. of America, 2000. Print.
