Ancient Greek Literature By Abdul Abbas Grade 10

Ancient Greek Literature By: Abdul Abbas Grade: 10 Section: 1

Introduction § Did you know ancient Greek literature influenced modern literature the most? § Ancient Greeks were the first to use vowels in their language. § Greek literature is known as the birth place of western intellectual life. § Ancient Greek literature, and people who contributed to literature, influenced modern society and the world.

Introduction II § Whether you know Greek literature or not, you should know it influenced modern literature.

Mythology § Ancient Greeks were polytheistic. § A body of stories about gods and heroes that tries to explain how the world works is called mythology. § Greek mythology has gone on to influence modern literature, art and film.

Ancient Greek Literature § 30% of the words in a ordinary dictionary comes from the ancient Greek language. § Ancient Greeks were the first to use vowels. § Our alphabet came from the Greek language. § For example: the word “alphabet” came from ancient Greek words “alpha” “beta”.

Ancient Greek Literature II § Ancient Greek literature had four major writings; epic traditions, lyric poetry, tragedy and comedy. § An example of the epic traditions are the Iliad and the Odyssey. § Lyric poems got its name from a group of individuals singing while playing the lyre. § Tragedies and comedies were dramas and used to honour Greek god Dionysus.

Ancient Greek Contributors to Literature § An ancient Greek called Homer is famous for his two writings Odyssey and Iliad. § Homer was a blind man and people would gather around too hear him sing epic songs. § He is still read today, almost 3, 000 years later. § Another contributor was Theocritus.

Ancient Greek Contributors to Literature II § § Theocritus was the creator of pastoral poetry. He wrote mime plays. Alexandria was a book and poem maker. Goethe was a Greek man who made classical and romantic poems. § “Clearness of vision, cheerfulness of acceptance, easy grace of expression, are qualities which delight us” quoted Goethe

Ancient Greek Literature Influence to Modern Society § English grammar, punctuation and paragraphing came from the ancient Greek literature. § Greek literature influenced English writing most during the 18 th century. § Roman, Latin and English literature was most influenced by ancient Greek literature. § Greeks created many genres such as tragedy, comedy, poetry and historic writing.

Ancient Greek Literature Influence to Modern Society II § The ancient Greek alphabet was the first to have vowels. § The vowels made the language easier to learn and speak. § Their poetry was made to allow man the chance to think and clear our minds. § Ancient Greek poetry was referred to medicine for the mind.

World Without Ancient Greek literature § A world with out ancient Greek literature would be very different. § Vowels would not be made which would make our languages much harder to learn and speak. § We would have many more letters. § There would not be any creative books for us to read. § There would be many languages in one small country.

World Without Ancient Greek literature II § Without ancient Greek literature our society would be less socially advanced – we base our writing, law, philosophy and civic codes on Greek culture and writing. § With no start to creative writings we would still be reading only historical texts and religious texts.

Conclusion § Ancient Greek literature, and people who contributed to literature, influenced modern society in writing, the alphabet, government, philosophy, drama and civics. § Remember Greek literature is known as the birth place of western intellectual life. § Don’t forget whether you know a piece of Ancient Greek literature or not, you should know it influenced modern literature.

Work Cited § Books Frey, Wendy, and Diane Hart. History Alive! Palo Alto, CA: TCI, 2004. Print. Internet "Ancient Greek Literature - History for Kids!" Kidipede History and Science for Kids - Homework Help for Middle School. Web. 24 Apr. 2010. <http: //www. historyforkids. org/learn/greeks/literature/g reeklit. htm>. "Homer. " Washington State University - Pullman, Washington. Web. 24 Apr. 2010. <http: //www. wsu. edu: 8080/~dee/MINOA/HOMER. HT M>.