World Cultures I: Week 3 and 4

Week3. Question1: Discussion 1: Homeric Epics in Greek Culture

The Homeric Epics

The Homer's Epic illustrates different features of the Ancient Greek life through the characters, wordings, plot and actions of the characters. If I had been living during this period as a Greek, this epic must have shaped my life to much extent. The way Greek used to treat guests can be learnt from the epic. They used to be hospitable who never hesitated in providing food, clothes, comfort and shelter to the guests even before they could ask. Greek used to appreciate wit, cleverness and intelligence of people (Myrsiades, 2010). On the other hand, loyalty also mattered to them. These mental characteristics were considered to be the strength of Greek culture along with the physical strength. The religious aspects of Ancient Greek are also presented in this epic which shows that they were religiously strict and defined. All these aspects must have shaped my life as a Greek because I would definitely follow the principles and values illustrated in the book so that I could fit in the society.

Relating with Odysseus

If I had been given an opportunity to be one of the characters in either Iliad or Odysseus, then I would definitely choose Odysseus from the Odyssey. In this epic, Odysseus undertakes journey to different exotic locations in order to get back to his home. I can relate to this situation, though I am not on venture like Odysseus, but no matter who you are and what you do, you ultimately make desperate attempts to return home. Odysseus also declares himself as “nobody” and also disguises himself as a beggar (McCaughrean, 2003). This shows the emptiness of the character which every person, including me, experiences at any point of his life. Despite returning from Troy, Odysseus remained a warrior at his heart which shows his dedication towards his profession. He put himself into dangerous dilemmas where he relied upon his creativity and wit in order to remain safe so that he could return to his home.

Week3. Question2. Discussion 2: Greek Legacy

Ancient Greece and contemporary life in the U.S

The democratic ideal is rooted in ancient Greece in the Classical Age. It is then both a philosophy and political experience with the example of Athens reforms Solon, of Pisistratus of Cleisthenes were allowed to advance the construction of the Athenian democratic system that Ephialtes and Pericles have completed the following. Democracy, or government by the people, or is this a draw in the history of humanity as an ideal society where women and men are in their hands their own destiny, or refer to the historical experiences that characterize West, starting from ancient Greece and the free cities of the Middle Ages to reach the American Revolution of 1776 and the French Revolution of 1789 (Garland, 1998). The Greeks laid the groundwork for direct political democracy, in which citizens themselves take decisions concerning the city (polis). But this form of democracy is limited: women, slaves ...