history of Greek criticism, Summaries of Literary Theory

Download history of Greek criticism and more Summaries Literary Theory in PDF only on Docsity! History of Greek criticism 1. Three key periods: Classical Period: The Classical Period lasted from the 5th to the 4th century BCE. This era was marked by significant cultural, political, and intellectual achievements, particularly in the areas of art, philosophy, drama, and politics. This Period also saw the development of Greek democracy, with the Athenian assembly (one of the earliest and most famous example) This period saw the rise of Greek tragedy and comedy, and the emergence of a critical tradition focused on analyzing and evaluating these dramatic forms. In philosophy, the Classical Period saw the emergence of some of the most important figures in Western thought, including Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Hellenistic Period (3rd-1st century BCE): The Hellenistic period spanned from Alexander the Great's death in 323 BCE to the Roman conquest of Greece in the 1st century BCE. During this period Greek culture spread and fused with the cultures of other Mediterranean peoples. Greek literature and philosophy flourished during the Hellenistic period, and new forms of art and architecture were developed. Epic poetry by Apollonius of Rhodes and Theocritus gained popularity, along with the writings of historians such as Polybius and Diodorus Siculus Overall, the Hellenistic period was a time of great innovation and creativity in Greek culture, Byzantine Period (5th-15th century CE): The Byzantine period spanned from the division of the Roman Empire in 395 CE until the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks in 1453 CE. Byzantine Empire flourished as a center of art, literature, and scholarship during this time. Byzantine literature was deeply shaped by Christian theology, with notable contributions from theologians and philosophers like St. John Chrysostom and St. Gregory of Nyssa. Byzantine literature also included works of history, poetry, and rhetoric. 2. Created poetry before the development of written literature. Poetry in ancient Greece was created and transmitted orally long before the development of written literature. This tradition began in the Bronze Age with the bards known as rhapsodes, who recited epic poems such as the Iliad and the Odyssey, as well as shorter poems such as hymns, songs, and elegies, to an audience in public settings such as festivals and competitions. It was only later, with the spread of writing in ancient Greece that poets began to record their work in writing. 3. Importance of Emotion and Affections: Emotion and affection played a significant role in the history of Greek criticism. Greek literature, including poetry, drama, and philosophy, often explored the human condition and the complexities of human emotions. One of the earliest and most influential works of Greek literature, Homer's epic poems the Iliad and the Odyssey, are full of powerful emotions, including love, anger, and grief. In Greek tragedy, emotions such as fear, jealousy, and rage are central to the plot. 4. Use of epic narrative Epic narrative is a prominent feature of the history of Greek criticism, particularly in the form of epic poetry such as Homer's Iliad and Odyssey.