Ancient Greeks feel modern

[Debbborra]

Am I alone in feeling that Ancient Greek writing, particularly the earlier plays read, in the use of language if not theme, more like modern literature than everything that was written in between right up to the twentieth century?

I began with Aeschylus and found that the language was surprisingly succinct and clear. Also, I'm thrilled with the way the Greeks wasted so little time on heavy description, but still let a reader feel very grounded in the story. I wonder how they managed that.

[LitNetIsGreat]

I think it has a lot to do with modern translation and the fact that the original Greek language has a smaller vocabulary base than English. Of course, plays are naturally going to contain less description, but even the works of Homer are straightforward in the use of language - I suspect this also has a lot to do with it being primarily an oral work too. However, yes Greek literature via all the of the translations I have come across, is very clear and concise and infinitely readable.

[Debbborra]

Which leads me to wonder what happened. Why did everyone from the dark ages on feel the need to insert far more language that anyone needed?

[dfloyd]

Are you a student? I say this not to criticize you, but many students want text pared, while others do not. You have to remember that the Greeks viewing the plays at their festivals were totally familiar with the myths and stories presented. I have read The Oresteia, and while it has been awhile, I don't remember it being quite so concise as you have stated. A lot depends on the translation.

I have read Homer, both The Iliad and The Odyssey, in both older rhyming translations and modern free verse translations. I have to say, I much more enjoyed the 18th century translations by Alexander Pope than the free verse of Robert Flagle and others.

[Evaril]

On the one hand, I suspect you feel this way because you've been reading modern translations. Even a modern translation of Shakespeare is extremely readable.

On the other hand, I read Ancient Greek and Homer is surprisingly readable even in the original. Like Neely said, it's probably because Homer was an oral poet - all those repeating, formulaic phrases and short sentences do make the texts seem as if they were written to aid Greek children learn new vocabulary.

[Debbborra]

Nope, not a student - a writer. But I write flash, which requires the telling of a whole story in very few words.

I'm a product of my culture, I like modern literature.

[dfloyd]

There hasn't been any modern literature written since Scot Fitzgerald.

[Debbborra]

Well, ok then.

[prendrelemick]

First of all, welcome to the forum Debbborra.

It could be because those Greeks are right at the core of our Western Literature. They were the progenitors. The flounces and flourishes of later generations are add-ons dictated by changing fashions as much as anything. As those fashions change, understanding becomes more difficult.

By the way, what is "flash" I haven't heard of it.

[sixsmith]

There hasn't been any modern literature written since Scot Fitzgerald.

And how are we defining novels written after Fitzgerald?

[Debbborra]

Flash Fiction is very short stories, usually under 1,000 words, though some publications will only take writing under 500. More than just being short they should have some epiphany or shock or surprise or revelation or conclusion.

However, flash fiction will often eliminate some elements of the traditional story paradigm.

Some great online publications are Vestal Review, Smokelong Quarterly and Night Train.

Flash was once considered fringe but like abstract painting continues to gain popularity and credibility.

[PeterL]

There is no fundamental difference between Classical literature and Modern literature. Humans still have the same small set of concerns that are hammered on in every work of literature, so isn't surprising that anyone would see similarity.

[kelby_lake]

Am I alone in feeling that Ancient Greek writing, particularly the earlier plays read, in the use of language if not theme, more like modern literature than everything that was written in between right up to the twentieth century?

I began with Aeschylus and found that the language was surprisingly succinct and clear. Also, I'm thrilled with the way the Greeks wasted so little time on heavy description, but still let a reader feel very grounded in the story. I wonder how they managed that.

The language is partly due to modern translation, but the Greeks were masters at drama. Part of the reason why they are so compelling is that they tell, purely and simply, a tragedy- which we can all connect to.

[JuniperWoolf]

It`s not just the language though, the content IS often pretty risque. Remember whatserface getting Daedalus to make her a hollowed-out wooden cow so she could crouch down inside of it and get nailed by that bull? There was also that big golden robot protecting the island of Crete, and Hephaestus made some robots to help him out in the forge. I`ve always thought that the ancients read pretty modern.