Greek and Roman Literature: Epic, Lyric, and Drama

The Epic Genre in Classical Literature

The epic genre recounts the feats of heroes, serving as role models of courage and heroism for a people.

The Greek Epic Tradition

The most important works of the Greek epic are the Iliad and the Odyssey, both attributed to Homer.

• The Iliad

  Recounts the battles between Greeks and Trojans during the Trojan War. The conflict was provoked by the abduction of Helen by Paris. The central Greek hero is Achilles, known for his furious courage and tragic fate.

• The Odyssey

  Accounts the adventures of Odysseus during his return journey to Ithaca, in which the sea acquires an important role.

The Roman Epic: Virgil's Aeneid

The most important Latin epic poet is Virgil, author of the epic poem The Aeneid. It is named for its hero, Aeneas, who fled from Troy to found a new city.

The Lyric Genre

Lyricism takes its name from the Greek lyra (lyre), a musical instrument. This genre expresses the personal feelings of the poet.

Lyric Poetry in Greece

The Greeks recited lyric poetry in public, often during loud and festive celebrations. Two types of lyric poetry are distinguished:

• Monody

  Performed by a single person accompanied by the lyre.

• Choral Lyric

  Sung by a choir, often in the city hall.

Poets: Archilochus of Paros, Semónides, and Píndaro.
Poetess: Sappho.

Roman Lyric Poetry

In Rome, the culmination of lyric poetry is reached with Horace and Virgil. Horace is one of the most important poets; his work aroused great interest during the Renaissance. His most important works include the Eclogues, Bucolics, and Satires.

The Drama Genre (Theater)

The drama genre depicts human beings either through tragedy or literary parody. This genre was born in Greece in the 6th century BC as a religious ceremony that was part of the festival of Dionysus. The first playwright was Thespis. In Rome, theater was always a spectacle tied to public games and festivals.

Tragedy

Tragedy revolves around the destiny of human beings, who struggle to overcome their limitations against the gods. Its characters are heroes or mythical figures who face extreme situations. It employs solemn and profound language and raises moral problems arising from human passions.

Most Important Authors: Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides (Greek); Seneca (Roman).

Roman Literary Forms: Satire and Epistle

Satire

Satire is a typically Roman literary genre. Everything, from comedy to the epistle, can be an object of ridicule or satire.

The Epistle

The importance of this genre lies in the spontaneity of its comments and opinions. We owe this genre to the Roman Cicero.