Grecian Identity Essay - 1512 Words

Greece has been a central pinnacle of continuous change. Change that has been influenced by numerous cultures, such as the Minoan culture. The sum of these cultural influences developed a variety of Grecian identities, as well as different interpretations of government. However, these identities were not a unified, collective identity of the people itself. The Greeks were once known as something else: Achaean, Dorian, Ionian, Mycenaean, Theban, Athenian, and so forth. The government was not representative of its people. Shifts in power and authority beset the political atmosphere of Greece. With time, however, the people of Greece began to strive toward a collective identity. The political environment began to solidify toward a populist†¦show more content†¦However, glory can be easily lost, hence Hector’s reluctance to leave the battle. Arà ªte did not discriminate between ethnicities; it was a universal goal. The quest for arà ªte indicated the priorities of the military, specifically the individuals, during this time. It was more important to achieve glory than it was to win the war (winning the war was also preferable to many individuals). Also, the achievement of arà ªte influenced social status. The greater the goal, the more well-known and powerful the individual was. Many times, arà ªte was achieved by the aristoi, or wealthy nobleman. The aristoi could afford armor and could easily participate in battles. Because of this advantage, â€Å"the best† dominated the sociopolitical environment. Written during the Iron Age (1150-750 BCE), The Iliad occurs within the Bronze Age (3000-1150 BCE). In its writing, Homer reveals the conduct of Grecian cities and settlements toward one another during the Bronze Age. Throughout the plot of the poem, both the Achaeans and the Trojans receive support from allies, regardless of the reason for their altercation. Agamemnon, king of Mycenae, supports and aids his brother Menelaus in his battle against the Trojans. Others agree to support and to fight with Menelaus as well, such as Odysseus, king of Ithaca. Concurrently, Hector, a prince of Troy and brother of Paris, agrees to fight for Paris. In both occurrences, the belief of allies is strongly supported. For the Achaeans, theirShow MoreRelatedEssay on Quest for Identity in the Victorian Era1880 Words   |  8 PagesQuest for Identity in the Victorian Era      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Who are you? said the caterpillar to Alice (Carroll 60).   This was a question she could not answer.   Why doesnt Alice know what constitutes her being?   Humans desire completeness, and a solid identity.   Up to the age of Darwinism, that void was filled by religious faith.   But with the emergence of Charles Darwins theories on natural selection and survival of the fittest, Victorians were reevaluating their paths to righteousness.   WithoutRead MoreThe Caribbean History1095 Words   |  4 Pages Derek Walcott and Jean Rhys both have texts that use the fragments of the Caribbean history to create their texts. Walcott has mentioned in many essays and interviews how important it is for the artist to not become disillusioned and bitter about history. 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