Greek Myths Shaping Greek Identity

Myths Shaping Greek Identity
Greek myths helped the people who composed and listened to them shape their identity through a variety of ways. During the Archaic period, writing began again. During this period of history, there were a variety of communities and each Greek community developed into a city-state or polis. Each polis had classes or social ranks which were the aristocracy, the poor, and the middle. They also didn’t have kings which lead to politics. During this period, women did not have any contribution to the city-states, so the city-states were mostly a community of male citizens with rights and duties under the law. In addition, each city-states were very prideful of their town which lead to intense rivalries and often had wars
In the beginning of the story, Ismene and Antigone had an argument about burying their brother against the law. Antigone wants to bury his brother, but Ismene is too afraid to break the law. Ismene then says “If we defy the King’s prerogative and break the law, our death will be more shameful. Even than theirs. Remember too that we are women, not made to fight with men”. (lines 59-62). This quote represents how males and females were expected to react. During this time, women were not able to talk back or even fight with the males because they were not physically strong and also because of fear about getting punished by the gods. Also as the story progresses, Antigone argues with Creon, the King, which is against the law. They argue about their brother who was killed during the war and Creon says “… Down then to hell, love there, if you love must. While I am living, no woman shall have rule.”(lines 525-526). This also represents how men were always the “leaders” and how women can not go against it. After that, the argument continues. Creon then proceeds and says “… Take them in. At once; no more delay. Henceforward let them stay at home, like women, not roam abroad…” (lines 577-580). In addition, the house symbolizes sort of like a safe zone bubble per se that women are always to be inside it and do household chores like cleaning and cooking. As the play continues, and Antigone is being punished, Creon
The Romans also have similar gods and goddesses except named differently. Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus. These two characters were children of a princess and the god of mars. The twins were unwanted by their parents and were abandoned. Romulus and Remus were left on a river. The river sent them to a cave where a wolf found and nurtured them. This place later became Rome. Rome had seven hills, and Romulus and Remus decided to build their own city on different hills. Romulus built his city on a hill called Palatine hill and Remus built his city on a hill called Aventine hill. The aristocrats and the higher class lived on the Palatine hill while the lower class lived on the Aventine hill. Later on, the two brothers’ cities were becoming more and more separated. One day Remus visited Romulus’ hill and criticized it. Romulus was furious and then kills his brother Remus. This story reflects polis against polis. The two brothers built their own cities which separated their bonds and also caused them to be jealous and criticize each others