Ancient Greece produced a multitude of sophisticated poets. One such poet, Sappho, happens to be the only female Ancient Greek author, in the midst of a male-driven field, whose work has survived. Frequently referred to as the tenth muse, Sappho often wrote on the topic of homosexuality. Her poetry, combined with the name of the island she lived on, Lesbos, inspired the modern day term ‘lesbian’. Another influential Greek poet was Catullus . Catullus typically wrote using intense emotion; this periodically led to the use of vulgar language. Catullus was a blunt, bold anti-political writer whom consistently referenced Sappho throughout his poetry . Although there are a plethora of differences between the two poets, such as their writing style; with Sappho including an abundance of detail while Catullus opted for a more concise approach, there are also distinct similarities. Both poets discuss controversial topics; more importantly, neither were afraid to stand up for what they believed in. Standing up for what one believes in is crucial. Taking a stance shows that one has a robust sense of their beliefs and morals. Standing up for what one believes in takes Sappho, as seen in poem 16 when she states that Helen went sailing for Troy not for her children or parents, but for love , implies that love is of utmost importance, more so even than one’s family. Sappho attempts to portray love realistically; with both the joy and pain that love brings to one’s life. In poem 31, Sappho focuses on the sharp pain love is capable of bestowing on someone. Sappho first speaks bitterly about the man talking to the women she loves. After recounting the passion she feels for this women, Sappho then discusses how she feels as if her despair might kill her. The jealousy expressed in this poem is one of the many woeful consequences of
Order an Essay Now & Get These Features For Free:
Turnitin Report
Formatting
Title Page
Citation
Outline
