Classical Influences On Modern Films And Literature

Vuong Khuat Classical influences on modern films and literature Classical Greece and Rome were ancient civilizations that existed 2500 years ago, and are regarded by numerous scholars as the foundation of humanities in various fields. In popular culture, Ancient Greece and Rome are portrayed substantially in books and movies; however, not many people are aware of how they also shape our thoughts, ideals, and motivations. Through an analysis of classical elements often portrayed in popular media, this essay attempts to illustrate how the representation of classical Greece and Rome in books and movies influence our lives and emphasize the need to stay informed as these influences can be both beneficial and detrimental to our perception of the world. The way ancient culture can impact our ideals is demonstrated by various contemporary adaptations of Greek mythology. For instance, in 1997, Walt Disney produced the animated movie Hercules, based on stories about the legendary Greek hero who persevered through numerous labors and challenges to eventually gained a place in Mount Olympus, the home of the gods. Hercules was a major box-office hit among children and had left a deep impression on how they perceive the qualities of a hero. Similarly, the 2004-film Troy, based loosely on Homer’s the Iliad, tells the story of Achilles and the Trojan War. Troy was a critical success, grossing nearly 500 million dollars worldwide. But the movie did not exhibit merely entertainmentShow MoreRelatedAncient Greece And Rome Vs. Rome1179 Words   |  5 PagesClassical Greece and Rome were ancient civilizations that existed 2500 years ago, and are regarded by numerous scholars as the foundation of humanities in various fields. In popular culture, Ancient Greece and Rome are portrayed substantially in books and movies; however, not many people are aware of how they also shape our thoughts, ideals, and motivations. Through an analysis of classical elements often portrayed in popular media, this essay attempts to illustrate how the representation of ancientRead MoreRomeo And Juliet Film Analysis1647 Words   |  7 PagesDavies, Anthony. The film versions of Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare Survey 49(1996):153-162 Web. 22 May 2017. 1. In this Journal articles by Anthony Davies, he attempts to trace, compare, and analyze the play of Romeo Juliet’s life throughout cinema. To do this, Anthony does a close reading of four different films directed by Cukor, Zeffirelli, Alvin Rakoff, and the BBC. With these films, Anthony delves into them while dissecting specific scenes to compare how they are different or similarRead MorePulp Fiction - a Sociological Debate1412 Words   |  6 Pageswill be covered by discussing the appropriate concepts separately and by individually contrasting the classical and modern theories with Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film ‘Pulp Fiction,’ known for its rich, diverse dialogue, ironic combination of humour and violence, a nonlinear storyline told in several differing orders, and a mass amount of cinematic hints and popular culture references. A classical theory is Historical Materialism; a branch of Marxism that takes the position that the development ofRead More The Relevance of Aristotle’s Poetics to the World Today Essay1174 Words   |  5 PagesAristotle, in his Poetics, did attempt to define the order necessary for a work of art, whether it be literary, visual, or performance-based, to be successful.   But we, as modern critics and artists, must ask, can a theory proposed so many years ago still be worthy or interpretation and study today?   Even a quick look at the literature and the theater produced in the last couple of centuries would reveal the publics answer:   Much of the great art of the world is great because of its reliance on and adherenceRead MoreHercules in Popular Culture1719 Words   |  7 Pages(dictionary.com.) Since their inception, the myths and legends of Hercules have been immensely popular and have had vast influences on people and cultures throughout the world. Over the next few pages I will attempt to compare and contrast several examples of Hercules’ representation in pop culture with the underlying myths that are being depicted. I will also piece in the undeniable influence these myths have had on people throughout history. First, however, I would like to start by giving a little bitRead MoreGender As A Man And The Role Of A Woman932 Words   |  4 Pages Many people define gender as the range of characteristics pertaining to, and differentiating between, masculinity and femininity. In modern and traditional society, gender is used to teach the â€Å"role of a man and the role of a woman†. The role of gender in adolescent literature dates back to the first kind of literature for children, oral folk tales. On the beaches of Greece, Homer told the tale of Odysseus. A Greek king, who was strong, fearless and wise; whom traveled great lands and fought manyRead MoreBritish Arts5612 Words   |  23 Pages The characteristics of British arts and letters 1. Types of arts 2.4. Theatre and cinema 2.5. Music 2.6. Literature 2.7. The fine arts III. Conclusion 1. Overview of the arts in Britain 2.1. What are â€Å"The arts†? The art is the term which is used to refer to literature, music, painting, sculpture, film, opera, crafts, theatre, ballet etc. This term is usually called â€Å"umbrella term† and usually implies seriousness, so that core examples ofRead MoreDifferences Between Class, Religion And Politics1500 Words   |  6 Pagesbe elsewhere. Posters and leaflets were tailored to fit a whole range of people. Technology such as loud speakers, radio and film were used to show these very same ideologies. In September 1933, The Reichskulturekammer (Reich Culture Chamber) was established and led by Goebbels. The seven sub chambers of fine arts, music, theater, the press, the radio, literature, and films was established. Only artists that complied with Nazi ideology was able to become members and be active in the cultural communityRead MoreThe Greek s Victory Over Persia989 Words   |  4 PagesThe Greek’s victory over Persia marked the beginning of not only an era, but of cultural expansion that continues to impact our modern day society. The accomplishments and endeavors of the Ancient Greeks, both visible, such as arts and architecture, as well as intellectually in areas such as philosophy, science and government continue to influence the world today. Many or none of these influential elements of Ancient Greece would have come to fruition in such a†¦. way if the Greeks had not defeatedRead MoreCulture of Pakistan1603 Words   |  7 Pageshub. Many cultural practice s and great monuments have been inherited from the time of the ancient rulers of the region. One of the greatest cultural influences was that of the Persian Empire, of which Pakistan was a part. In fact, the Pakistani satraps were at one time the richest and most productive of the massive Persian Empire. Other key influences include the Afghan Empire, Mughal Empire and later, the short-lived but influential, the British Empire. Punjabi Objectives Pakistan is a country