"Works and Days"

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes the ancient poem, "Works and Days," by Hesiod. It presents an argumentative historical essay on the kind of social values found in Hesiod's advice to his brother in the poem and what this says about Dark Age culture in Greece. The paper contends that Hesiod's advice to his brother Perseus is simple and complicated at the same time. Hesiod's social values include the values of work rather than idleness, which he passes on quite clearly to his brother.

From the Paper:

"Little is known about the Dark Ages in Greece. In fact, some scholars believe they never existed, and there are simply 200-300 "more" years in history than actually occurred, and they believe this is why there is so little known about the Dark Ages in Greek history. However, Hesiod's work seems to stem from this time, and to give hints about how Greeks lived life during this period, and what some of their most important social values were. In addition, many experts believe the Greek population declined during the Dark Ages, perhaps due to attacks from northerners who spoke a different dialect of the language. Thus, Hesiod's epic poem is a plea to Greeks to choose the right social values so they can again become strong and repopulate their country, rather than bringing the wrath of the Gods further upon them."

More papers on "Works and Days":

• Book Review # 75700 : "'Iliad' and 'Works and Days'"
• Book Review # 97548 : "Specimen Days"
• Essay # 83722 : "Film: Varga's "Working Days"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: