Week 1 Literature and its historical background

Literature in Society Literature not produced in a vacuum It reflects the spirit, anxieties, battles, worries, hopes and expectations of a certain society It forms social values as it gives expression to ideas and beliefs shared by the public, or at least a section of it. It articulates what people think and feel

The history of the book Hieroglyphics was the first form of writing. Literary texts in hieroglyphics are limited to prayers, medical texts, and accounts Cumbersome as a writing system and limited to an elite

Greek Literature The Greeks were the first to produce extensive literature, written in a secular spirit, and reflecting the values, hopes and beliefs of society. Papyrus Parchment

Transmission of Greek Literature In the medieval times in Byzantium much of the classical literature was copied again and again, and reached us From the 15th century the printed press made books widely available and cheaper.

The Power of the Written Word The power of the written word was realized quite early in its history. The poet Archilochos used his verses to slander and insult Lycambes, who refused his daughter’s hand. The philosopher Anaxagoras was banished from Athens for his teachings. Socrates was put to death for corrupting the young. Aristophanes the comic poet was taken to court for slandering city officials in his plays.

Banned Books Throughout history books have been banned or burned because they have been perceived as dangerous, or, more often, because they were threatening the status quo. Boccacio The Decameron shocked the morals of its time. Marquis de Sade was jailed and his outrageous but important books burned and banished The lewd parts of Greek comedy were edited out in western editions. Section 28 in the UK, banned from public libraries all books allegedly promoting homosexuality.

Greek Literary Tradition Books were banned or burned and authors persecuted for offending religious belief: The persecution of the Pythagoreans Kazantzakis In the US many books are banned for similar reasons

Patriotism? Books were also burned and authors disgraced for going against the political system under the pretext of patriotism or bravery: Archilochos Myrivilis

Authoritarianism Authoritarian regimes throughout the course of Greek History banned books, including some of the classics of Greek Drama and authors like Dostoevsky because he was Russian!