Classical Greek literature, such as Homer’s The Iliad and The Odyssey, embodies heroic ideals while focusing on virtues like honor, bravery, and vengeance. Alternatively, Hellenistic Greek literature, such as Theocritus, concentrates on emotional values of humans and gods. A specific case can be identified in the Cyclops Polyphemus. Homer depicts Polythemus as a savage monster who feasts on Odysseus’s men, whereas Theocritus illustrates him as a sentimental Cyclops in love with the nymph Galatea. In the Classical world of Homer, humans and gods are focused on war and vengeance. Characters like Odysseus and Achilles are consumed with the virtue of honor and the idea of being the hero. The depiction of Polyphemus in The Odyssey as the monster who plans
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Theocritus depicts Polypehmus as a Cyclops in love with Galatea. Unlike Homer’s savage monster, this Polyphemus is gentle and shows love rather than violence. As opposed to just being a creature with inhuman strength and living by no laws, Theocritus writes that, “Many a time would his sheep come of their own accord back from the green pastures to his fold, while he, alone upon the wrack-strewn shore, would waste away with love” (10-12). He is seen as more civilized and human-like, with no intention to capture men to devour. In this case, Polyphemus speaks poetically because he is vying to win the love of Galatea. Instead of violently smashing Odysseus’ men and showing no pity, this Polyphemus “loved not with apples, or roses, or ringlets, but with downright frenzy, counting all else but trifles” (9-10). The Polyphemus that Odysseus outsmarted certainly was not overwhelmed by loved and did not contemplate it, but Theocritus’ Cyclops is not concerned with anything but love. He embodies Hellenistic literature because he is centered around his emotions for Galatea rather than a desire to devour men that enter his
Theocritus depicts Polypehmus as a Cyclops in love with Galatea. Unlike Homer’s savage monster, this Polyphemus is gentle and shows love rather than violence. As opposed to just being a creature with inhuman strength and living by no laws, Theocritus writes that, “Many a time would his sheep come of their own accord back from the green pastures to his fold, while he, alone upon the wrack-strewn shore, would waste away with love” (10-12). He is seen as more civilized and human-like, with no intention to capture men to devour. In this case, Polyphemus speaks poetically because he is vying to win the love of Galatea. Instead of violently smashing Odysseus’ men and showing no pity, this Polyphemus “loved not with apples, or roses, or ringlets, but with downright frenzy, counting all else but trifles” (9-10). The Polyphemus that Odysseus outsmarted certainly was not overwhelmed by loved and did not contemplate it, but Theocritus’ Cyclops is not concerned with anything but love. He embodies Hellenistic literature because he is centered around his emotions for Galatea rather than a desire to devour men that enter his