Honors Bachelor of Arts
Title
The Transactions of Mortal Coil: Hellenic Meaning in the Suffering of the Iliad and the Oresteia
Document Type
Capstone/Thesis
Faculty Advisor
Thesis Director: Dr. Shannon Byrne; Thesis Reader: Mr. Jay Arns; Thesis Reader: Dr. Shannon LaFayette Hogue; HAB Course Director: Dr. Thomas Strunk
Date
2019-4
Abstract
The meaning of suffering is enigmatic. To grasp at it cosmologically, I examine both Archaic and Classical Greek views of suffering via their primary literature and culture. Homer’s Iliad reveals the transactionality of suffering as it is embedded in the heroic code through an analysis of the Glaucus-Diomedes exchange. An investigation of Achilles’ development portrays both the Homeric system that equates honor and suffering and the unquantifiable suffering that critiques said system. Meanwhile, a study of Aeschylus’ Oresteia exhibits the interrelation of suffering and learning in Zeus’ law. The progression of the trilogy displays an accruement of wisdom by means of the rectification of an inherited misunderstanding: that personal vengeance is Zeus’ justice. I conclude that the desire for wisdom concerning how to live the best life motivated the Hellenic evolution of suffering’s transaction from honor to knowledge.
Recommended Citation
Bothwell, Stephen L., "The Transactions of Mortal Coil: Hellenic Meaning in the Suffering of the Iliad and the Oresteia" (2019). Honors Bachelor of Arts. 37.
https://www.exhibit.xavier.edu/hab/37
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Included in
Ancient History, Greek and Roman through Late Antiquity Commons, Ancient Philosophy Commons, Classical Archaeology and Art History Commons, Classical Literature and Philology Commons, Other Classics Commons
