Why is it So Hard to Read Ancient Greek Literature?

If you have spent a few years learning Ancient Greek, it is not particularly difficult. The initial process can be daunting, as you need to learn a different alphabet, and the pronunciation is not precisely like modern Greek. This can be off-putting, especially if you worry about getting it wrong. However, with study and practice, and a good dictionary, the journey becomes smoother.

Like any foreign language, reading Ancient Greek literature requires dedication and patience. Unfamiliar words and structures will pop up, and a comprehensive dictionary is your best companion. The sheer volume of cultural allusions can also seem overwhelming. These allusions are deeply rooted in the time and place of the literature, making them challenging for modern readers to fully appreciate.

Cultural Allusions and Modern Readers

Modern Western understanding of Greek mythology has been significantly influenced by popular culture, such as television shows and movies. This Flandersisation of mythology means that contemporary readers often approach ancient texts with preconceptions and expectations that are quite different from those of the original audience. These modern interpretations can serve as a barrier to fully appreciating the original work. Nyx Shadowhawk, a notable influencer in this field, has written extensively on this topic.

Values Dissonance and Modern Audiences

The values and stylistic preferences of modern audiences are very different from those of the ancient Greeks and Romans. For instance, Ernest Hemingway's writing style, which has become the Anglophone mainstream, is a stark contrast to the leisurely, complex, and digressive paragraphs of classical literature. Hemingway's rejection of the elaborate style that had come before him further contrasts with the structured literary language that the Greeks and Romans used. Even in the English translation of Thucydides, this complexity remains intact, but modern readers often struggle to digest it due to distractions in today's fast-paced digital environment.

The Evolving Canon and Education

Educational systems have become more democratized, leading to a broader range of students being exposed to a variety of literature. However, this also means that there is less emphasis on a classical education that would provide a broader cultural context. Western cultures have developed their own canons, often in opposition to the Classical canon, and have further cast doubt on the authority of these canons. As a result, classical education has become a luxury rather than a necessity in many modern societies.

This trend towards a more diverse and potentially fragmented cultural landscape further distances modern readers from the concerns and contexts of ancient literature. Ancients like Sappho and Pindar evoke their own set of cultural and philosophical debates, and while modern audiences might find Sappho relatable, we often miss out on the nuances and deeper meanings that Sappho intended. Similarly, Pindar's epinicians are complex works that might be lost on audiences who are not familiar with the cultural and political contexts of ancient Greece.

The vagueness in ancient Greek terminology can also be attributed to the time and place where these concepts were being developed. Ancient Greeks were at the forefront of developing philosophical and artistic concepts, and the terminology used to express these ideas often lacks the precision we have in contemporary language. This can make it challenging for modern readers to fully grasp the intended meaning.

Overall, while reading Ancient Greek literature can be a rewarding and enriching experience, it is no surprise that it is challenging. The cultural, stylistic, and educational context of ancient literature differs significantly from today's, and modern readers must navigate these differences to truly appreciate the works of the ancients.