Eugene Eisenman | Seminar 2 (Fall Term - 2013) | Page 4 of 4 |
Western Traditions 1
Professor Gemma Niermann
September 21, 2013
Assignment: Compare and Contrast Essay - Linguistics Usage
In poetry, both form and content convey its true meaning to the reader. And in poetry the types of devices used are just as important as the way in which they are employed. Poetry as a medium relies heavily upon devices such as imagery in order to make the poet's message known. At first glance, the works of two famous Greek poets, Sappho and Aeschylus, would seem to share absolutely nothing in their usage of poetic devices and imagery. But in truth, the linguistic usage of both poets is in fact markedly similar in tone and metaphor, So much so in fact, that Aeschylus paraphrases Sappho work to supplant his own. And finally, love is a common theme in the works of both poets.
Sapphos was born into a wealthy family in the 5th century on the Aegean isle of Lesbos. She was quite famous for her time. She belonged to a class of poets called lyricists or lyric poets. Her works were written with the intent to be sung while accompanied by an instrument called lyre. Her poems are characterized by words, which convey deeply felt emotions. Of all the emotions, which moved Sappho, love drove her to create works of such beauty and deep emotional expression like the Hymn to Aphrodite. She ardently believed that love was the strongest force of all, and with its strength, one could do unimaginable things. Nothing can withstand the force of love, for it has the ability to alter the course of world events for everyone's benefit. Throughout all her lyric works, runs the common thread of love. She treasured love...