The ancient Greek myths exposed many aspects of their male society. The focus of today are the different ideas of what was accepted and approved of back then. In order to show you this, examples will be taken from the story Theseus. The expectations of male youth were to be strong and brave. At the early age of fifteen, Theseus proves his strength by lifting a huge boulder and finding his fathers sword and a pair of sandals underneath it. On his way to Athens, Theseus encounters evil and courageously fights worthy opponents, killing atrocious monsters in all shapes and forms.
He is looked respected because his father is high in social status and power. Fighting the Minotaur is a quest the young man goes on to save the people of Athens. Sacrificing yourself in the name of your people and bravery are looked upon with admiration from Greek society. Marriage is a virtue. Even though King Aegeus and Aethra are with each other once, they still manage to hold the sacred title by secretly marrying one another. Typical forms of unacceptable behavior were overexcessive pride and distraction. A major tragedy in the story occurs as a result of Theseus forgetfulness.
He is so preoccupied about leaving Ariadne on the island of Naxos, that he forgets to hoist up the white sail of victory. Theseus father plunges to his death thinking his son is dead after seeing the black sail on the incoming vessel. The lesson of his carelessness carries a high toll. This illustrates on how important it is in the culture that a young man does not forget basic logic. Theseus downfall is his thinking that he was the bravest king alive. As a result, Theseus and his Peirithous end up trapped in Hades.
The Essay on Father and Son Relationship, Angela’s Ashes
One of the strongest things in this world is the love that forms between a father and his son. Many boys grow up with the desire to be just like their fathers but for Frank McCourt having an alcoholic father causes him to grow up with the mentality of being the opposite of him. In Angela’s Ashes the interesting relationship between Frank and Malachy creates positive and negative impacts on ...
The lessons behind the story tell much about the values of people of Ancient Greece. The myths are stories resulting with severe consequences, telling men how to be. Theseus is a message to the that they could either be high up in Mount Olympus if they do great things, or in consequence end up eternally suffering in the underworld.
