The Roman Way, by Edith Hamilton - 2453 Words

The Author Edith Hamilton was born on August 12, 1867 in Dresden, Germany while her mother was visiting relatives. Hamilton started to study Latin at the age of seven, memorized passages from the Bible and could also recite poetry. Even as a young girl, she was a natural storyteller. She was determined to get a good education. After receiving her B.A. and M.A. from Bryn Mawr College in 1894 she studied the classics in Germany. From 1896 to 1922 she was the headmistress of the Bryn Mawr School in Baltimore. Among some of her works are The Greek Way (1930), The Roman Way (1932), Mythology (1942), and The Echo of Greece (1957). Her books are so revered that Mythology remains the foremost introductory textbook about its subject. The†¦show more content†¦It is in no sense a history of Rome, but an attempt to show what the Romans were as they appear in their great authors, to set forth the combination of qualities they themselves prove are peculiarly Roman, distinguishing them from the rest of antiquity.† (9) I interpret that to mean that you cannot get an accurate reconstruction of history without the personal letters and writings of the day to show us the quality of people of whom we are learning about. The book shows us how the Romans felt about being Roman. The pride that they had in their country. They were Romans first and foremost, and then individuals second. Hamilton tries to convey the fact that even as different as these authors were in their writings, they all shared a common thread. She states that their differences are superficial compared to their resemblances. Evaluation The Roman Way attempts to give us a glimpse into a history previously unseen before by utilizing the writings of several of Rome’s greatest literary minds. I believe that her intention was not to give an accurate and historical recollection of events, but to open our minds to the thoughts and feelings of actual Roman citizens. If you then pair this knowledge with the accurate history of Rome, I feel it is possible to get a deeper understanding of that period of time in history. Edith Hamilton uses the theatre of Plautus and Terence to show the comedic side ofShow MoreRelatedMythology by Edith Hamilton Critical Analysis837 Words   |  4 PagesMythology by Edith Hamilton Edith Hamilton: Mythology is a collection of Greek and Roman myths retold by Edith Hamilton. It is rewritten in a way that more readers could comprehend its content. The book was published in 1999 by Grand Central Publishing in New York, New York. Edith Hamilton believed that Greek myths show how high the ancient Greeks rose above ancient filth and fierceness. However, she also believed that Greek mythology do not throw any clear light upon what early mankind wasRead MoreThe Story Of The Cyclops Polyphemus2438 Words   |  10 PagesCyclops could be to the people at the time because of their gigantic eyes and appetite for humans. Adding to the terror, the are extremely powerful and can easily move boulders and eat Odysseus and his men. Contrary to many of the other stories, Edith Hamilton does not use quotes to describe the story. Instead, she uses many details to describe the cave such as â€Å"racks full of cheese and pails brimming with milk, delightful to the sea-worn traveler. † The dialogue is also interpreted, not directly quotedRead MoreMonsters of Greco-Roman Myth Essay1478 Words   |  6 PagesMonsters of Greco-Roman Myth To have a hero there must be a monster to vanquish. 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During their celebration of their c onquest, â€Å"one of the men charged with the poetical part of theRead More Ahprodite/Venus Essay472 Words   |  2 PagesAphrodite is the Greek name for the goddess of love and beauty. Roman mythology refers to her as Venus. She charmed gods and men and  ¡Ã‚ §stole away even the wits from the wise ¡Ã‚ ¨ (Hamilton 32). Different stories describe how Aphrodite was created in two different ways. The first tells that she was created from the foam of the Mediterranean Sea and dressed upon her birth by the Seasons before being presented to Zeus. In the Iliad, Aphrodite was the daughter of Zeus and Dione. Zeus married AphroditeRead MoreHow Child Abuse Affects a Hero, a God, and a Monster in Greek Mythology811 Words   |  4 Pagesthroughout his childhood and into adulthood. Heracles’ prime abuser was his stepmother, Hera. Hera shows the classic signs of blaming children for the mistakes of their parents and for the situation they were born into. Hamilton states that Hera is so jealous of her husband Zeus’ philandering ways that she often directs her anger not only on the mistresses but also the innocent children of the unions (27). Even before Heracles was a teenager, Hera made several attempts on his life. One of the first instancesRead MoreThe Significance Of The Title Mythology 1923 Words   |  8 PagesSignificance of the title: Mythology The book that Edith Hamilton wrote, mythology has a title that explains itself. It is a huge book full of mythological animals, people, stories, places, and more. The title mythology is very clever and simple to use because it covers the entire book itself. From the story of the Titans, to Perseus, to Theseus, to Hercules. This book is filled with many adventurous stories of the myths from the Norse, Greek, and roman cultures. The significance of the title is veryRead MoreThe Greek Heros Triumph Over Monsters1477 Words   |  6 Pageswinged sandals, he hovered over them only looking into the reflection of his shield. Athena guided his hand an he cut off Medusa’s head, picked it up still not looking at it, and dropped it into his wallet that expanded to fit whatever was in it (Hamilton 151). Though he had the help of gods, Perseus is still the hero of this myth and overcame the monster Medusa. While journeying, another hero, Theseus, fought multiple monsters, one of which also attacked him indirectly. The monster Sinis attachedRead More The Influence of Mythology on Literature and Society Essay2666 Words   |  11 PagesThe Influence of Mythology on Literature and Society Edith Hamilton is the author of the book Mythology. This book is about the Mythology of the Romans and Greeks through her eyes and the way she interprets it. In the beginning of the book Hamilton writes an introduction to Classical Mythology and how, and why it came about. She starts off by writing that Greek and Roman Mythology is meant to show us how people felt about the human race and about where they came from many years ago. She pointsRead MoreGreek Gods and Goddesses2478 Words   |  10 Pageshad a great influence and importance to Greek culture. br brWhen Zeus, Jupiter in Roman Mythology, was young, he overthrew his father, Cronus, to become the Supreme Ruler and Protector God. Zeuss power, which included him as the Lord of the Sky, Rain God, God of Thunder, God of the Winds, and Cloud-Gatherer, was greater than that of all of the other gods and goddesses ascendancy combined.(Guirand 105; Hamilton 25-26) Zeus married and made mistresses of many women. Metis was his first wife. Gaea