Influential Classical Figures

Question 1

Hero and Leander

Answer 1

Form the basis of Christopher Marlowe’s erotic, epic poem by the same name. These figures were lovers in Classical Greek mythology. Leander would swim across to Hero’s tower every night and light the top of the tower to guide him. They eventually have sex as they believe that Venus would scorn the worship of a virgin. Leander is then killed at sea as he loses his way after the light in the towers goes out and Hero throws herself from her tower to be with him. It is notable that Marlowe’s version ends with the two becoming lovers and not their deaths.

Question 2

Venus

Answer 2

The Goddess of Love.

Question 3

Ovid

Answer 3

Writer of The Metamorphoses- written in epic meter. Highly influential to the Renaissance period.

Question 4

Virgil

Answer 4

Ancient Roman poet of the Augustan period. Eg. Aeneid is his best known work, epic verse which refers to the founding act of Rome.

Question 5

Horace

Answer 5

Romantic lyrics poet during the time of Augustus. Created Hexamter verses and iambic poetry (not poetry restricted to iambic pentameter.)

Question 6

Plato

Answer 6

Promoted the idea that poetry gives man the opportunity to establish perfection.

Question 7

Homer

Answer 7

Iliad and Odyssey- epic of a Greek hero in the Trojan war.

Question 8

Achilles

Answer 8

War hero- found in Sidney’s The Defense of Poesy

Question 9

Aristotle

Answer 9

Philosopher, literary influence. Cicero described his writing as ‘the river of gold,’ morals and virtues.

Question 10

Cicero

Answer 10

Influence on the Latin language. Thought that his political career was the most significant in his life. Championed a republic government and became an enemy of Marc Anthony.