Question

World literature...

can a modern reader relate to Gilgamesh, Odysseus, Oedipus, Beowulf, Socrates or others.. any relevant to a modern reader..

Answer 1

Introduction- Gilgamesh, Odysseus, Oedipus, Socrates and Plato were the famous historical figures as well as effective personalities of Roman era of literature and philosophy. They showed the path of knowledge, thinking, insight and literature to the rest of world.

Gilgamesh- Gilgamesh is the main character of well-known ancient poem The Epic Gilgamesh, according to scholars, the Gilgamesh was the historical figure and controversial character of ancient Sumerian literature.

Odysseus- He was the legendary king and the hero of Odyssey. Odysseus is famous for his intellect, and cunningness. He is most famous for Trojan War.

Oedipus- Oedipus was the mythical king of Greek epics, he was the tragic hero of Greek mythology.

Socrates- Socrates was a famous Roman philosopher and an ideal figure of that time for young generation. He challenged many myths of that time and worked as a moral figure.

Plato- Plato was the philosopher of ancient Greece and founder of the academy in Athens, as the student and follower of Socrates, he laid the foundation of western philosophy, thinking and science.

            After read about above figure we can identify that the ancient literature of Greek era is the composition of epic and reality. In the modern reading we can see the pragmatism and applied social value while ancient literature and figures belong to morality rather than practical approach. The ancient literature is full of myths and ideal philosophical values.

Modern reader shows the interest in contemporary and modern approach, characters in modern reading belong to realism instead of idealism.