English Literature

Masculinity is a concept that reigned supreme during the Greek era. It was an essential part of the lifestyle led by the men of the time and was needed to exert the sexuality and strength of the individual. This is evident in the laws set down by the Ancient Grecians along with their literature about gods and heroes. All the myths created by Grecian writers referred to the masculinity of men as a culture that affected the entire society as a whole. The relationships between the male members of society had their edifice set on the masculinity of the individual. Qualities like integrity and equality were revered and considered vital components to creating successful relationships. Greek sculpture is greatly inspired by this form of idolizing. An entire form of cultural expression was devoted to romanticizing the male body. Literature too played an important role as it imposed the male spirit. It sought to define and establish the true essence of the masculine ego. These ideas were clearly depicted in the works done by Greek individuals that displayed their efforts to maintain and develop a strong concept of masculinity. As individuals awarded the most responsibility in Greek society, the role played by these male members was bound to be one of great importance. The position rewarded to males was not based on their ancestry or wealth instead it focused on inherent qualities like strength and knowledge to ascertain the true worth of a man. This character and behavior set the ground for masculinity in Greek society, creating praise, prestige and honor for all those incumbent on these principles.

Greek sculpture focused on the nude male. The importance of the male was evident in the central role played by the male nude as the sculptors model. The Kuros were ample proof of the high regard with which the young male was held in Greek society. The independent youth was shown as magnificent and joyful. This was visually appealing to the eye and was a source of seduction to the females who viewed it. The warrior created a different sort of impact on society. Generally revered to as heroes, the warrior earned a massive degree of respect and honor in Grecian society. Warriors like Odysseus were shown carrying weapons to instill a feeling of fear into the hearts of those who saw them. This weaponry would be coupled with a spear, helmet and shield. By possessing all the instruments of a hard set fighter, these sculptures assisted in instilling the values of courage and valor as an inherent part of the male structure. The sculptures would oft enough be created as heavily muscled and frightening, an intimidation tactic that instilled the concept of the warrior male. This perfect sculpture was integral for explaining the measurements of the formed mental and emotional balance present in any man. Greek sculpture is appreciated because of its ability to display the strongest elements of man as his nature and fate are revealed. The Greek work also depicted mans ability to control and maneuver these elements, thus giving them a fulfilling and powerful form.

Greek literature also enforced this concept of masculinity. The work by Homer is an excellent portrayal of this work. The Odyssey is a poem that focuses on the adventures of Odysseus as he travels back home. This journey stretches over a period of ten years following the fall of Troy. This element of a fierce but loyal warrior is one which is amply displayed in Greek sculptures. Odysseus is an emblem of the muscled and strong men that the Grecian society doted on. As the main character of the poem, the role played by Odysseus is one of heroic valor and bravado. The sensuality of the hero was evident in the attention he attracted from female recipients. This was a trait that was aptly portrayed in the Greek sculptures made of heroes or warriors. Be it the statue of the Gods or an ordinary mortal, the work would exude a sensuality that was lacking in their weaker counterparts. The culture of nude sculptures was rampant in Greece both male and females. This revered form necessitated the need for sexual prowess to exist in the figures as was evident in both the literature and sculptures of the time. Homer employed the terms norn and genorn to emphasize on the masculinity of the characters in his poems (Graziosi  Haubold). The term genorn is used to describe excessive manliness on the part of the suitors who woo the wives of other men. Thus, Homer displays manliness to be a trait that is abundant in individuals who seek to charm married women. This strong sexual foothold is a definite part of Greek sculpture.  Hubris or pride was a flaw that led to a severe outcome in Odysseus journey. It led to him angering the sea god Poseidon who led his ship astray and increased the time it took the hero to return home. Hubris and nemesis were two recurring themes in Greek sculpture. It depicted the mortals arrogance and the retribution meted out as retribution to this flawed quality.

Homer refers to Odysseus as possessing cunning intelligence, able to mould and maneuver his way out of difficult situations.  This intellect is an aspect missing in Greek sculptures. While it should be considered that the creation of these massive figures was based entirely on physical strength, barring a well-formed head, the mould presented very little of the mental qualities of its model. The models were made with armor and swords rather than scrolls and writing instruments. Also, integrity and loyalty were qualities shown Homeric literature but invisible in the sculptures created of these heroes.

Thus, the Grecian era was strong in its support for the male body. As governing individuals in the state, these male models were responsible for the entire well-being of the entire society. Thus, the literature and architecture decorating the Greek state was rich in depicting the masculinity and prowess of its male members.