"As much as things may change, they stay the same." The old adage rings true when applied to the essence of Classic Greek works of literature. They are timeless because they revolve around issues of morality, religious devotion, and human weakness. In the Greek Classics, we find the trials of modern man reflected back at us.

It is the purpose of this thesis to examine two of these classic works, The Odyssey by Homer and Iphigenia at Aulis by Euripides, for examples that highlight how much we have in common with the ancient Greeks. Desp

Honor and duty are seen as important in each literary piece. Agamemnon struggles with the internal conflict of love for his daughter against duty to his own honor and good name. While his heart may break at the thought of harming his beloved daughter, Agamemnon feels that he has no other option- to refuse was to invite the wrath of the gathered host upon himself and his family. He feels trapped by his situation and laments his station in life and the problems it brings him: "What an advantage humble north possesses! For it is easy for her sons to weep and tell out all their sorrows; while to the high-born man come these same sorrows, but we have dignity throned o'er our lives and are the people's slaves."

The odyssey jumps back and forth in time to tell the entire story, by means of the story within a story method. Many sections of the poem are of Odysseus himself telling the stories of his travels. Iphigenias at Aulis tells the events of the story in strict chronolgical order. Both pieces begin with the events of the story underway, and we are informed as to what has transpired through narrative and dialogue.

By contrast, the Odyssey holds the gods supreme in all things, and this reverence is upheld by even the lowliest of characters in the story. When the suitors of Penelope have planned to lay a trap to kill Odysseus' son, Telemachus, they are dissuaded by a young man who reminds them of the supreme will of the gods. "We should consult the gods. If Zeus hands down a ruling for that act, then I shall say 'Come one, come all,' and go cut him down with my own hand- but I say Halt, if gods are contrary."

Both are examples of two mediums used by the ancient greeks. They survive today, having developed over the years into theatre and movies as we know it today.

The characters are superficially alike. They are leaders of men. They are warriors of note. They both capable and intelligent. They are both born to high stations in life. However, despite these similarities, the two characters are as different as night and day. Odyssseus is the paragon of Greek virtue, strong, intelligent, decisive, and resourceful. Agamemnon, as presented by Euripides, is almost the antithesis- afraid to face the gathered army, trapped by fate, and powerless to alter the course of events.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1676
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)