Western Lit. 1-40: Hesiod: Mankind's Past and Future

    The ancient Greek poet Hesiod provides a unique perspective on mankind's past and future in his epic poem, "Works and Days." In this work, Hesiod explores the relationship between the gods and man, and the importance of a moral code in shaping the future. The relevance of Hesiod's view of the past and future lies in its enduring influence on Western literature, philosophy, and theology. This essay analyzes Hesiod's view of the past and future through the five points of the covenant outlined in Works and Days. Each point is uncovered through a close reading of the text, and an exploration of the historical and cultural context in which it was written. Ultimately, this essay argues that Hesiod's view of the past and future is one that emphasizes the cyclical nature of history and the importance of maintaining a moral code to ensure a prosperous future.

    The first point of the covenant, God, is a central theme throughout Hesiod's work. In the poem, Zeus is the supreme god who judges in terms of justice. However, he is not always predictable, and the consequences of his temperament can be mitigated by keeping track of time and conditions. Additionally, farmers must pray to Demeter for a bountiful harvest, recognizing the unpredictable nature of the soil. Overall, the ethical code for living is to submit your actions to the will of the heavens without complaint, as proper ethics will be rewarded.

    Regarding the second point of the covenant, Man, Hesiod argues that the current generation of men is "an iron generation. In a metaphor illustrating five generations of men as metals, the current generation is the least of all men, but the hardest and sharpest. Men must forge themselves with the fire of civilization into useful tools. Prometheus, who gave fire to man, represents rebellion against the sovereign power and the consequences for men who dare to advance civilization. The fire itself triggered a new age of cultural and technological progress in man. But because of their rebellion, Zeus sent Pandora, representing feminine chaos, suffering and death, but also salvation by hope for a better future. The need to master chaos and impose order in one's life is a theme throughout the poem. Hesiod warns of the dangers of the uncontrolled feminine, while also acknowledging the blessings of the gods on men, even through women.

    The third point of the covenant, Law, is a higher law that represents justice. Hesiod recognizes that the courts are corrupt with bribery and bad will and that real justice is harmony without conflict. Justice is the daughter of Zeus. Because of her Father, following an ethical code of living and avoiding violating justice is wise. Additionally, there are laws of regularity in nature that vary, but omens regularly convey changes. Reverence to nature and accepting fate without struggle is a component of good ethics. But Ethics themselves are composed in 'living well', which is construed by Hesiod as a productive and self-sufficient life.

    Sanctions, the fourth point of the covenant, relate to the consequences of cause and effect in history. Through his daughters, and the rest of the pantheon, Zeus brings justice in history. This argumentative demonstrates that sins against nature (Greek ethics) have real consequences. The poem also reinforces that the wisdom, education, and incentives of the ruling class are grounded in the wisdom of the muses, the inspiration of the arts, who teach princes judgments through wisdom. In the agricultural context of the poem, timing is everything, and omens, signs, and festivals are important for success, but for Hesiod prosperity itself is an ethical matter sanctioned by higher powers. To sum it up, The poem demonstrates an awareness of an ineffectual and uniform system of causation. Within the worldview of a farmer good ethics must consist of managing works and days in accordance with this system, what else matters?

    The fifth point of the covenant, Inheritance, is where Hesiod discusses the past and future of mankind. He predicts that the gods will destroy man for having an ungrateful and troublesome spirit, and that only sorrow will be left. The ethical rebellion of man against the right order will destroy them. This is partly a call for Perses to return what he did not rightfully earn, the inheritance. Owing to the nature of this religion, Hesiod has no hope for a future, and this must have been painfully apparent during conflicts like the Peloponnesian war. There is no hope for the ultimate inheritance of man, which is death, pain and suffering. However, at the bottom of Pandora's jar is hope, hope that men can live in relative peace with nature and the gods, but never for salvation. Even by preserving their household and living virtuously, men cannot hope for much but a peaceful life, a little bread, a cheese, and a short nap in the summer breeze.

    In conclusion, Hesiod's epic poem, "Works and Days," provides a unique insight into the nature of reality, the gods, and man's place in the world. Through his account of the Five Ages of Man, Hesiod outlines a view of mankind's past and future. He depicts humanity's descent from a Golden Age of abundance and harmony to a current state of turmoil and suffering, with a bleak future predicted in the form of the final Iron Age. Hesiod's work shows an awareness of the cosmic reality of humanity and the importance of living a virtuous life in accordance with the divine order. His emphasis on hard work, justice, and respect for the gods reflects the values of his time and provides a moral framework for later generations. Overall, "Works and Days" is a timeless masterpiece that offers a wealth of insights into the human condition and the eternal struggle to find meaning in a constantly changing world.