Η αρχαιογνωσία στο έργο του Νικηφόρου Βρεττάκου

Abstract

Please note: this article is in Greek. The reception of Greek antiquity in the poetry of Nikiforos Vrettakos: In this communication an attempt is made to trace the influence of ancient Greek literature on the poetry of N. Vrettakos. The poet is proved to be familiar with the ancient Greek language, Greek mythology, and classical texts. Echoes of mythological and historical figures, of vocabulary, imagery, especially metaphors, and motifs from Homer, Aeschylus (Prometheus), Sophocles (Antigone) and other classical authors are found in poems published from the beginning to the end of his prolific poetic career. Special attention is paid to themes prevailing in his poetry and speeches, such as his sensitivity for human beings, for peace and justice, for bravery against invaders, as well as his respect for human rights and Greek language. Some of his typical poems, as that dedicated to R. Oppenheimer, The Return to Delphi, Farewell to the Sun of Greece, and, especially, his Prometheus, clearly reveal the decisive stimulus to his inspiration by ancient Greek culture. More specifically, the examination of Prometheus shows the typically Aeschylean concepts of freedom of mind and man’s struggle against violence and oppression. Vrettakos succeeded in enriching today’s pursuits and perspectives with the values of classical antiquity.