From Homer in Ancient Greece to the world-famous works of Shakespeare – literature has been the space where respected voices have echoed for centuries. This article explores the concept of ‘literary echoes’, a phenomenon which has enabled many of literature’s greatest authors to influence one another, and to this day continue to inspire readers.
1. Exploring Literary Echoes
The term “literary echo” can be used to describe the intricate connections between works of literature from different authors and different points in time. When investigating these connections, readers can discover a vast network of common themes, similar stories, and other assorted patterns.
One particular popular concept worth exploring is the idea of the motif; a motif is essentially a distinctive element, like a symbol, style, or phrase, which appears in multiple stories and books. By recognizing these elements, we can better understand the similarities and differences between works of literature, as well as the collective stories and concepts each author has to tell.
For example, the symbol of a red rose is often seen throughout literature, often signifying passion or love. One famous example of this is in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet; in the opening scene, Romeo is described as “seem[ing] to find [his] way without his eyes”, blindly feeling his way through the “very thoughtful of love” roses until he can finally take Juliet’s hand. By recognizing this motif’s significance to the play, readers can start to decipher the themes of love and passion driving the whole story.
In addition to symbols, similar characters and storylines are other great indicators of literary echoes throughout literature. One powerful example of this is Frankenstein by Mary Shelly, in which the creature Victor Frankenstein creates is similar to that of John Milton’s Paradise Lost, and is also sometimes compared to Adam and Eve. Both works use the concept of a ‘creation without a creator’, and by recognizing this comparison between them, readers can more clearly understand the timelessness of Shelly’s work and its spiritual implications.
Finally, readers can also use these kind of literary echoes to uncover patterns between works; for instance, the presence figures, with their accompanying symbols, for good and evil pervade much of our literature. The most influential example of this is the character of Satan in Milton’s Paradise Lost, who serves as the symbol of evil. By realizing the similarities in this motif of good and evil in various works, readers can gain a better sense of the collective morality that these authors are attempting to communicate in their stories.
Reading literature and exploring the various literary echoes has so much to offer; by taking the time to investigate symbols, characters, and motifs, readers can gain valuable insight into each story and its relation to the larger works of literature.
2. A Mythical Resonance Across Generations
It’s no surprise that myths and legends remain alive across generations, as they pass between families and communities. We all know of stories that have been passed down like family heirlooms, such as Bible stories, Native American tales, and Greek/Roman mythology. While these stories are shared by many, they also resonate with each individual in different ways. As we pass through the ages, each generation finds its own unique symbolism in these stories, no matter which culture they originated from.
The Greek hero Achilles and his immortal heel, for example, is inexorably tied to the concept of human vulnerability. Even thousands of years after he first appeared in mythology, Achilles’ story is still used to tell of the delicate nature of our own human strength — it is at once inspiring and cautionary.
This symbolic relevance of mythical stories also works the other way, too. Monsters from organizations such as Greek Furies continue to crop up frequently in modern culture, as their stories are used to represent a variety of themes – from the dangers of unchecked ambition (i.e., the story of King Midas) to the themes of chaos and uncertainty that come with the modern world.
As each new generation discovers these myths and legends, they relate to these stories in their own distinct way. On one level, these stories provide a mythical far-off world, full of adventure and hero-worship. On the other, these stories provide a much needed catharsis so that we can more fully understand the complexities of our own world.
- Mythical stories are deeply personal; each new generation finds their own unique meaning.
- Examples such as Achilles and the Furies are still relevant today.
- Stories provide a distant realm full of adventure, as well as a way to process the world we live in.
3. Decoding the Hidden Messages of Storytelling
Storytelling is an art form beloved by many, but its hidden messages often remain elusive. By taking time to decode these stories, there’s much to uncover about ourselves and the world we live in.
- Look for the Moral of the Tale: Some stories offer insight into a moral of the tale, especially if they are cautionary tales. What is the microcosm of the story trying to represent? Are there any elements that remind us to reflect on our own actions?
- Conflict and Resolution: Conflict is an integral part of storytelling, and it’s nearly always the driving force of the plot. Take notice of not only the conflict but also how it is resolved. Does it tell us anything about oneself or our relationships with others?
- Theme of Power: Power comes in many forms, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easily spotted in a story. Keeping an eye out for the “power dynamics” of a story can reveal messages about a societal inequality.
- Symbology: Characters in stories are often symbolic of certain personality traits, customs or values. As a reader, we can pay attention to the way each character is portrayed to extract meaning and relevance to today.
Sometimes it takes a while to detect the hidden messages weaved into the tales, but if we really take the time to pay attention, the stories can enlighten us with their timeless wisdom. is an active engagement process that rewards the open-minded. Pleasant as it may be to simply read for pleasure, it pays to take the extra time to ‘dig’ for the hidden gems.
4. Appreciating the Beauty of the Literary Tradition
The literary world has so much to offer for those that appreciate and make an effort to explore it. From the classic stories of ancient times to the work of new and undiscovered authors, there is something for everyone to love.
- Appreciation of the Classics – By reading the work of long-standing authors, we can understand the importance of the topics and issues they brought to light. We have the opportunity to experience the same stories that have been studied for centuries and to uncover new lessons we may have missed in the past.
- Educational Opportunity – Through literature, we can explore different cultures, eras, and events from the past. We can gain a better understanding of the events that have shaped the world we live in today and to draw insight from them into the present and future.
- Enrichment of Vocabulary – Reading any book helps to expand our vocabulary and enhances our ability to communicate in everyday life. Reading literature from different eras also allows us to come across words and phrases that are no longer used, or are used very differently today.
By exploring the world of literature, not only do we get to enjoy the intricate stories within, we also get the opportunity to understand how our world has evolved over time and how it currently stands. We also get to understand the importance of maintaining the art of English literature, and how it can be passed down through generations, preserving its beauty and preciousness.
Picking up a book or putting your hands on a classic story can open the door to a world of understanding, discovery, and expansion. We just need to be willing to explore the literary tradition to appreciate its beauty.
In conclusion, we have explored the concept of “Literary Echoes” of the past, present and beyond. In a world of ever-evolving storytelling, it is comforting to know that the threads of creativity and inspiration from the great minds of literature have been left to continue through the ages, weaving a timeless tapestry of narrative.
