Social Studies Detailed Essay Outline Form USE FOR QUESTION 2

SIMILARITIESDIFFEREN!ES
T"esis Statement Ancient Greeks and modern society prize athleticism and success as
demonstrated throughout the Olympic Games, yet modern society lacks the religious and
artistic associations once encouraged by ancient Greece.
To#ical Statement I $ The Olympics remain an essential component of athletics in the
modern world, promoting the unity and athleticism of ancient Greece to todays society.
Su##ortin% E&idence The ancient Greeks held the Olympics with the intention of
unifying neighboring citystates while displaying athletic abilities in friendly competition.
Analysis !imilar to the Greeks, athletes today come together from e"ery country to
participate in the Olympic Games. Through the Olympics, nations encourage peace and
acceptance as each contestant competes for their country. The Olympic Games
demonstrate a willingness of each society to set aside their di#erences.
Su##ortin% E&idence $hampions in ancient Greece were welcomed home as kings,
recei"ing gifts and eternal glory.
Analysis %t is the greatest honor to e"en compete in the Olympics, let alone win a
medal. &ust as in ancient Greece, todays champions are applauded as heroes, recei"ing
praise and 'nancial gain. This glori'cation shows how, similar to Greek society, modern
culture takes pride in moral and physical success as well as athletic ability.
To#ical Statement II (hile ancient Greece and modern society encourage unity and
acceptance throughout the Olympic Games, the religious and artistic implications of the
Games ha"e greatly changed o"er time.
Su##ortin% E&idence %n ancient Greece the Olympic Games were primarily dedicated
to religious deities and gods while todays society focuses on keeping religion separate
from the Games.
Analysis )"eryday life in Greece was centered on gods and religion. %t was only
suitable that the Olympic Games ser"ed as a tribute to them. )ach athlete put their faith
in the gods, belie"ing them to be a di"ine decider of the future. *efore each e"ent an
athlete would pray to the gods for luck and prosperity. Today religious a+liations are to
be absent from many e"ents including the Olympics. !eparation of church and state
allow each indi"idual to practice a di#erent religion unlike ancient Greece who uni'ed
under a primary belief. This illustrates the important role religion played publicly in
Greece while in modern times religion is limited to pri"ate practice.
Su##ortin% E&idence $ Durin% the Olympics artists such as poets, sculptors and
artisans played a role in e,hibiting their own talents through the arts rather than sport.
Analysis Ancient Greeks greatly encouraged artists and free e,pression. The Olympics
ser"ed not only as an athletic competition but also as an artistic contest as well. Today
the arts are de'cient in the Olympic Games, which are chie-y reser"ed for athletics. The
lack of artistic e,pression con'rms that modern society puts more emphasis on physical
ability rather than artistic capabilities.
!onclusion *oth ancient Greece and modern society promote peace and prosperity
within the Olympic Games, illustrating the inherent willing nature of each culture.
.owe"er, ancient Greece had a more religious association with the ceremonies that
celebrated the arts and praised the gods demonstrating the more spiritual nature of
Greek society.