Works and Days 

• Genre: Poetry; didactic literature; classical literature 
• Originally Published: Circa 700 BCE 
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 1280L; college/adult 
• Structure/Length: Approximately 828 lines; approximately 112 pages long; approximately 1 hour on audio 
• Central Concern: Unlike epic poems that recount heroic deeds, Works and Days is a didactic poem that provides insights into the daily life and work of an ancient Greek farmer. It is addressed to Hesiod’s brother, Perses, and revolves around the themes of justice, hard work, and moral and practical advice for leading a successful life. The poem focuses on the struggles against the hardships of life and the importance of wisdom and ethical conduct.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Human toil; the harsh realities of peasant life; inevitability of work as part of the human condition; ancient Greek mythology

Hesiod, Author 

• Bio: One of the oldest known Greek poets; considered by many as the father of didactic poetry; lived around the same time as Homer, circa eighth or seventh century BCE; provides valuable insight into the life and beliefs of the ancient Greeks 
• Other Works: Theogony (730-700 BCE)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• The Interconnection of Gods, Humans, and the Natural World
• Value of Work in Human Societies
• Truth, Lies, and Rivalries

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will: