Final answer:
The theme of 'Atlas great fate' relates to the inevitability of destiny, a prominent idea in ancient literature and expressed through various mediums, including mythology, Hellenistic sculpture, and epic tales.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Theme of Fate
The reference to 'Atlas great fate' can be interpreted as a metaphor for the inevitability of destiny, which is a common theme in literature. The excerpt suggests that no matter one's resources or power, one cannot escape their fate. This sentiment aligns with the notion that fate or destiny controls the course of human life, which is a significant idea explored in ancient literature and mythology.
The visual description of the struggle between Athena and Alkoyneus in Hellenistic sculpture could symbolize the human struggle against fate. The tension and emotion captured in the sculpture reflect the dramatic interactions between humans and their fate, much like the narrative arcs found in classical epic tales.
Similarly, when examining literature, the theme is the central message an author conveys. It resonates throughout the storyline, connecting characters and conflicts. For instance, themes in 'The Epic of Gilgamesh' explore leadership, friendship, and the human condition in the face of death, a fate shared by all humans.
The systemic theme in historical military recruitment, called a 'theme system', also reflects the broader idea of collective fate, where a society's structure and individuals' roles play into larger destinies, as seen in the preservation of the Byzantine Empire.