Whatever some people are ready to go to become famous, become famous. In our age of modern technology, getting widespread popularity has become easier thanks to the Internet. However, to gain fame, some resort to bad deeds, unworthy shocking. They say that they have a Herostratic glory. Why this expression is applicable in such cases, we learn by examining the interpretation and etymology of this sustainable turnover.
“Herostratic Glory”: the meaning of phraseology
To interpret this phrase, we turn to the large dictionary of stable expressions Roze T. V. The author conveys the meaning of phraseology in only two words: shameful glory. So, the expression we are considering has a negative connotation. It characterizes fame obtained in an ignoble way.
Where does this expression “Herostratic Glory” come from, the meaning of which we have explained, we will learn further. The etymology of phraseologism will help us expand its interpretation.
The history of the origin of the expression “Herostratic Glory”
In the city of Ephesus, which is located on the west coast of Asia Minor, once lived an ambitious man. His name was Herostratus. All his life he dreamed that his name was imprinted in history. And once an idea came to him how to become famous.
In his city there was a beautiful large temple, which was dedicated to the hunting goddess Artemis of Ephesus (later he was ranked among the seven wonders of the world). In 356 BC, Herostratus set fire to this temple, which was a landmark of his state and a place of rites. He decided that historians would write about his act and thereby perpetuate the memory of him.
Herostratus paid for his misconduct with life: the court sentenced him to death. Moreover, his name was most strictly forbidden to pronounce, much less mention in literary and historical works. But after some time, the ancient Greek historian Theokomp, who lived in the 4th century BC, still wrote about him, and the name of the temple arsonist has survived to this day. After that, other researchers spoke in their writings about the temple of Artemis and its destroyer.
Now, those who are trying in any way to gain fame, especially the bad, unworthy deeds, they say that they have a Herostratic glory.
Having learned the etymology of expression, we can expand the epithets for the interpretation of phraseology. Gerostratova can be called not just shameful fame, but above all criminal.
Expression Usage Examples
Phraseologisms are often used in their writings by various journalists, writers, linguists, etc. For example, after the sensational scandal with members of the punk band Pussy Riot, the use of the expression “Herostratic glory” was used in many publications about them. This phraseologism succinctly characterizes the criminal way of gaining the fame of the mentioned group.
But not only in our time the reference to Herostratus is used. His name was also used by Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin in the epigram “On Sturdzu”. In it, he noted that the person to whom his lines were intended is worth the laurels of Herostratus. This epigram was directed against the Russian diplomat Sturdza Alexander Skarlatovich, who advocated that educational institutions be supervised by the police, since he was a real champion of ideas and freedom of thought.
Conclusion
We examined the stable expression “Herostratic glory”, but have not yet noted that it is found in various variations: “glory of Herostratus”, “laurels of Herostratus”, “to acquire the laurels of Herostratus”. Whatever kind of expression we choose, its meaning will remain the same. It will also characterize the glory gained by dishonest, shameful and even criminal means.