Date of Award
2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Humanities
First Advisor
Shaw, Carl
Keywords
Homer, Epithets, Gnomai, Paradeigmata
Area of Concentration
Classics
Abstract
In this thesis, I show that scholars have not understood the complexity of oral formulaic and traditional elements. Homer uses these elements as sophisticated literary tools, making intertextual connections. Even the most banal, formulaic elements do not limit the poet, but are used to create a much more elaborate context and deeper meaning. They foreshadow important scenes, create interesting juxtapositions of characters and events, and provide a deeper character development. I map the complexities of these traditional and formulaic elements through close readings of the Iliad, looking specifically at epithets (Chapter 1), gnomai (Chapter 2), and paradeigmata (Chapter 3). I show that the oral Homeric poet is limited to the use of contextless formulaic elements or to the use of elements that have meaning only within a narrow situational context. The poet gives epithets meaning beyond the literally adjectival, gives gnomai context outside of a particular character interaction, and connects paradeigmatic details with the surrounding scene and distant scenes to draw parallels and create literary subtext. The poet grants contextual meaning to that which seems irrelevant and widens the application of that which seems narrowly applicable.
Recommended Citation
Leahy, Jenica, "Complex Context in the Iliad Epithets, Gnomai, and Paradeigmata" (2012). Theses & ETDs. 4625.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/4625
Rights
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