From Listeners to Viewers

Space in the Iliad

Christos Tsagalis author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Harvard University, Center for Hellenic Studies

Published:7th Nov '12

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

From Listeners to Viewers cover

What do we mean by “space” in the Iliad? The aim of this book is to offer a systematic and comprehensive presentation of the different types and functions of space in the earliest work of Greek literature. By adopting a twofold division between simple and embedded story space, the former pertaining to the actions of characters and the latter to their thoughts, Christos Tsagalis shows how character drawing and authority are deeply influenced by active spatial representation.

Similes and descriptive passages, in which space looms large, are also viewed in a new light as the author explores the relation between space designated in the similes and in the corresponding action of the main narrative. Given the importance in cognitive theory of the role of memory in an oral medium such as epic song, the book analyzes Homeric modes of visual memory, implicit knowledge, and mnemonic formats in order to better understand the composition and presentation of descriptive and ekphrastic passages, with special emphasis on the numerous prized objects and the monumental shield of Achilles.

ISBN: 9780674067110

Dimensions: 229mm x 140mm x 36mm

Weight: 771g

566 pages