Mythologizing Performance

Richard P. Martin develops a comprehensive poetics of archaic Greek verse by closely analyzing works by Homer, Hesiod, and other ancient Greek poets. He explores how this poetry was composed for live performances, often in competitive settings, and how it differs from modern verbal art. The essays in this collection analyze narrative structures, performers, rituals, and the interrelationships between epic, hymn, and speaking genres.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 540 pages
\n Publication date: 15 October 2019
\n Publisher: Cornell University Press
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Richard P. Martin, a renowned scholar, has delved into the intricate world of archaic Greek verse, drawing upon extensive close readings of works by Homer, Hesiod, and other ancient Greek poets. In his comprehensive poetics, Martin offers a rich and precise understanding of this ancient poetic tradition. The hexameter poetry of the Iliad and the Odyssey, composed for live, face-to-face performances in competitive settings before knowledgeable audiences, sets it apart from most modern verbal art.

The essays collected in this volume span Martin's illustrious career and explore innovative approaches to interpreting this poetic heritage. They employ principles and evidence from comparative studies of oral traditions, literary and speech-act theories, and ethnographic records.

Within these essays, readers are treated to in-depth analyses of various aspects of archaic Greek poetry. The narrative structures of Homers epics, such as the Iliad and the Odyssey, are explored, shedding light on their intricate storytelling techniques. The characterization of poetic and musical performers within the poems is examined, highlighting their roles and contributions to the artistic expression. The social context for verses attributed to the legendary singer Orpheus is examined, shedding light on the cultural and historical backdrop of these works.

The significance of rituals as stylized by poetic performances is explored, emphasizing their role in shaping artistic expression and conveying cultural values. The interrelationships among the major genres of epic and hymn, as well as genres of speaking such as lament, praise, advice, and proverbial wisdom, are examined, revealing the complex tapestry of archaic Greek poetry.

Through his meticulous scholarship and insightful interpretations, Richard P. Martin has contributed significantly to our understanding of archaic Greek verse. This collection of essays provides a valuable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike, offering a deeper appreciation of this rich poetic heritage.

\n Weight: 896g\n
Dimension: 236 x 161 x 41 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781501713095\n \n