Text and Intertext in Greek Epic and Drama: Essays in Honor of Margalit Finkelberg

This collection of 19 interconnected studies explores the language, history, exegesis, and cultural setting of Greek epic and dramatic poetic texts and their afterlives in Antiquity, written by friends and colleagues of Margalit Finkelberg, who are experts in their respective fields. It offers close readings of individual lines and discussions of widespread cultural phenomena, such as Hittite precedents to the Homeric poems, characters in ancient epic analyzed by modern cognitive theory, the use of Homer in Christian polemic, tragic themes of love and murder, and a history of the Sphinx.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 420 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive collection presents a remarkable exploration into the multifaceted realm of Greek epic and dramatic poetic texts, encompassing their language, history, exegesis, and cultural context. Spanning a vast expanse of literary works, from Hittite archives to Homer, Greek tragedy, comedy, Vergil, and Celsus, these studies have been meticulously crafted by friends and colleagues of Margalit Finkelberg, renowned experts in their respective fields. Each paper offers a profound and intricate analysis of individual lines, delving into broader cultural phenomena. From uncovering Hittite precedents to Homeric poems, examining characters in ancient epic through the lens of modern cognitive theory, exploring the use of Homer in Christian polemic, examining tragic themes of love and murder, tracing the history of the Sphinx, and much more, readers are treated to a rich tapestry of insights. This collection is a treasure trove for anyone engaged in the study of Greek literature, providing a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Introduction:
Text and Intertext in Greek Epic and Drama presents a captivating collection of nineteen interconnected studies that delve into the intricate world of Greek epic and dramatic poetic texts, as well as their enduring influence in Antiquity. Spanning a vast chronological range, from Hittite archives to Homer, Greek tragedy, comedy, Vergil, and Celsus, these essays offer a profound exploration of the language, history, exegesis, and cultural setting of these remarkable works.

Theoretical Framework:
The studies in this collection are rooted in a rich theoretical framework, drawing upon a diverse range of academic disciplines. The authors employ various methodologies, including close textual analysis, cultural anthropology, cognitive theory, and historical contextualization, to unravel the complex tapestry of Greek epic and dramatic poetry. By employing these interdisciplinary approaches, the authors provide fresh insights into the texts and their afterlives, shedding light on the enduring relevance and significance of these ancient works.

Close Readings:
The papers in this collection offer meticulous close readings of individual lines and passages from Greek epic and dramatic poetry. The authors meticulously analyze the linguistic, rhetorical, and structural aspects of the texts, paying attention to the nuances and complexities of the language. Through their detailed examinations, they shed light on the themes, motifs, and symbols that resonate throughout the works, illuminating the rich tapestry of ideas and emotions that they convey.

Cultural Phenomena:
The studies in this collection also explore broader cultural phenomena that influenced and shaped Greek epic and dramatic poetry. The authors examine the role of epic and drama in ancient society, exploring their social, political, and religious significance. They also explore the impact of these works on subsequent literary traditions, such as Homeric epics, Greek tragedy, comedy, and Vergil's Aeneid. By examining these intertextual relationships, the authors provide a comprehensive understanding of the enduring legacy of Greek epic and dramatic poetry.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Text and Intertext in Greek Epic and Drama offers a rich and comprehensive exploration into the multifaceted world of Greek epic and dramatic poetry. Through a rigorous theoretical framework and close textual analysis, the authors provide fresh insights into the language, history, exegesis, and cultural setting of these ancient works. The collection also sheds light on broader cultural phenomena that influenced and shaped these texts, contributing to our understanding of the enduring legacy of Greek literature. This book will be of interest to scholars, students, and anyone passionate about the study of Greek epic and dramatic poetry.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032474328