The Poetics of Failure in Ancient Greece

The Poetics of Failure in Ancient Greece explores the theme of failure in archaic and classical Greek literature through close readings of epic, lyric, and tragic poetry. It identifies a poetics of failure that encompasses gods, heroes, athletes, and citizens and examines it from a mythological, literary, and historical perspective. The book also sheds light on cultural responses to failure and its preservation in societal memory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 214 pages
Publication date: 21 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Poetics of Failure in Ancient Greece presents a groundbreaking exploration of archaic and classical Greek literature, delving into an innovative and relatively unexplored realm. Through meticulous close readings of epic, lyric, and tragic poetry, the book engages in a comprehensive discourse on error, loss, and inadequacy as both individual and collective experiences. Stamatia Dova revisits pivotal passages from renowned texts such as the Iliad, the Odyssey, the Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite, Pindar's epinician odes, Euripides' Herakles, and various other sources to unveil a poetics of failure that encompasses gods, heroes, athletes, and citizens alike. From Odysseus' shortcomings as a captain in the Odyssey to the defeat of anonymous wrestlers at the 460 B.C.E. Olympics in Pindar, this study examines failure from a mythological, literary, and historical perspective. Recognizing the profound emphasis on honor and shame in ancient Greek society, Dova's in-depth analysis also sheds light on cultural responses to failure and its preservation in societal memory, as exemplified by Phrynichos' The Fall of Miletos in 493 B.C.E. Athens. This captivating book appeals to scholars and students alike, serving as a vital resource for those interested in understanding how ancient Greek literary paradigms sought to answer the profound question of how and why we fail.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032474540