Homer and the poetics of Hades
In this thesis I examine Homerâs use of Hades as a poetic resource that allows a different approach to the epic past than the one provided through Muse-inspired narrative. By portraying Hades as a realm where vision is not possible (A - ides), I argue, Homer creates a unique poetic environment in which social constraints and divine prohibitions are not applicable. The result is a narrative that emulates that of the Muses but at the same time is markedly distinct from it, as in Hades experimentation with, and alteration of, important epic forms and values can be pursued, giving rise to a different kind of poetics. I have called this the âPoetics of Hades.â In the Iliad, Homer offers us a glimpse of how this alternative poetics works through the visit of Patroclusâ shade in Achillesâ dream. The recollection offered by the shade reveals an approach to its past in which regret, self-pity and a lingering memory of intimate and emotional moments displace an objective tone, and a traditional exposition of heroic values such as kleos and timÄ. I argue that the potential of Hades for providing alternative means of commemorating the past is more fully explored in the âNekyiaâ of Odyssey 11; there, Odysseusâ
Gazis, Georgios
Homer and the poetics of Hades. In this thesis I examine Homerâs use of Hades as a poetic resource that allows a different approach to the epic past than the one provided through Muse-inspired narrative. By portraying Hades as a realm where vision is not possible (A - ides), I argue, Homer creates a unique poetic environment in which social constraints and divine prohibitions are not applicable. The result is a narrative that emulates that of the Muses but at the same time is markedly distinct from it, as in Hades experimentation with, and alteration of, important epic forms and values can be pursued, giving rise to a different kind of poetics. I have called this the âPoetics of Hades.â In the Iliad, Homer offers us a glimpse of how this alternative poetics works through the visit of Patroclusâ shade in Achillesâ dream. The recollection offered by the shade reveals an approach to its past in which regret, self-pity and a lingering memory of intimate and emotional moments displace an objective tone, and a traditional exposition of heroic values such as kleos and timÄ. I argue that the potential of Hades for providing alternative means of commemorating the past is more fully explored in the âNekyiaâ of Odyssey 11; there, Odysseusâ
homer poetics examine homer use poetic resource allow different epic past provide inspired narrative portray realm vision possible argue homer create unique poetic environment social constraint divine prohibition applicable narrative time markedly distinct experimentation alteration important epic form value pursue give_rise different_kind poetics call poetics homer offer glimpse alternative poetics work visit shade dream recollection offer shade reveals past self memory intimate emotional moment displace objective tone traditional exposition heroic value argue potential provide_alternative mean commemorate past fully_explore