Description
Book SynopsisIn Diachronic Dialogues: Authority and Continuity in Homer and the Homeric Tradition author Ahuvia Kahane considers central aspects of Homer''s poetry, such as truth, knowledge, gender, virtue and the heroic code, authorship, memory and song, diction and formula. This book makes the case for performative, rather than essential values in the Illiad and the Odyssey. On the one hand performativity allows Homeric epic form to enact diverse claims and agendas in specific historical, cultural, and political contexts. On the other hand, the performative character of Homer''s values implies radical resistance to fixity of reference, forms of meaning, and patterning, etc. No individual performers or group of historical interpreters can thus claim exclusive authority over the song and its contents i.e. over its truth, knowledge, social codes, its diction, authorship, etc. The interaction of diversity and radical resistance marks the traditional and canonical icon we call ''Homeric epic.'' It is
Trade ReviewThe book replaces our usual conventions and strategies of reading texts or their histories. -- Ruth Scodel, University of Michigan
Table of ContentsChapter 0 Introduction: In Search of a Question Chapter 1 Homer and the Riddle of the Worm Chapter 2 Hidden Habits and the Trappings of Identity Chapter 3 Formal Fantasies Chapter 4 Homeric Signs Chapter 5 Intentions and Connections Chapter 6 The Order of the World Chapter 7 Conclusion: Diachronic Dialogues
