Description
Book SynopsisApplying linguistic theory to the study of Homeric style, Egbert J. Bakker offers a highly innovative approach to oral poetry, particularly the poetry of Homer. By situating formulas and other features of oral style within the wider contexts of spoken language and communication, he moves the study of oral poetry beyond the landmark work of Milman Parry and Albert Lord.
One of the book''s central features, related to the research of the linguist Wallace Chafe, is Bakker''s conception of spoken discourse as a sequence of short speech units reflecting the flow of speech through the consciousness of the speaker. Bakker shows that such short speech units are present in Homeric poetry, with significant consequences for Homeric metrics and poetics. Considering Homeric discourse as a speech process rather than as the finished product associated with written discourse, Bakker''s book offers a new perspective on Homer as well as on other archaic Greek texts. Here Homeric discourse appea
Trade Review
Bakker insists that oral poetry be understood not in contrast to written poetry, but as one manifestation of oral speech-activity among many; the Illiad and Poetry in Speech were composed by a poet trained in oral performance. Bakker calls attention to an impressive array of parallels between Homeric and ordinary spoken language. Parts 2 and 3 of this book have taught me a great deal, even after half a century of familiarity with Homeric verse, and are certain to sharpen appreciation of Homer’s style for most other readers, whether oralist or scripsist, adept or tyro.
-- Merritt Sale * Classical Philology *
