GREE 5240

Course Description

This course will explore the language of Greek epic poetry (chiefly Homer, but also Hesiod, the Hymns, and Apollonius). What is the nature of the epic Kunstsprache? How does its syntax differ from that of Classical Attic? To what extent can linguistic features be used to date the poems? How much flexibility does the poet have in the use of formulas? How do later poets manipulate the traditional linguistic patterns inherited from earlier epic?