Neoanalysis, Orality, and Intertextuality: An Examination of Homeric Motif Transference
Year: 2006
Type: article
Abstract: As with other schools of thought in Homeric research, neoanalysis has experienced experimentation and change.1 Neoanalysts have slowly become aware of points of contact between their methodology and an oralist approach, and recently some oralists have enthusiastically accepted the compatibility of the two schools of thought. Intertextual theory can also provide much insight into the phenomena uncovered by neoanalysis, particularly motif transference. A central concept in neoanalyst methodology, motif transference involves the use of non-Homeric motifs within Homeric poetry. Neoanalysts have persuasively identified examples of motif transference, but their explanation of its mechanics and significance has been lacking. An oralist perspective modifies our understanding of how motif transference is produced and received, and intertextual theory can help explain the possible significance of Homeric reflection of non-Homeric material. Three levels of narrative are posited for this examination: A) cyclic myth, B) cyclic epic, and C) Homeric epic. Level B (cyclic epic) is an epic version of Level A (cyclic myth).2 Level C (Homeric epic) exists as a self-1 Kakridis (1949:1-10) first coined the term “neoanalysis ” and defined its method. For a concise summary of its arguments, see Willcock 1997; for explanation of its
Source: Oral tradition
Author: Jonathan S. Burgess
Language: English
Topic: Classical Antiquity Studies
Subfield: Classics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2105288005