HelenEpigrammatopoios

AbstractAncient commentators identify several passages in theIliadas “epigrams.” This paper explores the consequences of taking the scholia literally and understanding these passages in terms of inscription. Two tristichs spoken by Helen in theteikhoskopiaare singled out for special attention. These...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Classical antiquity 2005-04, Vol.24 (1), p.1-39
Main Author: Elmer, David F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
(PA) Literature
Classical antiquity
Deixis
Epigrams
Homeric epics
Muses
Narrative poetry
Patronymics
Poetry
Tapestry
Theater
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Summary:AbstractAncient commentators identify several passages in theIliadas “epigrams.” This paper explores the consequences of taking the scholia literally and understanding these passages in terms of inscription. Two tristichs spoken by Helen in theteikhoskopiaare singled out for special attention. These lines can be construed not only as epigrams in the general sense, but more specifically as captions appended to an image of the Achaeans encamped on the plain of Troy. Since Helen's lines to a certain extent correspond to the function and style of catalogic poetry, reading them specifically as captions leads to a more nuanced understanding of both Homeric poetry and Homeric self-reference. By contrasting Helen's “epigrams” with those of Hektor, one can also discern a gender-based differentiation of poetic functions.
ISSN:0278-6656
1067-8344
DOI:10.1525/ca.2005.24.1.1