Parataxis Of Homer :: essays research papers

Throughout the epic poem The Odyssey, Homer employs a technique called parataxis. This technique is used frequently to identify characters in the book or explaining an event. The poem not only covers the story of Odyssey. The poem not only covers the story ofOdysseus, hardly also touches upon other characters as well. By using parataxis, Homer force outbriefly tell and describe characters and events. Often, characters are identified by theirrelationships to others, a great deed they have accomplished, to hardships they have sleep withacross. In describing Odysseus in Book V, lines 97 to 115 of which lines 105 to 110 areparatactical, Hermes says you have with you the man who is wretched beyond all theother work force of all those who fought around the city of Priam for nine years, and in the tenththey sacked the city and set sail for home, but on the voyage home they pained Athene,who let loose an evil tempest and tall waves against them. Then all the rest of hisexcellent companio ns perished, but the wind and the current carried him here and herethey pack him. The original conversation between Hermes and Kalypso had little to dowith Odysseuss journey. Hermes in lines 97 to 115 tells Kalypso that Odysseuss fate lienot on the island, but back home in Ithaka. The parataxis interrupts the line ofconversation to inform the reason why Odysseus arrives here. It break dances a glimpse the spanof Odysseuss journey and the fate of his companions onward the story is told. In thisinstance, Hermes identifies Odysseus with the obstacles he has overcome. At times, a parataxis of a certain character in one part of the poem help explainmatters subsequent on. In book XI, lines 281 to 297, Odysseus tells of Chloris, a beautifulmaiden. Of those lines, lines 287 to 290 are paratactical, Also she bore that marvelamong mortals, majestic Pero, whom all the heroes round about courted, but Neleuswould not give her to any, unless he could drive away the broad-faced horn-curved cat tlesof strong Iphikles out of Phylake. It talks of Chloriss daughter, Pero and the task thatall suitors must accomplish before he can have her hand. Later on in book XV, anothercharacter is introduced. He is the son of the man who won Pero. Without mentioningPero or the task of the suitors in the sooner book, much more explanation would beneeded to identify other characters. This parataxis links various character and theirstories.