Written Voices, Spoken Signs

Nine essays make up this volume which explores perspectives on Homer and other traditional epics. The focus is on performance and the audience perception of oral poetry. Key concepts for the understanding of traditional epic poetry are rethought, and the epic performer's use of time and tense in recounting a past that is alive are examined. Tackling the question of full-length performance of the monumental "Iliad", the extent to which the work was perceived as a coherent whole is examined. Questions about spoken signs and the process of reference in epic discourse, and rhyme as a semantic factor in Homeric performance are also addressed. Medieval epics are also considered, highlighting the underlying approach and viewpoints on the subject.