Homer and Hellenistic Literature

This study capitalizes on recent interest in the cultural history and geography of Apollonius’ Argonautica while exploring an understudied viewpoint. Thalmann’s 2011 treatment of the Argonauts’ movement in space throughout the epic leaves open the subtle movements of the Colchian antagonists throughout Argonautica 4.

This paper advances a new way to analyze formulaic numerical patterns in Homeric epic. Research into Homeric numbers has repeatedly demonstrated that they are “typical” or “formulaic,” “resulting not from a process of real counting or precise measurement, but from a human desire for literary and symbolic patterning” (Rubincam 448).

This paper addresses the significance of Cassandra’s reference to Achilles as a “Pelasgian Typhon” (Πελασγικὸν Τυφῶνα, 177) in Lycophron’s Alexandra.

This paper argues that Walter Benjamin’s reading of the Niobe myth clarifies the function of Achilles’ Niobe exemplum at Iliad 24.602-617. During their extraordinary meeting, Achilles tells the story of Niobe to encourage Priam to eat, but the exemplum’s imagery has generated critical controversy (Richardson; Pearce), particularly because Niobe’s violent fate contrasts with Achilles’ compassionate offer of a shared meal.

Apollonius refines the poetic lexicon for the concept of “fate” in the Argonautica, consistent with his treatment of Homeric vocabulary generally but also engaging contemporary philosophical discussions. Whether fate is compatible with personal responsibility, is independent of the gods, or can be avoided, were evergreen questions and early epic and tragic responses are well explored, but the Hellenistic poets’ engagement is less well understood.

The description of Penelope’s hand at Od.