Duality and Structure in the Iliad and Odyssey

Download or read book Duality and Structure in the Iliad and Odyssey written by Chet A. Van Duzer and published by Peter Lang Incorporated, International Academic Publishers. This book was released on 1996 with total page 392 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Despite extensive studies on Homer's techniques of formulaic composition, thus far the importance of duality in the construction of the Iliad and Odyssey has gone unnoticed. This study demonstrates that duality pervades the epics, from dual magical devices that protect Homeric heroes, to the dual structures upon which the poems are built. By elucidating patterns in Homer's use of duality, the study develops new insights into the methods of Homeric composition, and powerful new tools for the interpretation of his work.