Irene J. F. de Jong

Narrative is an important element in our daily life and the novel is arguably the most popular genre of our times. The theory of narrative or narratology, which was developed in the 1960s, has helped us towards a better understanding of the how and why of narrative. Narratology and Classics is the first introduction to narratology that deals specifically with classical narrative: epic, historiography, biography, the ancient novel, but also the many narratives inserted in drama or lyric. The first part of the volume sketches the rise of narratology, and defines key narratological terms, illustrated with examples from both modern novels and Greek and Latin texts. Among the topics discussed are the identity of the role of narrator and narratees, tales within tales, metalepsis, temporal devices such as prolepsis and analepsis, retardation and acceleration, repetition and gaps, focalisation, and the thematic, symbolic, or characterising functions of space. The second part of the volume offers three close readings of famous classical texts and shows how the interpretation of these texts can be enriched by the use of narratology. The aim of this practical guide is to initiate its readers quickly into a literary theory that has established itself as a powerful new instrument in the classicist's toolkit. All concepts are clearly defined and illustrated from Greek and Latin texts, and detailed bibliographies at the end of each chapter point the way to theoretical studies and to further narratological studies of classical texts.

A Practical Guide

Narratology and Classics

Egbert J. Bakker

Hans van Wees

Herodotus Histories can be read in many ways. Their literary qualities, never in dispute, can be more fully appreciated in the light of recent developments in the study of pragmatics, narratology, and orality. Their intellectual status has been radically reassessed: no longer regarded as naïve and archaic , the Histories are now seen as very much a product of the intellectual climate of their own day - not only subject to contemporary literary, religious, moral and social influences, but actively contributing to the great debates of their time. Their reliability as historical and ethnographic accounts, a matter of controversy even in antiquity, is being debated with renewed vigour and increasing sophistication. This Companion offers an up-to-date and in-depth overview of all these current approaches to Herodotus remarkable work.

Brill's Companion to Herodotus

René Nünlist

Angus M. Bowie

This is the first part of a new narratological history of Greek literature, which deals with the definition and boundaries of narrative and the role of narrators and narratees.

Studies in Ancient Greek Narrative

Narrators, Narratees, and Narratives in Ancient Greek Literature

First published in 1999. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Critical Assessments

Homer

Comprehensive commentaries on the Homeric texts abound, but this commentary concentrates on one major aspect of the Odyssey--its narrative art. The role of narrator and narratees, methods of characterization and scenery description, and the development of the plot are discussed. The study aims to enhance our understanding of this masterpiece of European literature. All Greek references are translated and technical terms are explained in a glossary. It is directed at students and scholars of Greek literature and comparative literature.

A Narratological Commentary on the Odyssey

Homer: The Homeric world

Irene J. F. Jong

This 2001 book features a new type of commentary on Homer's Odyssey which concentrates on the text's narrative art.

Irene J. F. de Jong

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