Author: Soteroula Constantinidou

Publication year: 2019

Number of pages / Dimensions: 196 / 24x17

ISBN: 978-960-354-499-9

Book comment:

This study is an overall investigation of the Homeric visual perceptions and the function of vision in the Iliad, with an emphasis on the various forms that light takes in this epic within natural phenomena, typical scenes, similes, etc. The cosmic element of light, which is introduced as another perspective of examining the epic action, gives Homeric gods and heroes a special value and the poet-narrator the ability to distinguish and focus on characters and situations. The description of images where light predominates elevates heroic nature and also functions on a symbolic level; at the same time it presents a more emotional and sophisticated aspect of epic poetry which is ascribed to the contribution of the poet of the Iliad in the form this was inherited to us. Thus Homer’s poetry succeeds in giving us a most interesting “conversation of light” with the world of the above epic. Moreover this book contributes to a better understanding of the organization of the Homeric imagery in general as well as to the strengthening of the view that the Iliad appears as a unity in its structure, themes and images.