Orality and Composition of the Iliad

The Iliad's composition reflects its origins in an oral tradition, likely dating to the 8th century BCE:

• Composed during a period when writing was not widespread
• Intended for oral performance rather than written dissemination

Vocabulary: Linear B - An ancient script used by Mycenaean Greeks, which fell out of use during the Greek Dark Ages.

The poem's oral nature is evident in its use of repetition and formulaic elements:

1. Epithets: Characters are often described using consistent adjectives or phrases

   Example: "swift-footed Achilles" or "Agamemnon, lord of men"

2. Verbatim repetition: Entire lines or passages are repeated throughout the work
3. Type-scenes: Similar events (e.g., arming for battle) are described using nearly identical language and structure

Definition: Type-scene - A recurring narrative unit in oral poetry, describing a conventional situation using a standardized set of details or motifs.

These repetitive elements served practical purposes in oral composition and performance:

• Aided the poet's memory
• Provided familiar rhythms for the audience
• Allowed for improvisation within a structured framework

Scholars have debated the implications of these repetitions:

• Analytic approach: Views the Iliad as a compilation of earlier songs
• Unitarian approach: Considers the repetitions as intentional literary devices

The oral composition of the Iliad contributes to its unique style and structure, reflecting the cultural context in which it was created and performed.

Female Perspectives and Voices in the Iliad

While often relegated to secondary roles, women in the Iliad offer unique perspectives that challenge the male-centric pursuit of glory (kleos):

1. Women emphasize the value of life and family over battlefield honor
2. Female characters, like Andromache, present alternatives to the warrior ethos
3. Hector's character is torn between his obligations as a warrior and his role as a husband and father

Highlight: The tension between male and female priorities adds depth to the narrative and highlights the complexities of war's impact on society.

Women's voices in the Iliad are most prominent in specific contexts:

• Lamentations: Women speak during funeral scenes, offering commentary on events and articulating key themes of the poem
• Weaving: Helen and Andromache are depicted as weavers, symbolizing their role as storytellers and preservers of memory
• Book 24: Three women (likely Helen, Andromache, and Hecuba) lament Hector's death, demonstrating their deep involvement in the story's events

Example: Briseis' lament for Patroclus provides insight into her character and the broader impact of the war on captive women.

The poem showcases women's artistic and narrative abilities through the metaphor of weaving, suggesting their power to shape how events are remembered and interpreted.