Parataxis of homer
Parataxis of homerThroughout the epic poem The Odyssey, Homer employs a technique called parataxis.
This technique is used frequently to identify characters in the book or explaining an event.
The poem not only covers the story of Odyssey. The poem not only covers the story of
Odysseus, but also touches upon other characters as well. By using parataxis, Homer can
briefly tell and describe characters and events. Often, characters are identified by their
relationships to others, a great deed they have accomplished, to hardships they have come
across.
In describing Odysseus in Book V, lines 97 to 115 of which lines 105 to 110 are
paratactical, Hermes says �you have with you the man who is wretched beyond all the
other men of all those who fought around the city of Priam for nine years, and in the tenth
they sacked the city and set sail for home, but on the voyage home they offended Athene,
who let loose an evil tempest and tall waves against them. Then all the rest of his
excellent companions perished, but the wind and the current carried him here and here
they drove him.� The original conversation between Hermes and Kalypso had little to do
with Odysseus�s journey. Hermes in lines 97 to 115 tells Kalypso that Odysseus�s fate lie
not on the island, but back home in Ithaka. The parataxis interrupts the line of
conversation to inform the reason why Odysseus arrives here. It gives a glimpse the span
of Odysseus�s journey and the fate of his companions before the story is told. In this
instance, Hermes identifies Odysseus with the obstacles he has overcome.
At times, a parataxis of a certain character in one part of the poem help explain
matters later on. In book XI, lines 281 to 297, Odysseus tells...
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