A150: Voices and Texts TMA -Semester 2 (2016-2017)

A150: Voices and Texts
TMA -Semester 2 (2016-2017)
Cut-off date: end of 10th week
[Prepared by Course Chair: Dr. Shaju Ouseph]
The Voices and Texts of Authority
This assignment relates to Book 1 (chapter 3) of the course and carries 20 marks.
Question
Explain in the form of an essay of 1200 words, why the classic Iliad is thought to be an important poem and occupies a unique position in the literary canon. Also analyze a short poem of your choice and explain the reasons for your selection.
Student Guidelines
The discussion needs to elaborate on:
A) Why do people consider Homer to be a classical and canonical poet?
B) What are the evidences that made Iliad a classic in the literary field?
C) How does Homeric poetry possess “authority” in terms of subject matter, tone, style etc.?
After discussion of Homer’s Iliad, select a poem that you would like to analyze, mention its title, author’s name, and examine its poetic features. You should be able to follow the Harvard Style of citation in your essay.
Suggested References:
1. Gepraziosi, B. and Haubold, J. (2005) Homer: The Resonance of Epic, London, Duckworth.
2. Johnston, I. (trans.) (2006) Homer: The Iliad (2nd edn), Arlington, VA, Richer Resources Publications.
3. Lattimore, R. (trans.) (1961) The Iliad of Homer, Chicago and London, The University of Chicago Press.
4. Silk, M.S. (1987) Homer: The Iliad (Landmarks of World Literature), Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.