
The Best of the Argonauts
The Redefinition of the Epic Hero in Book One of Apollonius' <i>Argonautica</i>
James J. Clauss(Author)
University of California Press
Published on 1. September 1993
Book
Hardback
256 pages
978-0-520-07925-0 (ISBN)
Description
This revelatory exploration of Book One of the Argonautica rescues Jason from his status as the ineffectual hero of Apollonius' epic poem. James J. Clauss argues that by posing the question, "Who is the best of the Argonauts?" Apollonius redefines the epic hero and creates, in Jason, a man more realistic and less awesome than his Homeric predecessors, one who is vulnerable, dependent on the help of others, even morally questionable, yet ultimately successful.
In bringing Apollonius' "curious and demanding poem" to life, Clauss illuminates two features of the poet's narrative style: his ubiquitous allusions to the poetry of others, especially Homer, and the carefully balanced structural organization of his episodes. The poet's subtextual interplay is explored, as is his propensity for underscoring the manipulation of the poetry of others through ring composition.
In bringing Apollonius' "curious and demanding poem" to life, Clauss illuminates two features of the poet's narrative style: his ubiquitous allusions to the poetry of others, especially Homer, and the carefully balanced structural organization of his episodes. The poet's subtextual interplay is explored, as is his propensity for underscoring the manipulation of the poetry of others through ring composition.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Berkerley
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Product notice
Cloth over boards
Illustrations
Ill.
Weight
590 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-520-07925-0 (9780520079250)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
James J. Clauss is Associate Professor of Classics at the University of Washington.