First, let's get clear on what an epic simile is. A simile, as you probably know, is simply an explicit comparison using words such as "like" or "as" (e.g., "His words beat down on Patroclus like dark wings"). An epic simile (also known as a "Homeric simile") involves a lengthy comparison between two complex entities or actions. The epic simile brings out major themes and symbols and also provides added poetic depth. It also provide a digression or a suspension of immediate action.
An example of this in Book IV of the Odyssey can be found in lines 335 and following. In these lines the (anticipated) rage of Odysseus is compared to the courage of a lion. In the words of Menelaus (talking about Penelope's suitors):
Rogues, men without courage, they are, who wish to creep into a brave man’s bed. Odysseus will bring them to a cruel end, just as if a doe had left twin newborn fawns asleep in some great lion’s lair in the bush, and gone for food on the mountain slopes, and in the grassy valleys, and the lion returned to its den and brought them to a cruel end.
Penelope's description of her husband as lion-hearted in line 723 reminds us of this comparison.
This epic simile also introduces an extremely important theme that is found in three other epic similes in the Odyssey: the role of family. The other locations are V.393 ff., VIII.525 ff., and X.410 ff. In addition, it uses the symbol of the lion, a symbol which predominates in Book IV and elsewhere.
No comments:
Post a Comment