Aspects of literary style: sounds

Aspects of literary style: sounds

Homer’s Use of Sound

• Homer’s distinctive style incorporates a range of sound techniques that contribute to the poem’s overall atmosphere and emotional impact.

Repetitive Sound Patterns

• Homer frequently uses alliteration and assonance. Alliteration, the repetition of initial consonant sounds in adjacent or closely connected words, is visible throughout. Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, also appears, enhancing the musicality and rhythm of the verse.

Language and Meter

• The composition is mainly in dactylic hexameter, which is a meter comprising of six feet per line. Each foot generally consists of a long syllable followed by two short syllables. This rhythmic pattern creates a melodious, song-like element.

Onomatopoeia

• Homer also incorporates onomatopoeia, using words that imitate the natural sounds they depict. This technique adds realism to the scenes and intensifies the imagery, particularly in battle sequences.

Sounds and Emotions

• Homer skilfully uses sound to resonate with emotional states - the loud, clashing sounds of war, the soft whisperings of gods, the mournful wailing of the bereaved. This use of sound underscores the emotional context of the narrative.

Use of Speech

• Speech within ‘The Iliad’ is notable for its dramatic and stirring nature. A bold and commanding voice is often used for speeches, while a gentler, more melodic tone is adopted for intimate conversations or moments of reflection. This deft use of varied sounds based on context deepens the narrative’s impact.

Sound and Action

• In battle scenes, Homer uses harsh, jarring sounds to depict the brutality of war. This contrast with softer, soothing sounds used in peaceful or intimate scenes enhances the dramatic tension and emotional depth of ‘The Iliad’.