When examining ancient Greek works, however, it is important to recognize that they are the products of a chiefly oral tradition. This is not to say that oral and literate traditions are conflicting with one another, but rather that the guiding principles of early Greek art revolve around the notions of memory and orality. The Iliad, in particular, represents the step out of an oral tradition and the beginning of western literature. ... Oral traditions pass down historical and cultural knowledge from generation to generation by means of spoken language, song and poetry. ... Repetition was ...

• Word Count: 1357
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

When examining ancient Greek works, however, it is important to recognize that they are the products of a chiefly oral tradition. This is not to say that oral and literate traditions are conflicting with one another, but rather that the guiding principles of early Greek art revolve around the notions of memory and orality. The Iliad, in particular, represents the step out of an oral tradition and the beginning of western literature. ... Oral traditions pass down historical and cultural knowledge from generation to generation by means of spoken language, song and poetry. ... Repetition was ...

• Word Count: 1392
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

These repetitions are essential to the oral style of composition called oral-formulaic. In oral-formulaic traditions, generations of poet performers develop a special poetic language that consists of a number of musical phrases and longer story elements out of which long narrative poems are constructed. ...

• Word Count: 552
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School