Homer's use of repetition, simile, and metaphor initiates and exemplifies the orality and uses of memory that govern the organizing conceptual principles of ancient Greek art, and perhaps western art history as a whole. .
Repetition was essential to the composition of the oral traditions and served orality and memory in several different ways. Passages repeated word for word are a common occurrence in The Iliad and evidence of a preceding oral tradition is most apparent in Homer's use of repetition through epithets. An epithet is a phrase that is presented alongside a character's name in order to describe and give a fuller picture of that individual within the larger framework of the poem. For example the hero is frequently referred to as "Swift-footed Achilles," which is a gratifying epithet that compliments the physical abilities of Achilles. Epithets can also serve to establish family lineages as seen with "Menelaos, the son of Atreus" for example. These epithets assist the orality of the poem by giving the narrative more detail and imagery. These epithets also aid the presentation of the poem by acting as available lines in the singing of the poem. The "Flowing-haired Achaians" appears five times almost consecutively. This offers a gratifying image of the soldiers, but also helps the poet to prolong the poem and maintain continuity of its song or meter. The repetition of epithets not only aids the poet in composing a longer narrative but more importantly, helps the audience who do not have a text to remember the details of the story. The repetition of whole scenes and passages also made it easier for the singer to deliver these long compositions from memory.
At certain points in the poem, Homer gives long lists of items or people that would seem to be quite of feat memorization for the reader in an oral tradition. These catalogues add to the performance of the poem by adding a level of skill and virtuosity to its oral presentation.