Oral-Formulaic Theory: Annotated Bibliography

José Alsina. "En Torno a las repeticiones homéricas." Boletín de la Real Academia de Buenas Letras de Barcelona, 31:27-34.

Discusses and illustrates formulaic technique in Homer, with comparisons to Beowulf and the Cid. Finds the "ornamental epithet" described by Parry to be unique to Homer. Insists that the formulaic content of the Iliad and Odyssey is a stylistic phenomenon, and that the oral poet was free to cultivate his personal sense of artistry within the traditional idiom. Inveighs against the mechanistic model of phrase generation.
Area: AG, HI, OE, CP