Vocab Flashcards
invocation
an appeal for aid (especially for inspiration) made to a muse or deity, usually at or near the beginning of a work
in media res
Latin, “in the middle of things,” the practice of beginning a narrative by plunging into a crucial situation that is part of a related chain of events
personification
a figure of speech in which human characteristics are attributed to an abstract quality or inanimate object
epithet
an adjective or phrase that is used to express the characteristic of a person or thing, often used to fill meter
epic simile
an extended simile often running to several lines, used typically in epic poetry to intensify the heroic stature of the subject and to serve as decoration
anthropomorphism
the attribution of human form or other characteristics to beings other than humans, particularly deities or animals
arete
virtue, excellence regarding overall character
ate’
blindness, madness, or folly that the gods may impose with/without the fault of mortals
xenia
“guest friendship”
- guests must be courteous and not a burden
- exchange of gifts b/w host and guest
- formal relationship, almost a contract
- travelling the ancient world
- demand hospitality
- host has to feed you and offer you a bath
- host can’t ask for identity
- if pact is broken, there are consequences, could result in war
aristeia
in Greek literature, an account of hero’s highest moment of glory in war when he fights so bravely and single-mindedly as to experience no fear and to appear nearly invincible
geras
gift of honor in old age
-ex: Nestor
time’
honor, proportionate to arete, what is owed to you depending on your level of excellence
aidos
shame
kleos
fame, especially immortal, for a deed
dolos
trickery
