The politeness of Achilles : off-record conversation strategies in Homer and the meaning of kertomia

Author(s)
Uri
Date Issued
2004
Date Available
16T12:02:27Z May 2011
Abstract
This article examines social interaction in Homer in the light of modern conversation analysis, especially Grice's theory of conversational implicature. Some notoriously problematic utterances are explained in terms of their 'off-record' significance. One particular off-record conversation strategy is characterized by Homer as kertomia, and this is discussed in detail. The article focusses on social problems at the end of Achilles' meeting with Priam in Iliad XXIV, and in particular on the much-discussed word epikertomeon (24.649).
Sponsorship
Not applicable
Type of Material
Journal Article
Publisher
The Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies
Journal
Journal of Hellenic Studies
Volume
124
Issue
1
Start Page
75
End Page
89
Copyright (Published Version)
2004 The Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies
Keywords
Subject – LCSH
Politeness (Linguistics)
Homer. Iliad
Epic poetry, Greek--History and criticism
Conversation analysis
Web versions
Language
English
Status of Item
Peer reviewed
ISSN
0075-4269
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
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Lloyd--Homer.pdf

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Owning collection
Classics Research Collection