The Poetics of Old Age in Greek Epic, Lyric, and Tragedy

by Thomas M. Falkner

Falkner (classical studies, The College of Wooster) looks at the theme of old age in Greek literature, focusing on the genres of epic, lyric, and tragedy. He demonstrates that Greek literary representations of old age in works by Homer, Sappho, and Sophocles suggest a society in which the status of the elderly is being renegotiated, and argues that the literature represents a complex interaction between culture and poetic traditions with the capacity to subvert as well as reflect dominant views. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

342 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995