HOMER AND ORAL EPIC POETRY
N.B. The following material has been collected together from several sources (Cf. Bibliography
at end) as an aid to the student in comprehending the basic aspects oral epic poetry. For that
reason, the format has been kept as simple as possible, and exact citations of sources have been
omitted except where the student is expected to know a particular scholar's contribution.
Classifications of epic poetry
The Meter of Homer: Dactylic Hexameter
Summary: of the basic facts-of-life of oral poetry
Bibliography
This material has been used for many years by Professor Tom Sienkewicz in his courses at Howard University and
at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois. If you have any questions, you may contact him at toms@monm.edu.