Series | Lexis Supplements
Edited book | METra 1
Chapter | Irony and the Limits of Knowledge in Homer and Sophocles
Irony and the Limits of Knowledge in Homer and Sophocles
Abstract
This article examines dramatic irony in Homer and Sophocles, focusing on the Odyssey, Oedipus Tyrannus, and Ajax. It argues that dramatic irony, which exploits differing levels of knowledge between characters and audiences, is closely linked to conceptions of humans and gods and the gap between mortal and divine cognition. In both Homer and Sophocles, irony is a key conduit through which such theological and epistemological ideas are articulated and communicated. The article identifies significant continuities between the use of dramatic irony in Homer and Sophocles, implying a shared intellectual background, despite some differences.
Submitted: March 15, 2022 | Accepted: May 17, 2022 | Published Dec. 14, 2022 | Language: en
Keywords Sophocles • Homer • Irony • Divine • Human
Copyright © 2022 Alexandre Johnston. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Permalink http://doi.org/10.30687/978-886-969-654-1/009
