parataxis of homer

Throughout the epic poem The Odyssey, Homer employs a technique called parataxis. This technique is used frequently to identify characters in the book or explaining an event. The poem not only covers the story of Odyssey. The poem not only covers the story of Odysseus, but also touches upon other characters as well. By using parataxis, Homer can briefly tell and describe characters and events. Often, characters are identified by their relationships to others, a …

…his deeds. Such technique blends a story with various information that Homer wants to input. The prevalent use of parataxis by Homer is a method he used to tell a story within a story. It is especially fitting to use with an epic poem since it is difficult to tell so many substories. With numerous characters to identify and countless events to illustrate, parataxis offers an economic way to present it in an epic poem.