Quintus of Smyrna's Posthomerica, : A study of heroic characterization and heroism.

• Superior document: Mnemosyne, bibliotheca classica Batava. Supplementum ; 421
• Author: Tine Scheijnen
• Place / Publishing House: Leiden, , Boston: : Brill, , 2018.
• Year of Publication: 2018
• Language: English
• Series: Mnemosyne, Supplements 421.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (xv, 393 pages) :; illustrations, color charts

Quintus of Smyrna’s Posthomerica (3rd century C.E.) is of great literary value to the field of Greek epic. It is a stylistic imitation of Homer and recounts what Iliad and Odyssey have left untold of the Trojan War. Tine Scheijnen offers the first linear study of this still little-known poem. Progressing from book 1 to 14, she focusses on key issues such as Homeric similes and characterization of heroes (especially Achilles and his son Neoptolemus). Ideologically, Quintus engages in a critical way with Homer, but possibly also Vergil, Triphiodorus and tragedy. Scheijnen’s work can be read as a thorough introduction to Quintus’ Posthomerica , while also offering new insights into Homer reception, the conception of heroes and heroism in Greek epic.

Table of Contents

Front Matter -- Copyright Page -- Dedication -- Preface -- Acknowledgements -- Introduction -- Heroic Characters -- Penthesilea and Memnon: Two Ways to Fight Achilles -- The Death and Inheritance of Achilles -- Neoptolemus, a New Aeacid in the Field -- Heroism and the Sack of Troy -- Reconsidering Heroic Tactics -- Suffering Trojans, Victorious Achaeans -- Heroic and Divine Power -- Conclusion: Worthy of the Aeacids? -- Back Matter -- Bibliography.