4 ms·
You will find a certain argument that you are "reading" all poetry wrong, if you are not reading it aloud.
by saalweachter 7y ago
You will find a certain argument that you are "reading" all poetry wrong, if you are not reading it aloud.
- jasode 7y agoLikewise, "The Iliad" with its repetitions of text that look tedious in written form is really a long poem that's meant to be performed and heard. The oral repetitions are a memory aid for the audience listening to the story. Some historians say the itinerant wanderer would also have a lute to pluck some music accompaniment to add drama to key parts of the poem.
- shantly 7y agoThe Iliad has nothing on other literature from around the same time and earlier, most of which is Egyptian or Babylonian / Akkadian. The latter, especially, I find damn near un-readable for that reason. What little Ancient Egyptian storytelling we have is similar, lots of repetition probably to make it easier to recite from memory, but (massive exception of Gilgamesh aside—holy crap it's good) they're better storytellers so it's a bit more tolerable.
- mijamo 7y agoWell that is certainly true. Ready poetry in silence is like reading the lyrics of a song instead of listening to the music. Sure you can do it but don't tell me you're getting the whole experience.