THE ROLE OF ORAL POETRY IN ANCIENT GREEK SOCIETY.
Abstract
In Ancient Greece, poetry was predominantly an oral art form. Poets, such as Homer and Hesiod, composed their works in a society where literacy was limited and written texts were not the primary mode of communication. Instead, oral poets would perform their works in front of audiences, using formulas, repetition, and mnemonic devices to aid in memorization and ensure the transmission of complex stories and ideas. This oral tradition not only played a central role in the social and cultural life of ancient Greeks but also provided a medium for the exploration of myth, religion, and political identity. By examining the role of oral poetry in Greek society, it becomes clear that it was a powerful tool for cultural continuity and communal engagement.
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