Ancient Greek Texts and Modern Narrative Theory
Towards a Critical Dialogue

Argues compellingly for a new approach to ancient narrative which goes beyond narratology and is alert to its specific logic.

Jonas Grethlein (Author)

9781009339575, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 11 July 2024

208 pages
22.8 x 15.2 x 1.2 cm, 0.32 kg

'[An] original and significant monograph whose combination of theoretically sophisticated examinations of key concepts of narratology with innovative and persuasive close readings of texts from Homer to Heliodorus attest to its potential to cut across disciplinary boundaries and to attract not only classicists but also scholars in comparative literature, in medieval and modern languages, and in performance and media studies departments.' Nebojša Todorović, Bryn Mawr Classical Review

The taxonomies of narratology have proven valuable tools for the analysis of ancient literature, but, since they were mostly forged in the analysis of modern novels, they have also occluded the distinct quality of ancient narrative and its understanding in antiquity. Ancient Greek Texts and Modern Narrative Theory paves the way for a new approach to ancient narrative that investigates its specific logic. Jonas Grethlein's sophisticated discussion of a wide range of literary texts in conjunction with works of criticism sheds new light on such central issues as fictionality, voice, Theory of Mind and narrative motivation. The book provides classicists with an introduction to ancient views of narrative but is also a major contribution to a historically sensitive theory of narrative.

1. Narratology and classics
2. Word and world: fiction(ality)
3. Voice(s): author/ narrator/ character
4. Minds
5. Motivation
6. Ancient texts and postmodern challenges.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: classical, early & medieval [DSBB], Literary theory [DSA]