Question

As modern scholarship continues to dim the possibility that Homer was a single historic figure, the question of authorship of his works has been raised; although we might never know who wrote them, scholars still need some way to refer to the author or authors of the Iliad and Odyssey, so the term "Homeric tradition" has been ______ as a possible new terminology. a. selected b. established c. appropriated d. bestowed e. suggested f. proposed

Short answer

Suggested and proposed are the correct answers.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Context

The sentence is discussing the uncertainty about Homer being a single historic figure and the need for a new term to refer to the author(s) of 'Iliad' and 'Odyssey'.

Identify the Main Idea

The main idea is that scholars need a term to refer to the possible author(s), and a new term, 'Homeric tradition', has been considered for this purpose.

Analyze the Blank Portion

The sentence states that a new term has been ____ as a possible way to refer to the author(s). The missing word should match the idea of considering or choosing a term.

Examine Answer Choices

a. selectedb. establishedc. appropriatedd. bestowede. suggestedf. proposed

Eliminate Incorrect Choices

Remove choices that do not fit the context:- 'established' - implies that something has already been set permanently, which is not the case here.- 'appropriated' - means taking something for one’s own use, which does not fit the context.- 'bestowed' - means giving something as an honor, which doesn’t make sense here.

Select the Best Fit

Choices 'selected', 'suggested', and 'proposed' remain. All three words fit the context of considering or choosing a new term. However, 'suggested' and 'proposed' both strongly imply that the term is being considered without finalization, which closely matches the sentence's context.

Final Choice

The best choices are 'suggested' and 'proposed'. Any of these two words would be a correct answer. Therefore, e. suggested and f. proposed are the correct answers.

Key concepts

authorship

The concept of authorship in ancient literature is often complex. When studying texts like the 'Iliad' and the 'Odyssey,' scholars historically attributed them to a single figure, Homer. However, modern scholarship questions this notion. Rather than being penned by one person, these works might be the result of a collective effort over generations. This implies that understanding ancient authorship requires acknowledging communal contributions and oral traditions as integral parts of the creation process. The term 'Homeric tradition' emerges from this need to reference the collaborative nature behind these monumental works succinctly.

Iliad and Odyssey

The 'Iliad' and the 'Odyssey' are two of the most significant epics in Western literature. The 'Iliad' focuses on the events of the Trojan War, while the 'Odyssey' follows the adventures of Odysseus as he returns home from the war. These texts are not just stories; they are cultural artifacts that provide insight into ancient Greek values, beliefs, and societal norms. Both epics explore themes such as heroism, honor, and the influence of the gods. Studying these works helps students understand the foundations of Western literary traditions and epic poetry.

ancient literature

Ancient literature encompasses texts from the earliest written records to the early Middle Ages. These texts include a wide array of genres, notably epic poetry, drama, and philosophy. Ancient literary works provide a window into the cultures that produced them, revealing societal norms, religious beliefs, and philosophical inquiries. For example, Greek and Roman texts have influenced contemporary literature, philosophy, and government structures. Studying these ancient texts allows students to trace the evolution of literary forms and themes across time.
Overall, ancient literature lays the groundwork for understanding the development of modern literary and intellectual traditions.

literary scholarship

Literary scholarship involves the critical study and interpretation of literature. Scholars analyze texts to uncover their meanings, origins, and impacts on society. In the context of the 'Iliad' and the 'Odyssey,' literary scholarship examines questions of authorship, historical context, and thematic significance. This field employs various methodologies, such as textual criticism and historical analysis, to deepen our understanding of classic works. Through literary scholarship, we gain a comprehensive view of a text's significance and ensure that these invaluable works continue to be studied and appreciated across generations.

terminology

In literary studies, terminology is crucial for clear communication and accurate analysis. Terms like 'Homeric tradition' help scholars succinctly refer to complex ideas or phenomena. It allows them to discuss the collective authorship or the oral tradition behind the 'Iliad' and 'Odyssey' without lengthy explanations each time. This precision in language facilitates deeper and more nuanced discussions among scholars, ensuring that they can build on each other’s work effectively. Understanding and employing correct terminology is essential for anyone engaged in the study of literature, as it enhances clarity and comprehension.