Question

Since The Odyssey was originally written in an alphabetic language, how might we expect the style of writing to be different from The Epic of Gilgamesh?

Answer 1

The Odyssey, written in the Greek alphabet, had more potential for phonetic accuracy and nuances, contributing to a more complex narrative structure, compared to the Epic of Gilgamesh, written in cuneiform, possibly limiting stylistic depth to a more straightforward narrative style.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Odyssey, written in the Greek alphabet in the 8th century BCE, has a distinct style compared to the Epic of Gilgamesh, which was written in cuneiform script in ancient Mesopotamia. The Greek alphabet, adapted from the Phoenician alphabet, offered more specification in representing the Greek language by including vowels. This allowed the author, often attributed as Homer, more phonetic accuracy and nuances, contributing to the epic's sophisticated narrative structure, characterization, and intricate plot.

On the other hand, the Epic of Gilgamesh, composed in cuneiform utilizing wedge-shaped script, predominantly revolved around symbols representing words or syllables. This might have limited the stylistic depth possible, resulting in a more straightforward narrative primarily recounting deeds and events.

However, it is important to note that both epics, despite the differences in their written scripts, primarily originated from oral tradition and were later written down, preserving the narrative rhythm and mnemonic devices characteristic of oral poetry.

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