Question

While today we stress the importance of uniqueness of literary expression, the oral formulaic tradition used a set store of expressions (same or similar words in a same or similar meter) to express recurring ideas.

a. True
b. False

Answer 1

True, the oral formulaic tradition relied on a set of stock expressions and a consistent meter to express recurring ideas, forming a contrast with today's emphasis on unique literary expression.

Step-by-step explanation:

While today we often emphasize the need for unique literary expression, this is true as compared to historical methods such as the oral formulaic tradition, which relied on a repertoire of stock expressions to relate recurring ideas.

This tradition utilized the repetition of words and phrases within a similar meter, creating a familiar structure and helping to facilitate memorization and transmission of stories and poems. This was evident in epic poetry, as well as in oral culture before the widespread practice of writing.

Examples include the oral traditions of pre-Islamic poetry and the works of Homer, among others. As the writing of literature progressed, poets like Walt Whitman began to break away from strict forms and meters, leading to a more personal and varied expression in poetry, focusing more on tone rather than form.