Oral-Formulaic Theory: Annotated Bibliography

Michael J. Jeffreys. "Formulas in the Chronicle of the Morea." Dumbarton Oaks Papers, 27:163-95.

A computer-assisted analysis of the BG Chronicle versus its certainly written and learned contemporary Alexander reveals a relatively high density of repeated phrases for the probably oral poem. This thorough examination presents much evidence, proceeds from some 15,000 lines of material, offers a critique of earlier investigations and their results, and suggests a variety of applications for the conclusions of the present study. Reinstates the Chronicle as a work of Greek literature rather than a translation, confirms its oral sources, describes its diction as a traditional patois or Kunstsprache (after Parry 1932), and illuminates procedures in textual criticism.
Area: BG