Paradeigma
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Paradeigma (Greek: παράδειγμα; plural: paradeigmata) is a technique used in Ancient Greek rhetoric used to compare the situation of the audience to a similar past event, like a parable (Greek: παραβολή). It offers counsel on how the audience should act.[1] Aristotle was a prominent ancient rhetorician who explicitly discussed the use of paradeigmata.
In the Greek tradition many paradeigmata are mythological examples, often in reference to a popular legend or well-known character in a similar position to the audience.[2] Homer's The Iliad (24.601–619) – Achilles is trying to encourage Priam to eat rather than continue to weep for his dead son Hector. He brings up Niobe, a woman that had lost twelve children but still found the strength to eat.[2] He is trying to counsel Priam to do what he should by using Niobe as a paradeigma, an example to guide behaviour.
It is also the etymological root of the English word "paradigm".
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Liddel, Henry G., and Robert Scott. "Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon." Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon, παράδειγ-μα. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2014.
- ^ a b Willcock, M. M. "Mythological Paradeigma in the Iliad", The Classical Quarterly New Series, Vol. 14, No. 2 (Nov., 1964), pp. 141–154.
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