Refractions of Homer’s Helen in Archaic Lyric
By Ruby Blondell
Abstract: Homer in general, and Helen in particular, were of great interest to the lyric poets. This article examines ways in which major fragments of Alcaeus, Ibycus, and Sappho select and combine aspects of the Iliadic Helen in order to pursue various poetic agendas, providing diverse perspectives on the complex issues of Helen’s choice, agency, beauty, and eroticism. Since Helen, like Pandora, is a kalon kakon, it proves impossible to praise or blame her unambiguously.
Article in The American Journal of Philology Vol. 131, No. 3, p349-391. The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2010.