Similes in characters' speeches in “Argonautica” by Valerius Flaccus: the development of the epic tradition

As a traditional element of the epic genre, the speeches of characters in ‘Argonautica” by Valerius Flaccus reflect the role of rhetoric in Roman public life during the Flavian era, when rhetorical devices became an integral part of poetic language. Among the means that enhance the expressiveness of speech, similes play a significant role. This article analyzes the use of simile as an artistic device in the direct speech of characters in Valerius Flaccus’ “Argonautica”. The study employs a continuous sampling method to determine communicative contexts on the horizontal and vertical axes of the narrative, identify intra-and intertextual parallels and differences, establish the functions of similes, and conduct a comparative analysis with the previous epic tradition. The observations allow us to conclude that similes in the speeches of characters in Valerius Flaccus’ “Argonautica” express emotions in dramatic moments of narration, demonstrating the affinity between epic and tragedy. Similes also help understand the characters and their motivations and have a direct relationship to the development of the plot, particularly in scenes of prophecy and diplomatic speeches. As in the previous tradition, the poet uses the technique of accumulating similes in a particular book, demonstrating the variability of communicative contexts. While Virgil’s “Aeneid” concentrates similes in the insert story of Aeneas, the highest amount in “Argonautica” is found in the fourth book, notable for a variety of scenes and episodes, including an insert story of Orpheus. A common characteristic in both poems is the absence of similes in the speeches of characters during battle and dueling scenes, both military and sports. Valerius Flaccus follows Virgil’s example in the emotional-psychological portrayal of Medea, describing the conflicting feelings of Dido. In both poems, the heroines’ monologues do not contain similes, in contrast with the same parts in ‘Argonautica” by Apollonius Rhodius. Through similes in the speeches of characters, Valerius Flaccus creates a complex picture of images and recognizable allusions to literary predecessors that identify traditional and innovative elements, indicating the diversity of the author’s artistic intentions and attitudes.