TRAGIC NOISE AND RHETORICAL FRIGIDITY IN LYCOPHRON'S ALEXANDRA

Abstract This paper seeks to shed fresh light on the aesthetic and stylistic affiliations of Lycophron's Alexandra , approaching poem from two distinct but complementary angles. First, it explores what can be gained by reading against backdrop Callimachus’ poetry. It contends that presents a radical polemical departure Alexandrian's poetic programme, pointedly appropriating key Callimachean images while also countering apparent dismissal ‘noisy’ tragic genre. Previous scholarship has noted links between openings Aetia this article demonstrates relationship is only one part larger divide poets: embracing raucous acoustics tragedy, offers self-conscious agonistic preferences. Second, considers another way conceiving aesthetics beyond frame, highlighting how Lycophron engages with evokes earlier Aristotelian literary criticism concerning ‘frigid’ style: constructs its own independent history centred around alleged name author, ‘Lycophron’. The proposes traditional attribution best understood as pen signposts poem's affiliations, aligning not so much Ptolemaic playwright Chalcis rather sophist rhetorical tradition frigidity. Ultimately, through these approaches, highlights further aspects 's diversity.