Sappho: Poems and Fragments Lesson Plan

How is Fragment 44 different from Sappho's other poems?

Fragment 44 breaks with Sappho's usual practice of composing short, four-line stanzas. The lines in this poem are longer, and there are no stanza breaks (that we can see from the fragment available). The form of the poem, along with its focus on a famous Greek myth, are reminiscent of Homeric epics. This is a break from Sappho's usual emphasis on personal emotion and experience. The poem's imagery also reflects this epic focus with descriptions of vast crowds, luxurious treasures, and travelers on the sea. Perceptive students may note that this poem is not just a dutiful imitation of epic verse, however. Sappho...