Originally published by the Center for Hellenic Studies, this volume examines verbal formulas and the ways in which they relate to characterization and to their contexts. The comparative method illustrated in this work is applied to Homeric poetry, Old English poetry, and Old Testament poetry with some references to Old French poetry. The author defines how these traditions are analogous and proposes corresponding solutions for corresponding problems. Co-published with the Center for Hellenic Studies at Harvard University. SHORT COPY: By William Whallon