''Paradeigma'' ( gr, παραδειγμα) is a Greek term for a pattern, example or sample; the

plural The plural (sometimes abbreviated pl., pl, or ), in many languages, is one of the values of the grammatical category of number. The plural of a noun typically denotes a quantity greater than the default quantity represented by that noun. This de ...

reads ''Paradeigmata''. Its closest translation is "an isolated example by which a general rule illustrated". Limited to rhetoric, a ''paradeigma'' is used to compare the situation of the audience to a similar past event, like a parable ( gr, παραβολή). It offers counsel on how the audience should act. In the Greek tradition many ''paradeigmata'' are mythological examples, often in reference to a popular legend or well-known character in a similar position to the audience.Willcock, M. M. "Mythological Paradeigma in the ''Iliad''", ''The Classical Quarterly'' New Series, Vol. 14, No. 2 (Nov., 1964), pp. 141–154.

In literature

Aristotle was a prominent ancient

rhetorician Rhetoric () is the art of persuasion, which along with grammar and logic (or dialectic), is one of the three ancient arts of discourse. Rhetoric aims to study the techniques writers or speakers utilize to inform, persuade, or motivate parti ...

who explicitly discussed the use of ''paradeigmata''. Homer's ''

The Iliad The ''Iliad'' (; grc, Ἰλιάς, Iliás, ; "a poem about Ilium") is one of two major ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer. It is one of the oldest extant works of literature still widely read by modern audiences. As with the '' Ody ...

'' (24.601–619) – Achilles is trying to encourage Priam to eat rather than continue to weep for his dead son

Hector In Greek mythology, Hector (; grc, Ἕκτωρ, Hektōr, label=none, ) is a character in Homer's Iliad. He was a Trojan prince and the greatest warrior for Troy during the Trojan War. Hector led the Trojans and their allies in the defense o ...

. He brings up Niobe, a woman that had lost twelve children but still found the strength to eat. He is trying to counsel Priam to do what he should by using Niobe as a ''paradeigma'', an example to guide behaviour. Jesus' parables in the

New Testament The New Testament grc, Ἡ Καινὴ Διαθήκη, transl. ; la, Novum Testamentum. (NT) is the second division of the Christian biblical canon. It discusses the teachings and person of Jesus, as well as events in first-century Chri ...

of the Bible – In Luke 7:41–47 Jesus uses the following ''paradeigmata'' to explain how much a man loves in response to how much he is forgiven. (Jesus is alluding to the magnitude of his coming sacrifice on the cross for all of mankind’s sin.) :41 "Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him :42 back, so he cancelled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt cancelled." :43 "You have judged correctly," Jesus said. Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this :44 woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give :45 me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. :46 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. :47 But he who has been forgiven little, loves little."The Holy Bible: New International Version, Containing the Old Testament and the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Bible, 1978. N. pag. Print.

References

Greek words and phrases Rhetorical techniques {{rhetoric-stub

In literature

See also

References