Definition of Homage
Homage means showing deep respect and honor to someone. The roots of this word trace back to Latin and French. Originally, it sprang from “homo” in Latin, changing over time to “hominaticum” and then becoming “homage” in French. The term was adopted into the English language in the medieval era, to express the notion of bestowing reverence and esteem with modesty. It’s like giving a nod to someone important.
Homage, in literature, is characterized by an artistic inclination. The act of composing a poem, story, or novel in honor of a respected author is analogous to this endeavor, also labeled as creative salute. By incorporating lines or quotes from their favorite authors into their own work, writers show respect and admiration while also adding depth to their writing. It involves combining traditional and contemporary elements to honor esteemed writers. Homage transcends mere terminology; rather, it embodies a multifaceted method of expressing appreciation.
Examples of Homage in Literature
Example #1
A Thousand Acres: A Homage to Shakespeare By Iane Smiley
The novel “A Thousand Acres” by Jane Smiley is a perfect tribute to the works of William Shakespeare, specifically his renowned play “King Lear,” delivered in a simple yet formal manner. Through deliberate imitation and inclusion, the author pays homage to Shakespeare’s brilliance. The characters in “A Thousand Acres,” such as Ginny, Rose, Larry, and Caroline, serve as reminiscent echoes of Goneril, Regan, Lear, and Cordelia. By assuming analogous roles, like Edgar, Edmund, and Gloucester, Iane Smiley further underscores the connection. Notably, thematic elements are also borrowed from “King Lear,” weaving an intricate tapestry of literary tribute. This instance exemplifies a writer’s earnest acknowledgment of a timeless literary masterpiece.
Example #2
Sir Walter Raleigh and Christopher Marlow
Christopher Marlowe penned the enchanting poem “The Passionate Shepherd to His Love,” portraying a shepherd expressing his joy for life with lines like, “And I will make thee beds of Roses / And a thousand fragrant posies.” In a comparable vein, Sir Walter Raleigh echoed these sentiments in his renowned work “The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd.” Raleigh expanded on the concept with his own perspective, writing, “If all the world and love were young / And truth in every Shepherd’s tongue.” This shows Raleigh’s homage to Marlowe by incorporating and responding to his ideas within his own poem, a sincere acknowledgment of a literary precursor.
Example #3
Curfewed Night’s Epigraph: A Homage to James Baldwin
Curfewed Night is a charming memoir of Basharat Peer, a New York based journalist from India, Kashmir state. He has depicted the otherness of the Kashmiri people at the hands of the Indian administration and military crackdowns against the resistance. The impacts on his psyche are clear from his description of the destroyed houses and checkpoints, but he adopted the tone of James Baldwin whose epigraph he mentions in the beginning. This is also a good example of an homage he has paid to the US scholar for demonstrating how history traps the people into prolonging discrimination.
Example #4
Foreign Bodies: A Homage to The Ambassadors
The well-received book “Foreign Bodies” comes from the pen of Cynthia Ozick. In crafting this novel, Ozick pays homage to the esteemed Henry James by infusing certain characteristics of Bea Nightingale from his renowned work “The Ambassadors.” Additionally, she explores similar themes of family inheritance and displacement. While both novels share the backdrop of Paris, the temporal gap prevents a seamless connection. Nevertheless, Ozick’s tribute to Henry James remains evident through the thematic resemblances that tie the two works together, demonstrating her deep admiration for his literary legacy.
Example #5
The Skinhead Hamlet and Hamlet
In a manner akin to the previous context, “The Skinhead Hamlet” emerges as a parody of William Shakespeare’s renowned work “Hamlet.” Richard Curtis deftly embraces several original lines and characters from Shakespeare’s play, placing them within a postmodern context to observe how their inherent traits manifest in these contemporary times. This intriguing approach garners praise for its homage to the classic master. Curtis skillfully orchestrates the play’s enactment within a postmodern framework by incorporating and parodying characters and lines, earning well-deserved acclaim. The author takes a daring stride by portraying Hamlet and Ophelia with a more lighthearted demeanor, reminiscent of modern lovers. This portrayal underscores their disregard for entwining love with the weighty responsibilities imposed by time and space.
Example #6
Wide Sargasso Sea and Jane Eyre
Despite apparent thematic variations, the connection between the novels is clear, particularly in the case of “Wide Sargasso Sea,” which serves as a prequel to “Jane Eyre.” This work offers perspectives from both Rochester and Mrs. Rochester, achieved through Rhys’ adept manipulation of first-person narrative. Interestingly, Rhys diverges from Charlotte’s portrayal of Bertha, opting for a distinct name. However, the homage Rhys extends to her esteemed contemporary writer is evident, capturing readers’ attention.
Functions of Homage
The functions of homage in literature go beyond mere mimicry or imitation. While paying homage, writers sometimes incorporate elements from other authors into their own works. The act of borrowing may at times lead to the perception that writers lack originality, as they are seen to repurpose existing ideas. However, this practice of reinterpreting and revitalizing classics has persisted since ancient times. Writers don’t just mimic styles and language; they also emulate characters, their traits, and thematic elements.
These acts of creation and recreation foster a sense of innovation among new readers and students. Delving into such matters prompts literary enthusiasts to contemplate the broader scope of time within which these works are situated and critiqued. This process not only adds depth to the understanding of literature, but also facilitates a richer exploration of the interconnectedness of literary traditions across generations.