Metalepsis, paragraphe and the scholia to Hermogenes

Abstract

This paper investigates developments in the treatment of the related concepts of metalepsis and paragraphe in Greek rhetorical theory from the second century AD onwards. It argues that prima facie anomalies in theoretical discussion can be explained as a pragmatic adaptation to contemporary court practice. Examination of the relevant scholia to Hermogenes throws light on their sources. In particular, it is argued that the Sopater of RG 4 is likely to be an attested Alexandrian sophist of the late fifth century; he should not be identified with the Sopater of RG 5, although he adapted material from the latter’s commentary, as well as from one of the sources of the compilation in RG 7