grecosimile

Grecosimile is a term used in literary criticism to describe an extended simile that foregrounds Greco-Roman imagery, myth, or ethical-philosophical motifs. It refers to the deliberate juxtaposition of a present subject with classical analogues in the form of a sustained comparison, rather than a one-off simile.

Etymology and usage: The word combines the greco- prefix with simile. It is a neologism that has appeared in discussions of classical reception and modern writing; forms such as greco-simile are also encountered in some sources. It is not a universally standardized term, but it is used to signal a recognizable pattern in which ancient references structure the comparison.

Characteristics: A grecosimile typically spans multiple clauses or lines, integrates proper names or loci from Greco-Roman tradition, and employs epithets or mythic frames. Its effect is to cast the subject into a classical mirror—heightening gravitas, ethics, or heroism. Example: "Her steadfast resolve was like Odysseus steering a perilous sea, a voyage measured not by speed but by wisdom and endurance."

Reception and scope: It is most commonly discussed in studies of classical reception, comparative literature, and poetry. Critics praise its ability to map classical influence, while critics warn it can become clichés if overused or used without sensitivity to context.

See also: classical allusion, extended metaphor, intertextuality.