In oral poetry, it is common to see repetition used frequently, especially with formulaic lines. In The Odyssey, I took interest in one particular line's role in the Telemachiad: "When young Dawn with her rose-red fingers shone once more..."
This line is read at each of the beginnings of four passages within the first four books of the epic (II.1, III.451, III.550, IV.343), and acts as an impetus for four discrete and key events that take place within those passages. These passages describe Telemachus calling a full assembly to discuss the events plaguing his royal house, Nestor planning his most lavish sacrifice yet after encountering Athena, Telemachus speeding off to Sparta after being gifted with stallions, and Telemachus learning of the reason for his father's delayed return from King Menelaus.
The meaning of this line can be taken quite literally--each time it is mentioned signifies the beginning of a new day in which new events inevitably happen. Dawn is equated with diurnal renewal, and one could even say that each day of Telemachus' journey would obviously yield meaningful results, rendering the statement almost trite. But what I find interesting about this line is that it surfaces first with Telemachus' journey. From the perspective of a man who has made little out of his young life thus far, each new day must create a great deal of meaning for himself. The line prefaces days in which he makes decisions that are remarkably wise, and speaks with an air of confidence that is noted to be very much like his father's.
In all, the line is used as an initiation for Telemachus on his journey, and grows with him as he develops a sense of identity--he, like the Dawn, is young; he continues to cultivate and extend his influence throughout the Telemachiad just as Dawn shines "once more" as each new day rises.
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