The Odyssey

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The Odyssey

• From a Greek word meaning tale of Odysseus.
• Concerned with the adventures and exploits of
  Odysseus, hero of Trojan War.

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Time line
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Popularity

• Most popular epic of Western culture.
• Its chief character, Odysseus, (Ulysses in
  Latin/Roman literature), has inspired more
  literary works than any other legendary hero.
• Ingredients of a best-sellerpathos, romance,
  violence, a strong, resilient hero, hardships for
  him to overcome.

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Popularity of Odyssey

• A romantic story of exploits in strange places.
• A more or less realistic approach to
  characterization.
• Soundly constructed plot.
• Homers beautiful descriptions.
• One of greatest adventure stories of all times.

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Genre

• Story is an epic poem. Follows the definition of
  an epic.
• Odysseus is an epic hero.
• Story also has many attributes of the
  romancemarvelous story more inclined to fantasy
  than realistic interpretation.

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Plot line

• Homecoming of Odysseus ten years after the Trojan
  War ended.
• Immediate action takes place over a few weeks.
• The end of Odysseus wanderings and his
  restoration of order at home.
• Odysseus narrates his earlier adventures.

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Plot line

• Odysseus enemy is Poseidon, god of the sea.
• Odysseus home, Ithaca, is an island, so he must
  cross the sea in order to return home.
• Odysseus must use his endless resources cunning,
  courage, and stubbornness.

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Character of Odysseus

• Ideal Greek hero
• Eloquent
• Courageous
• Resourceful
• Crafty
• Worldly
• Persevering
• Real strength lies in his brain

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Odysseus

• Is the darling of Athena, who aids him whenever
  possible.
• Is a survivor prudent, wise, perhaps a bit
  cold.
• You would not want to be on a ship with him.

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Odysseus as hero

• Although ideal in many ways, he is much closer to
  common man.
• Does not have youth and beauty of Achilles.
• Mortal but royal.
• Middle-aged, short awkward appearance.

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Odysseus as hero

• While not physically striking, he has supreme
  skill in speech and conversation.
• Is an able, energetic man.
• Has courage to endure what gods send.
• Has wit enough to escape many difficulties.
• Despite intelligence, sometimes displays lack of
  common sense.

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Odysseus

• Greatest desire is to return home to his wife
  Penelope and his son Telemachus.
• Is tempted NOT to return home many times.
• Importance of homecoming heroic longing for the
  commonplace.
• Embrace of ordinary reality in world of fantasy.

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Odysseus family tree

• Laertes and Anticlea

Odysseus and Penelope
Telemachus
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Comparison of Iliad and Odyssey

• Iliad
• Subject is warfare and debate.
• Poem is highly dramatic.
• Outcome is tragic.

• Odyssey
• Charm comes from adventure and social life.
• Less passionate than Iliad.
• Ends happily for Odysseus, but tragically for
  suitors.

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Concepts from Iliad

• Reciprocity
• Leadership
• Heroes
• Councils
• Feasts
• Codes
• Supplication
• Hospitality
• Honor

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Odyssey

• Focus on adventures in strange lands.
• Magic is prominent.
• Social life is emphasized.
• Women play greater role than in Iliad.

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Contrast homecomings

• Agamemnons return to Argos
• Clytemnestadisloyal
• Aegisthus, her lover
• Orestesson of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra