Homer: The Odyssey (Landmarks of World Literature (New))

This handy guide to The Odyssey will introduce students to a text, which has been fundamental to literature for nearly 3000 years. Readers will be introduced to the world in that the Odyssey was produced, to the text itself and to its origins in oral poetry. This volume gives a summary of the poem and examines its structure. The unity, values and techniques of the poem are clearly outlined, as are the reasons for its longstanding appeal. This guide delves into the diverse world of the story; that of monsters, gods, and enchantresses which interacts with the very different world of the home, marriage and the family. Students will be introduced to the essential themes of loyalty and betrayal, and guided through the narrative of Odysseus' adventures, which also illustrate the workings of the world and the justice of heaven. Readers will also find a very helpful guide to further reading. Half-title 2 Title 4 Copyright 5 Contents 6 Preface 8 Chapter 1 The making of the Odyssey 10 1 The background to the Odyssey 10 2 The date of the Odyssey 13 3 Bards and oral poetry 15 4 The language of the Odyssey and the ‘formulaic system’ 22 5 Isthe Odyssey an oral poem? 31 6 Alternative Odysseys? 33 7 How the poem comes down to us 39 Chapter 2 The poem 43 8 Summary 43 9 Translating Homer 47 10 Shape and unity 52 11 The epic style: grandeur and realism 56 12 The epic style: technique and variety 61 13 The Odyssey and the Iliad 69 14 Myth and folklore 75 15 Some problems 80 16 Men and gods 83 17 Men and women 87 18 Society and geography 92 19 The values of the Odyssey 99 Chapter 3 The Odyssey and after 104 Guide to further reading 110 (a) Editions, commentaries, translations 110 (b) Background 111 (c) Literary interpretation 111 (d) After-life 112 "This handy guide to The Odyssey will introduce students to a text which has been fundamental to literature for nearly 3,000 years. It provides a summary of the poem and examines its structure. The values and techniques of the poem are clearly outlined, as are the reasons for its longstanding appeal. Students will discover the essential themes of loyalty and betrayal, and will be guided through the narrative of Odysseus' adventures. The volume also offers a helpful guide to further reading."--Jacket This handy guide will introduce students to a text that has been fundamental to literature for nearly 3000 years. It gives readers a summary of The Odyssey and examines its structure. The values and techniques of the poem are clearly outlined, as are the reasons for its longstanding appeal. European literature springs into existence with two great poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey, traditionally ascribed to the same poet.