Critical Quotes

Question 1

Horkheimer and Adorno

Answer 1

The Odyssey is “one of the earliest representations of bourgeoisie Western civilisation”

Question 2

Gieseke - government

Answer 2

Governmental activity has ceased in Odysseus’ absence; does his return signal creation of a utopia?
Notes contrast with the Cyclops’ society - no hospitality (xenia) or codified laws

Question 3

Gieseke - the ideal

Answer 3

‘Tracing Odysseus’ wanderings, then, is a means by which Homer maps utopia, by which he strives to outline the optimum social order’

Question 4

Franke

Answer 4

‘Thematically, the Odyssey is about a struggle to liberate an autonomous human sphere from domination by the gods’ through ‘techne’
Even interventions by gods are ‘liberating’ autonomy [dispute]

Question 5

Gieseke - female societies

Answer 5

Female societies encountered by Odysseus display the dangers of matriarchy
‘Weaving’ as a cause of tension between male/female

Question 6

Gieseke - justice

Answer 6

‘Homer makes it abundantly clear that the suitors and handmaids are eminently deserving of punishment. The poet applies the same epithets to the suitors as he does to the Cyclopes. Both groups are repeatedly described as utterly insolent, lawless, and brimming with hubris.’’

Question 7

Franke - Telemachus

Answer 7

‘for Telemachus’s search for his father, which is also a search for his own identity and self-knowledge, mirrors Odysseus’s journey of self-discovery’