Odyssey scholars Flashcards
what does Scholar Basset suggest about the manhood of Telemachus in book one?
The theme of Telemachus transforming from a child to a man is introduced in the most subtle way- during the consult of the gods, Zeus recounts the fate of Aegisthus, and how his own transgressions led him to be murdered by Orestes, son of Agammemnon who avenged his father. During this retelling, Athena is inspired to put courage into Telemachus and make him out to be just like Orestes. Just as Orestes murdered his father’s killer, Telemachus must assist his father in dispelling the hoards of suitors in their oikos.
what does Scholar Hulley suggest are the several ways that the Oresteia is used in the Odyssey?
- to state the theme of man’s responsibility for his own troubles- the story is first mentioned at the beginning of the Odyssey when Zeus recounts how Aegisthus, and many other men, blame the gods for their countless suffering, but it is their very own transgressions that cause this- Aegisthus chose to seduce clytemnestra and subsequently murder her husband, all by the choice of free will
- point of comparison between Telemachus and Orestes; the first four books of the Odyssey could be considered the ‘education of telemachus’ and it is in these four books that Telemachus is both directly and indirectly compared to Orestes. Telemachus is urged by Athene, Menelaus and Nestor to act the same way in which Orestes did.
- point of comparison between clytemnestra and Penelope- Nestor, and Agammemnon themselves make comparisons between the pair. Penelope’s fame as an obediant and committed wife will be everlasting, whilst Clytemnestra’s name shall be a disgrace to womankind for ever.
- a possible similarity between the fate of Agammemnon and Odysseus- when Odysseus lands on Ithaca and Athene mentions the hoards of suitors in his oikos, Odysseus makes a remark that he could have met the same fate as Agammemnon.
- points of similarity between Aegisthus and the Suitors- just as Aegisthus was warned what would happen to him, so the suitors have been warned by Telemachus, Halitherses and Theoclymenus and by the omens themselves. Just as Aegisthus persisted in his course despite warnings, so the suitors have persisted in their impious misconduct.
what does Peter Jones say about the relationship between Athene and Telemachus?
Athene acts as a surrogate father for Telemachus in Odysseus’ abcense
what does James Morrisson say in relation to Pylos?
What Telemachus sees at Pylos, an organised and civilised Oikos, is in stark contrast to the chaos in Ithaca where the suitors have overcome the oikos of Odysseus
what does scholar Jasper Griffin suggest about Penelope and Clytemnestra?
Penelope’s loyalty to Odysseus is central to the story line and is contrasted with Clytemnestra’s betrayal.
what does scholar Jasper Griffin suggest about the Phaeacians?
The Phaeacians act as a bridge between the fantasy world which Odysseus has been living in and a normal, civilised, aristocratic society which prepares him for his encounter with the suitors.
what does Scholar Braswell suggest about the songs sung by the bard Demodocus in book 8 of the Odyssey, and what comparison is there between other songs sung in the Odyssey?
The story of Ares adultrey with Aphrodite is quite strange, as the other three songs that bards have sung in the Odyssey have a direct relevance to the context and serve to catalyse the action in some way.
- In book one, the bard Phemius sins of the Trojan war, which Penelope describes as ‘upsetting songs’. This links directly to the situation of Odysseus’ family who are anxiously awaiting the return of Odysseus. The choice of song also serves to advance the action and showcase the beginning of Telemachus’ journey of maturation- the song attracts the attention of Penelope, who leaves her chamber and comes downstairs to listen to the song, to which she begins weeping. Telemachus then intervenes and sends his mother back to her room, thus providing Telemachus with his first opportunity to put into practise the advice that he received from Athene in her disguise as mentes.
-the songs of Demodocus have a similar effect- the first song he sings is of the battle between Odysseus and Achilles. The theme of this song has an emotional effect on Odysseus and causes him to weep. When Alcinous notices, he prompts the phaeacians to take part in the Phaeacian games, which thus give the phaeacians the opportunity to learn what kind of man the stranger is.
-The final third song from Demodocus in book 8 sings of Odysseus in the Trojan horse. This again causes Odysseus to weep and Alcinous becomes suspicious, promoting Odysseus to finally reveal his identity, and this marks the beginning of the long narration from Odysseus of his adventures and everything that happened before the ‘media res’
what does scholar Braswell suggest about the significance of the sung story of Ares adultrey with Aphrodite in Book 8? (The Phaeacian games)
The sung tale of Ares adultrey with Aphrodite is relevant in terms of comparing Odysseus and Euryalus.
-The bard sings the song immediately after the Phaeacian games- During the games, Laodamas encourages Odysseus to participate, which he declines and explains his suffering along his journey to nostos. Euryalus however, a handsome Phaeacian challenges Odysseus once again claiming that he must not be as skilled as he claims if he is unwilling to participate. In anger and desire for Kleos, Odysseus participates and throws the heaviest disk the furthest than any other phaeacian. During Hephaestus’ capture of Ares and Aphrodite, he is mocked and laughed at by the gods, as he is disabled and has been able to capture the powerful god of war, Ares. This makes a direct link between Ares and Euryalus and Hephaestus and Odysseus. Just as Hephaestus’ skill triumphs over Ares and Aphrodite, so too does the skill of Odysseus against Euryalus.
what does Scholar Peter Jones say about the Polyphemus episode?
The polyphemus episode is Odysseus’ greatest achievement as it shows off his defining character trait- his metis
what does scholar Seth Schein say about Polyphemus?
Polyphemus eating his victims raw, and mostly alive shows off his barbarous nature which reflects the society that he lives in
What does Scholar Penelope Murray say about Women in the Odyssey?
‘a number of female characters throughout his long years of wandering… all of whom present him with some kind of threat to his identity as a hero’
what does Scholar Penelope Murray say about Circe in the odyssey?
‘Circe, the lovely haired enchantress, who is in many ways a doublet of Calypso’- for example they are both initially introduced in the same way by Homer, weaving and singing and both present obstacles to Odysseus achieving his nostos and assuming his role as Kurios of the Oikos once again
