The Odyssey Flashcards
How does Morrison believe Odysseus is focussed on Kleos?
Odysseus achieves glory in part by underhandedness, by stealth, and by deception.
How does Sowerby view Odysseus?
“polytropic hero [and the] polytropic plot reflect each other perfectly”
What does Pratt think Odysseus is concerned with?
“identity is wrapped up in regaining his kingdom and restoring the balance in Ithaca (killing the suitors restores the political balance, the unfaithful maids the social balance)”
What does Murray feel Penelope’s position is?
“remains firmly at the centre of the epic, and it is she who symbolises the goal for which Odysseus constantly strives: his homecoming”
What does Morrison think about female characters?
“Many of the remarkable figures in Homer’s the Odyssey are female characters, both mortal and divine.”
How does Sowerby view different suitors?
“Antinous is a straightforwardly nasty piece of work [whereas Eurymachus has a] more attractive exterior masking hidden cunning”
How does Jones justify book 22?
“reckless disregard for the bond of Xenia is enough to justify their deaths”
What does Morrison say about Odysseus’ nature?
“something of a paradox: a tricky hero”
What does Morrison view as distractions for Odysseus?
“Calypso is the first in the series of […] surrogate wives [trying to] take the place of Penelope”
What does Graziosi think the gods are like?
“Homeric gods are embarrassing”
What does Morrison say about Athene’s help?
“Athene is quite intent on helping Odysseus return home”
What does Bowie say about the Odyssey?
‘The humour of the Odyssey is of a sophisticated, subtle, and varied kind…. Since we are an audience served by an omniscient narrator, we generally see through all the deceptions and appreciate the humour, but not all the characters can do the same. Those who can, or have the wit and intelligence to cope with tricky situations, survive.’
What does Jones view as important to the plot?
‘This structure [of books 9-12] means that the excitement is kept [because we see the] personal reminiscence and the significance of the hero’s self-evaluation.’
