Homer’s The Odyssey Background Notes
This Homer…
…not this one!
An Epic Poem:
1. Contains adventure
2. Has a central heroic figure (an epic hero)
3. Has a vast setting
4. Involved supernatural forces
5. Employs an elevated style
Key Poetic devices:
-Epithets (repeated short expressions)
(rosy-fingered dawn, etc)
-Epic Similes-long comparisons (extended metaphor)
-Repetition (for emphasis)
of similes, speeches, epithets
Historical Info:
Composed (probably) by Homer, c. 743-713 BC.
Originally an oral work incorporating other oral stories
Translated from Greek in the 1500s
By serving as a basis for education, the Iliad and Odyssey played a role in the
development of Greek civilization that is equivalent to the role that the Torah, the
canonical version of the Pentateuch or first five books of the Bible, had played in
Palestine.
The Greeks conceived their gods as an expression of the disorder of the world and its
uncontrollable forces.
To the Greeks, morality is a human invention; though Zeus is the most powerful of
their gods, even he can be resisted by his fellow Olympians and must bow to the
mysterious power of fate.
The Odyssey is a metaphor of every human being’s peril-ridden
journey toward maturity and wisdom.
There are several reasons why we study The Odyssey, but the most important from a
literary point of view is that this epic poem has such a great impact on the literature of
the Western world. Even as late as John Milton poets are writing epics using the
same patterns as Homer: the invocation, in medias res, the journey to the
underworld—and Milton is a Puritan/Christian in a time of monotheism. (Literary
Allusions)
For more practical reasons we study it for the lessons we learn:
1) that we are not alone in this world - we are unable to solve all our
problems by ourselves—w e need others and the gods to help us (of course
that last phrase has to be translated into modern terminology);
2) humans are subject to sudden changes of fortune; a person who is
happy may not always be happy, and of course the opposite is true: a
person who is unhappy may not always be unhappy (I think this lesson is the
most important lesson Odysseus learns in the poem).
3) The poem teaches us to avoid hubris. We can have pride even if we are
humble. The poem illustrates perseverance for survival. Probably many other
lessons can be learned that I haven't thought of.
Themes in the Odyssey (refer to this often while reading the Odyssey):
Hospitality
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First shown to Telemachus by Nestor, then Menelaus.
Shown to Odysseus by Alcinous and Arête.
Contrasted with:
The suitors
The Cyclops (Book 9)
The Laestrygonians (Book 10)
Circe (Book 10)
It is interesting that, although strangers are "protected" by Zeus, Zeus agrees
with Poseidon that the Phaeacians are too hospitable to Odysseus. This seems
a value more human than Olympian.
Respect for the Gods
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Respect for the gods is shown through the numerous descriptions of sacrifices
and offerings. Before feasting, the ritual involves "cutting the first strips for the
gods" having them "wrapped in sleek fat . . . sprinkling barley over them" then
"burning the choice parts for the gods that never die." Libations are also
poured.
Disrespect for the Gods inevitably leads to disaster; the Gods do not forget
disrespect and are not easily appeased. (Poseidon, Athena, Aeolus, Helios.)
Note how often Odysseus prays, especially after he makes the mistake with
Polyphemus.
The Importance of Lineage
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Almost every time we met someone significant the narration pauses and we
learn of the lineage.
Note how frequently a god is part of that lineage includes a god. (And how often
the god is Zeus.
Many "things" we see also have a lineage or history that we are given - note
Odysseus’ scar and his bow.
Loyalty
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Penelope's loyalty to Odysseus
Athena's loyalty to her "Odysseus" and vice versa
Loyalty between parents and offspring
The loyalty of Eurycleia
The loyalty of Argos
The loyalty of the Achaeans to each other
Pride and Honor
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Odysseus is guilty of excessive pride when he gives his name to Polyphemus
(Book 9).
Laodamus shows excess pride when he challenges Odysseus in Book 8.
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The suitors seem dangerously proud, especially when Odysseus returns. In the
end, the suitors have dishonored Odysseus and must pay for this.
On the other hand, a certain amount of pride and sense of honor is important.
Note how Odysseus responds to the challenge of Laodamus.
Telemachus needs to need to gain more pride so that he can stand up to the
suitors who have dishonored his house.
Resisting Temptation
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Generally, Odysseus resists temptation. But he does boast to Polyphemus, and
he does seem reluctant to leave Circe's island.
His men are tempted by the Lotus Eaters as well as Circe; and by greed
several times - causing them to stay too long at the land of the Cicones, to open
Aeolus' gift, and finally to eat the cattle of the sun (though in some ways this is
more out of desperation than anything else).
The suitors clearly cannot resist temptation.
Live Life to the Fullest
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A major characteristic of Odysseus. He cannot resist the opportunity to
"explore." He stays out of trouble by not being reckless.
The episode with the Sirens is an example of both his exploration of life and of
his precaution.
He seems to understand how important to make the most of any moment,
taking Achilles' description of death to heart.
Self-discipline
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Foolishness and the lack of self-discipline lead to the loss of men with the
Cicones and the loss of the crew on the Island of Helios.
Odysseus loses his self-discipline with the Cyclops, but demonstrates it almost
everywhere else, often in contrast with his crew.
The Importance of Leadership
This is a top down society. The leaders we meet (Odysseus, Nestor, Alcinous etc.)
do not rule democratically. The rule by "divine right" and by force of character.
Probably the most important quality of leadership is courage.
Justice
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Odysseus, like Orestes, will eventually be a deliverer of justice.
Justice takes time. Neither Orestes nor Odysseus can act immediately. When
they do act justice is not tempered by mercy.
Helen seems to be beyond justice.
Justice can seem brutal - especially when it is meted out by Zeus or Poseidon
directly - the Phaeacians are brutally punished for their assistance to Odysseus.
Odysseus’ justice for the maids who slept with the suitors is also brutal.
Revenge
Homer seems to think that revenge is well justified and people are entitled to
it.
Reconciliation
At the end of the book Athena ensures that the people of Ithaca are reconciled with
Odysseus. The test Odysseus and various members of his family undergo with
each other suggest that their reunions also involve reconciliation.
Fate
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Fate is preordained by a power beyond that of even the gods.
Paradoxically, it does not seem "random." A character's fate is tied up with his
"character."
Odysseus is fated to return home but he could not fulfill his fate if he were not
who he is.
then and there
unlucky Odysseus would have met his death against the will of fate but the bright eyed one inspired him yet again.
Fighting out from the breakers, pounding toward the coast,
out of danger he swam on, scanning the land. . . (Book 5)