Details

Subject(s)

• Odysseus King of Ithaca (Mythological character)—In literature [Browse]
• Epic poetry, Greek—History and criticism [Browse]
• Homer—Odyssey [Browse]

Series

Landmarks of world literature. [More in this series]

Summary note

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.

Notes

On cover: A student guide.

Bibliographic references

Includes bibliographical references (p. 101-103).

Language note

English

Contents

• 1 The making of the Odyssey 1
• 1 The background to the Odyssey 1
• 2 The date of the Odyssey 4
• 3 Bards and oral poetry 6
• 4 The language of the Odyssey and the 'formulaic system' 13
• 5 Is the Odyssey an oral poem? 22
• 6 Alternative Odysseys? 24
• 7 How the poem comes down to us 30
• 2 The poem 34
• 9 Translating Homer 38
• 10 Shape and unity 43
• 11 The epic style: grandeur and realism 47
• 12 The epic style: technique and variety 52
• 13 The Odyssey and the Iliad 60
• 14 Myth and folklore 66
• 15 Some problems 71
• 16 Men and gods 74
• 17 Men and women 78
• 18 Society and geography 83
• 19 The values of the Odyssey 90
• 3 The Odyssey and after 95
• 20 The after-life of the Odyssey 95.

Show 19 more Contents items

Other title(s)

Odyssey

ISBN

• 1-107-14869-3
• 0-511-64421-3
• 9786612394638
• 1-282-39463-0
• 1-139-16533-X
• 0-511-16604-4
• 0-511-16409-2
• 0-511-56669-7
• 0-511-16489-0

OCLC

• 437163532
• 80246211

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