Introduction to the Ancient World: Greece

Lecture 6

Odysseus (Ulysses) and the Odyssey

From Lect. 5: The gods as psychology: Athena visits with Achilles (Iliad 1)

I. The Odyssey: differences from the Iliad; a kinder, gentler epic 

A. Characteristics of the Iliad; and "Troy" the movie (cf. Lect. 5 for commentary and images)
B. Sources and subject of the Odyssey; qualities of imagination; proem (=prologue); O's first appearance (Book 5.149ff. [Fitz. p. 85])
C. Values (cf. Achilles in the underworld (Fitz. pp. 200-201)
D. Structure: more varied (flashbacks, etc.)

II. Odysseus and Athena (esp. 13.248ff. [Fitz. pp. 237ff.])

A. Odyssean qualities (13.333): civilized/gentle (cf. Antikleia in 11.202ff. [Fitz. 191]; Argos, the faithful dog in 17.290ff. (Fitz. 319f.); intelligent (more than just clever; cf. Polyphemus' "Nobody"); self-possessed (cf. Book 22.41ff. [Fitz. 422]; Book 8.158ff. [Fitz. 129ff.]); inquisitive to a fault? Cyclops episode, Sirens; Dante's Ulysses

B. The meaning of the Odysseus/Athena association; Autolycus (his grandfather)

III. Odysseus and the women

A. Circe (daughter of Helios, sister of Aietes, aunt of Medea); moly
B. Calypso and the meaninglessness of divine existence
C. Nausicaa (Book 6)
D. Penelope; her problems: suitors, teenager; the build-up of the reunion (Book 23); the equal of Odysseus

Note: Please bring texts to class again next time.

(See Lecture 7)