The Odyssey by Homer translated by Emily Wilson

BookNotes author: [[ Homer ]] Translation by [[ Emily Wilson ]]

• Iambic pentameter translation of the epic poem. Finally got round to reading it!
• A foundational text of the modern world - can see where so many ideas came from.
• Language is simple and direct bt still engages with the challenges of the text from a modern perspective.
• Thought I knew the Odyessy, but what is most famous is the middle part, not the structure.
• Starts with Telemachus for 4 books and the suitors in media res, before catching up with Odysseus and then flashing back. The whole famous part is reported speech from Odysseus surviving. Then the final six books deal with his return to Ithica.
• Is Odysseus a hero? He lies and cheats constantly, slaughters a whole palace of women and suitors.
• Double standard - he’s allowed to have sex with gods but Penelope has to be true to his. She is property, like the house.
• Is he an unreliable narrator? Did all the events actually happen?
• Gods are active and meddling - Athena helps out all the time, Poseidon hinders the progress. Proper respect must be made at all times - crew is slaughtered because they do not show sufficient respect to the gods and kill a golden cow.