The Odyssey Scholarship quotes

What is K. Bassi's view on Nostos in the Odyssey?

"Nostos in the Odyssey is not simply the physical return of Odysseus to Ithaca but a narrative of psychological and moral transformation, as he reclaims his identity and role in a world reshaped by his absence."

What is M. Mares's view about kleos in Homer's Odyssey?

"The Odyssey portrays kleos as a hero’s enduring legacy, achieved through heroic deeds and remembered through storytelling, thus immortalising the hero's name.

What does A.S. Akçay say about Homers Odyssey?

"The Odyssey emerged from an oral tradition where storytelling was a communal activity, deeply embedded in the socio-political structures of early Greek societies, bridging myth and history."

What is W.A. Camps' view about the Comrades in the Odyssey?

"The comrades of Odysseus serve as a reminder of the human cost of the journey, their failures and deaths contrasting sharply with his survival and ultimate success."

What is J. Peradotto's view on Telemachus in the Odyssey?

"Telemachus’ journey of self-discovery mirrors his father’s, as he evolves from an uncertain youth into a figure capable of asserting himself in the adult world of power and responsibility."

What is H. Lloyd-Jones' view about the suitors in the Odyssey?

"The suitors are a collective antithesis to Odysseus, their hubris and disregard for xenia serving as a foil to his moral and social virtues."

What is J.P. Holoka's view about Circe in the Odyssey?

"Circe's role in the Odyssey reflects the intersection of danger and guidance, as she shifts from an antagonist who transforms men into animals to a mentor who aids Odysseus on his journey."

What is J. Griffin's view on Calypso and her island in the Odyssey?

"Calypso’s relationship with Odysseus underscores the tension between mortal obligations and divine allure, with her island representing both a paradise and a prison."

What is A. Parry's view on Odysseus in the Odyssey?

"Odysseus embodies the archetypal hero whose intelligence and adaptability define his heroism, as he navigates a world shaped by both divine forces and human challenges."

What is M.I. Finley's view on Family's role in the Odyssey?

"The Odyssey centres on the idea of familial unity, with Odysseus' journey framed as a quest to restore his household, highlighting the primacy of family in the Homeric worldview."

What is J. Redfield's view on Xenia in the Odyssey?

"Xenia in the Odyssey serves as a moral compass, with the treatment of guests reflecting the ethical stature of individuals and societies, while violations of hospitality, such as those by the suitors, are portrayed as egregious and deserving of divine punishment."

What is Ø. Andersen's view about honour (time) in the Odyssey?

"In the Homeric tradition, timê represents the tangible and intangible rewards of heroism, serving as both recognition of worth and a measure of social status."

What is S. Blumenthal's view on disguise and recognition in the Odyssey?

"The motif of disguise in the Odyssey serves not only as a narrative device but as a tool for testing loyalty and morality, allowing Odysseus to navigate and evaluate the transformed world he returns to."

What is S. Cooper's view on fantasy and the supernatural in the Odyssey?

"The Odyssey's supernatural elements, from divine interventions to mythical creatures, serve as metaphors for the unpredictable forces of the natural world, blending fantasy with a profound exploration of human vulnerability and resilience."

What is E. Cook's view on the power of fate in the Odyssey?

"Fate in the Odyssey intertwines with divine will and human agency, creating a nuanced exploration of destiny where the gods set the path, but individual choices determine the journey's trials and outcomes."

What is J. Clay's view on Athena in the Odyssey?

"Athena in the Odyssey exemplifies the divine protector archetype, using her wisdom and guile to guide Odysseus while ensuring that his own ingenuity is tested, thus reinforcing his heroic identity."