Category Archives: Odyssey

How much is too much?

Posted on September 19, 2012 by Laura

The gods of Odysseus’ time had a much more ubiquitous influence than any twenty-first mind-set can fully grasp. The subjects of art (both visual and musical), the beneficiaries of countless sacrifices, and the recipients of ceaseless prayers and demands, the … Continue reading →

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Disguises of Ambush vs. Disguises of Survival

Posted on September 16, 2012 by Ivana

In the Odyssey, it has been made clear that disguises and deception are important components of the Greeks’ way of living. Deception was used at Troy with the Trojan horse, allowing Odysseus and the Greeks to prevail. It is used … Continue reading →

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Athena: Enforcer or Creator of Fate?

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Erin

Although this blog post may seem a little untraditional, there’s one topic I am extremely interested in diving into: Athena and her role in the actions of the characters. In Greek mythology, the Gods played an immense role in the … Continue reading →

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Homecoming?

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Caitlin

I found Odysseus’ long-awaited return to Ithaka both surprising and a little awkward when I first read it. For nearly two decades, he’s “longed for wife and home,” and now finally he’s there, but stuck in an old beggar’s body … Continue reading →

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Manly Tears

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Brenna

Although it may be a seminal epic whose influence has thoroughly permeated almost every part of Western art and culture, The Odyssey remains a work far removed from contemporary understanding. The culture described is one that shares what might be … Continue reading →

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Was Achilles on Facebook?

Posted on September 9, 2012 by Tobias

Speaking of literary works as maps and mapping literary works, the New York Times ran an interesting column today.

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Continued discussion on the transformation of the Odysseus’ men

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Erin

Hello, I don’t know if I’m allowed to do this because technically it’s not my day to post a on the blog but I wanted to continue a discussion that I believe otherwise we would not be able to get … Continue reading →

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Ancient Colonization

Posted on September 3, 2012 by Tobias

The map below shows the political geography of the Mediterranean in the 6th century BC.  Greek cities and colonies are labeled in red, Phoenician ones in yellow.  Greek colonization began in roughly 800 BC and is thus more or less … Continue reading →

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Vacationing in Hades

Posted on September 1, 2012 by Clare

Death is scary. For thousands of years, cultures have created explanations for why humans die, myths of what happens when we cross into the great beyond, and ways of living that will guarantee eternal happiness. The Christians have heaven and … Continue reading →

Posted in Odyssey, Student Generated | 8 Comments

Odysseus’ Dirty Linen

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Tobias

The Phaiakians have always been among my favorite people in the Odyssey, and none more so than the young princess Nausikaa.  I like the Phaiakians because of their all-around weirdness (just listen to the names at VIII 118-26!), as well … Continue reading →

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