Reading Notes: Homer's Odyssey (Part B)

Something about Homer's Odyssey that stuck out to me in this reading was the emphasis on heritage and family connections. This was especially strong in Odysseus's conversations with the ghosts in Hades. Homer conveyed a strong sense of family honor in these characters, and the willingness of most to respect that honor. In terms of writing style, this was reflected in the repetition of long familial titles throughout the story.

Odysseus encounters the Sirens, painted by Herbert James Draper (Wikimedia Commons)

Another stylistic choice that was evident in this section of the reading (as well as in Part A) was the way emotions were made visceral in their description. Homer doesn't write about sadness or grief without mentioning heavy weeping and a thick sense of gloom. Even emotionally charged language is described as "winged" which gives speech a palpable quality.

Bibliography. Odyssey by Homer, translated by Tony Kline. Web Link.