Week 9 Syllabus: March 4
THE HERO ARRIVES HOME, AT ITHACA. In an almost textbook example of the symbolic transformation of self, death and rebirth, Odysseus returns in disguise, literally changed into an old, homeless beggar. No longer is he the boastful, arrogant general of the Trojan War. Tempered by suffering, Odysseus has learned to keep his cards close to his chest, will not reveal his true self until the suitors doom is sealed. Pay careful attention to the helpers on his hero journey: Telemachus, who is on a journey of his own; Penelope, who provides a nobler role-model for the returned king; Eumaeus and Philoetius, the swineherd and cowherd respectively, who supply the king and prince with information and weapons.
MONDAY, March 4
Mr. Easton is out today to care for sick family. In his absence, students will begin watching a wonderful production of Homer’s Odyssey. Pay careful note of Hollywood’s careful re-creation of the epic poem, but also where they deviate from the story. For example, the script breaks out of the poem’s organizational structure, discarding en media res for a more convenient chronological story-telling. We see a very suitable portrayal of Ithaca from book one, but somehow the dialogue between Zeus and Athena is discarded—too costly to shoot? Keep track of both faithful renderings and deviations from the original.
HW: Read and annotate book 20 for class on Wednesday.
WEDNESDAY, March 6
We will watch the film, up to and including Odysseus’ journey to the Underworld and his meeting with Tiresias. We will leave off there, and watch the remining part after we’ve finished the poem.
Lecture/Q&A about Odysseus’ return, up through and including book 20.
HW: Reading book 21 tonight for class tomorrow.
Friday, March 8
The dramatic ending before the actual ending, book 21, known as the test of the bow, or death in the great hall. We will read and annotate this together.
HW: Review and complete annotations for any missing chapters in your book.