Homer's Odyssey / John H. Finley, Jr.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Finley, Jr., John H., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Epic poetry, Greek--History and criticism.

Epic poetry, Greek.

Homer. Odyssey.

LITERARY CRITICISM / Ancient & Classical.

LITERARY CRITICISM / Poetry.

Local Subjects:

Homer. Odyssey.

LITERARY CRITICISM / Ancient & Classical.

LITERARY CRITICISM / Poetry.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (250 p.)

Edition:

Reprint 2013

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, MA : Harvard University Press, [2014]

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This is the long-awaited work on Homer's Odyssey by one of our foremost teachers and scholars of the classics--John H. Finley, Jr. Already, generations of students at Harvard have benefited from his knowledge and understanding of Homer's words and world. Now his thoughts on the Odyssey are woven together in this remarkable volume. Finley begins by arguing the unity of design in the Odyssey, and shows the connection between the actions of three main characters: Telemachus' maturity brings Penelope to her long-delayed decision for remarriage, which, by producing the bow as marriage-test, gives the unknown Odysseus his means of success against the suitors. Finley also suggests that the poem is a kind of half-divine comedy. About an older man's glad return, it contrasts to the Iliad's story of young man's death far from home. It is a comedy to the Iliad's tragedy and, like Shakespeare's Tempest, it brings the absent king to knowledge which, though initially unwelcome, proves his and others' happiness. Throughout his book, Finley applies a lifetime's learning to a work that is universally recognized as one of the highest achievements of our civilization. At a time when Homer is in danger of being swallowed by specialists, it is important to recognize and uphold the poet's basic concern for life and myth and legend. Such sympathy combined with knowledge is Finley's fine achievement.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Preface

Contents

1. Penelope

2. Characterization and Theme

3. Origins of the Tales of Travel

4. Ogygia and Scheria

5. Odysseus' Tale

6. Telemachus

7. The Beggar

8. Reunion

9. Conclusion

Appendix I. The Second Nekyia

Appendix II. The Reunion at the Farm

References

Index of Passages

Index of Subjects

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (publisher's Web site, viewed 23. Mai 2019)

ISBN:

0-674-33386-1

OCLC:

979575665