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The Odyssey in Athens: Myths of Cultural Origins
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The Odyssey in Athens: Myths of Cultural Origins Paperback - 2006 - 2nd Edition

by Erwin F. Cook


From the publisher

A study in poetic interaction, The Odyssey in Athens explores the ways in which narrative structure and parallels within and between epic poems create or disclose meaning. Erwin F. Cook also broadens the scope of this intertextual approach to include the relationship of Homeric epic to ritual. Specifically he argues that the Odyssey achieved its form as a written text within the context of Athenian civic cults during the reign of Peisistratos. Focusing on the prologue and the Apologoi (Books 9-12), Cook shows how the traditional Greek polarity between force and intelligence informs the Odyssean narrative at all levels of composition. He then uses this polarity to explain instances of Odyssean self-reference, allusions to other epic traditions--in particular the Iliad--and interaction between the poem and its performance context in Athenian civic ritual. This detailed structural analysis, with its insights into the circumstances and meaning of the Odyssey's composition, will lead to a new understanding of the Homeric epics and the tradition they evoked.

From the rear cover

A study in poetic interaction, The "Odyssey" in Athens explores the ways in which narrative structure and parallels within and between the epic poet (aka Homer's) texts create or disclose meaning. Erwin F. Cook also broadens the scope of this intertextual approach to include the relationship of Homeric epic to ritual. Specifically he argues that the Odyssey achieved its form as a written text within the context of Athenian civic cults during the reign of Peisistratos. Focusing on the prologue and the Apologoi (Books 9-12), Cook shows how the traditional Greek polarity between force and intelligence (or bie and metis/noos) informs the Odyssean narrative at all levels of composition. He then uses this polarity to explain instances of Odyssean self-reference, allusions to other epic traditions - in particular the Iliadand interaction between the poem and its performance context in Athenian civic ritual. This detailed structural analysis, with its insights into the circumstances and meaning of the Odyssey's composition, will lead to a new understanding of the Homeric epics and the tradition they evoked.

Details

  • Title The Odyssey in Athens: Myths of Cultural Origins
  • Author Erwin F. Cook
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition number 2nd
  • Edition 2
  • Pages 232
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Cornell University Press
  • Date 2006-09-21
  • Features Bibliography, Index, Table of Contents
  • ISBN 9780801473357 / 0801473357
  • Weight 0.82 lbs (0.37 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.04 x 6.08 x 0.56 in (22.96 x 15.44 x 1.42 cm)
  • Reading level 1520
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: Ancient (To 499 A.D.)
  • Dewey Decimal Code 883.01

About the author

Erwin Cook is T. Frank Murchison Distinguished Professor of Classical Studies at Trinity University.

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The Odyssey in Athens: Myths of Cultural Origins (Myth and Poetics)
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The "Odyssey" in Athens: The " Odysssey" in Athens: Myths of Cultural Origins
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