Edith Hall knows her Ulysses and draws fascinating parallels between the epic poem and modern literature in her book, The Return of Ulysses: A Cultural History of Homer's Odyssey. The book examines fifteen key themes encompassed in the tale, and traces the plot and characters from Homer's day to modern times. Here is a brief look at three of the literary themes Hall analyzes:
Shape Shifting as Literary Theme in The Odyssey
Despite the time period, the theme of shape shifting prevails in literature solely because of Homer's characters Proteus and Circe. Proteus changes forms several times throughout the poem: lion, serpent, leopard and pig, and ultimately is the character responsible for guiding Odysseus home. Circe's ability to transform Odysseus' crew into pigs is also a prime example of shape shifting, and Hall refers to this episode as "the ancestor for all our countless tales of human-animal metamorphosis." Other examples of shape shifting in literature include:
- Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis examines the life of protean-like Gregor Samsa who wakes up unexpectedly transformed into a bug, representative of the human condition.
- George Orwell's Animal Farm utilizes zoomorphism to satire politics and "totalitarian tyranny".
Role of Women in Society as Literary Theme in The Odyssey
Hall unabashedly refers to Penelope's weaving loom as "the most important symbol in the Odyssey". Though at first glance, she appears to readers as the dutiful and obedient wife to Odysseus, she is equally cunning, most notably in the well-contrived tests she presents to her suitors.
While in one regard, Penelope is able to transcend the typical female damsel-in-distress character primarily because of her intelligence, the "emotionally plausible" aspects of her character baffle readers. Some modern authors have attempted to solve the riddle of Penelope by rewriting her experience from varying perspectives:
- Dorothy Parker's poem "Penelope", views Penelope and Odysseus as equals in terms of their courageousness.
- L. Frank Baum's character Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, introduces readers to "the first significant female quest hero" based upon the first male quest hero, Odysseus.
- Margaret Atwood's The Penelopiad reinterprets Penelope as "arrogant, vain, insecure, unsympathetic and sexually possessive".
Characters in Exile as Literary Theme in The Odyssey
The main theme of the poem centers on Odysseus' quest to return to his homeland of Ithaca after the fall of Troy. Banishment and the subsequent journey home have influenced a fair share of literary works since Homer first penned the plot line. Two examples Hall uses:
- Thomas Wolfe's You Can't Go Home Again is a novel that clearly depicts the opposite message of the Odyssey, its vehement "denial of a satisfactory return to Ithaca."
- Baum's Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz) is again referenced because, like Odysseus, she is able to return home only after completing a journey that left both characters "altered and more mature."
Overall, Hall's study of the Odyssey is thorough, entertaining and well referenced. She offers many ways for the reader to relate Homer's epic to more modern works of literature, art and film, thus bridging the gap between old and new.
Homer's Odyssey continues to be the most influential story ever written. Its longevity ensures it a place at the top of every classics list and Edith Hall's book makes a great companion piece and reference guide.
Book Stats:
The Return of Ulysses: A Cultural History of Homer's Odyssey by Edith Hall
ISBN# 0801888697
The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2008
Hardcover, 304 pages
Lisa Rufle - If I had to describe myself in one word, it would easily be: curious. So as a natural extension of my curiosity, reading is my life's ...
