A Narratological Commentary on the Odyssey by Irene J. F. de Jong

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A Narratological Commentary on the Odyssey by Irene J. F. de Jong

Author: Irene J. F. de Jong

Comprehensive commentaries on the Homeric texts abound, but this commentary concentrates on one major aspect of the Odyssey–its narrative art. The role of narrator and narratees, methods of characterization and scenery description, and the development of the plot are discussed. The study aims to enhance our understanding of this masterpiece of European literature. All Greek references are translated and technical terms are explained in a glossary. It is directed at students and scholars of Greek literature and comparative literature.

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This book is an invaluable resource for anyone wishing to gain a deeper appreciation of Homer’s narrative art. The building blocks of Homer’s material — the many formulaic, often repeated type-scenes of dressing, eating, arriving, leaving, launching a boat, preparing a sacrifice and other activities are discussed at length in a book by book commentary. Where one such scene occurs, complete cross-references to other places where the same type-scene occurs are included. The writing is especially lucid and pleasing to read. Moreover, the book discusses at length major themes of the poems, such as the various ways in which feasting is portrayed (harmoniously appropriate v. disordered and reckless), the disguised stranger, the place of hospitality, return, reception and revenge. Readers of Homer owe a debt of gratitude to Irene De Jong for this remarkable contribution to Homeric studies — easily one of the best books on Homer to appear in half a century. Max rated it: 5.0 from 5.0

I read this alongside of Fagle’s translation of the Odyssey, and found it helpful. I’m curious now what I missed by not using one of the more classic commentaries, but perhaps I’ll do that in a few years. My only critique is the amount of Greek text she includes, which for the Greek scholar would be great, but to us lay readers it’s, well, Greek to us. James rated it: 4.0 from 5.0