• Notes on Homer and Ancient Greece

                   

Homer, and I don’t mean Simpson

• Homer is the name that is often given as the “author of the Iliad and the Odyssey. Not much is known about Homer as an individual; in fact, many question whether a single person could be responsible for the creation of these two major Greek epics. We do however know that these poems were most likely composed in the Greek settlements of Asia Minor around 8th

century B.C. By composed I mean that they were not written, but told, as both were part

of a strong tradition of oral story telling. Until recently, readers of Homer were led to

believe that he was a blind beggar bard (traveling story-teller, poet) of Chios. We now know that this description of him may be more fiction than fact. However, most experts are sure that Homer was a poet (or

pair of poets).

* Homer may have had help- collaboration.* Stories were told orally, then later translated by monks.* Many years of passing the story along may have contributed to changes- not unlike what happens in the telephone game.

Summary of the Odyssey:Odyssey = journey, and this journey centers

around the return of the Greek hero Odysseus from the Trojan War. The

opening scenes show the disorder that has arisen in Odysseus’ household during his

long absence: a band of suitors is destroying his property as they woo his wife Penelope.

the focus then shifts to Odysseus himself, and his ten years journey to return home.

The second half of the poem begins with Odysseus’ arrival at his home island of Ithaca. Here, exercising great patience,

Odysseus tests the loyalty of his servants and seeks revenge against the suitors.

Finally he is reunited with his family. Just as many of the works we have read have been a journey of self discovery, this tale

is a literal journey that leads to self discovery.

                                                                            

                                                                            

Style:

• Both epics are written in an impersonal, elevated, formal verse, using language that was never used for normal speech; the meter that is used is called dactylic hexameter.

Characteristics of an Epic:• Long!

• Physically impressive hero

• Vast setting – often involving even the world of the dead

• Journey or quest

• Epithet- adjective or phrase used for characterization

• Homeric simile- extended comparison between something heroic and something everyday.

Odysseus the Character:

• Strengths:• strong (muscular)• Intelligent

• Weaknesses:• Over confident/smug• Unappreciative

Background: Ancient Greece

• The setting of both the Iliad and Odyssey is the late Bronze Age, so called because the primary metal for use in tools and weapons was bronze. It is important to realize that these two epics stemming from the Trojan War (1250 B.C.) were actually written in 750 B.C., nearly half a millennium after it occurred. The time in which these stories take place, however, is actually civilized.

The Hellenistic Period, which is the time of Homer, was one that began with the death of Alexander the Great. He led armies into

war against Persia and greatly expanded Greek power. This was a period when the arts, philosophy, and science flourished.

Greek cities and culture had a strong influence on European

cities and culture. The nation was comprised of smaller tribes, such as the Ionians, Corinthians and

Dorians.

The Ancient Greeks also went to plays for entertainment.

Shakespeare often borrowed form their Greek Tragedies to write his

own plays.

Commercial District of Athens

• Ancient Greeks actually had something akin to a mall: a shopping district that was covered…..

               

• Many ideas for modern cities were borrowed from the Ancient Greeks. For example, many stadiums are modeled after Greek amphitheaters.

               

The communities are usually centered a round a palace, and protected by

defensive walls. Art is flourishing, and most ancient Greeks are literate (linear

A). Some evidence also suggests that this society may have also been matriarchal, which is to say that women had a very

important role in the society.

Greek Architecture:

• The Doric column could be found in areas inhabited by the Doric tribe. It is still used today.

• The Corinthian tribe had a more ornate (froo-froo) style of column that indicated their tribe’s area.

• The Ionic tribe had a column that used scroll work for emphasis.