Reading Notes: Homer's Odyssey, Part A


For this week's readings, I chose to do a continuous sequence from Homer's Odyssey. This series of tales involves interaction with the cyclops!

Reading 1: The Land of the Cyclopes

This story serves as an introduction, clearly meaning to be continued by subsequent stories. I enjoy the romantic language and the idealistic pictures it presents. This story contains adventure and the excitement of exploring the unknown. Something valuable from this tale that could be used in my own story is the expanded introduction. Some stories instantly start with relevant action, or at least quickly develop the plot. In this case, however, the introduction is drawn out. Though the cyclops are mentioned, the two islands are described, and the explorers are introduced, the story has not yet developed. This expansion creates suspense and adds to the excitement of the narrative.

Reading 2: Prisoners of the Cyclops

The plot exponentially picks up from the previous story. The men arrive in the cave of the cyclops and end up trapped, helpless as he ruthlessly murders two of their crew. Several elements of this section could be employed. First, there is a clear flare for dramatic, violent action. Out of nowhere, two men's heads are bashed, and they are eaten. This dramatic action, similar to the introduction, can add thrill to the story. Additionally, there is an aspect of wit. The leader deceives the cyclops, saying that their ship had crashed. This adds factors of complexity and cleverness as the story continues.

Reading 3: The Cyclops Defeated

Several more incredible plot twists! The string of awful violence continues, as the cyclops eats several more people. But the crew faces a terrible predicament: they are still trapped in the cave of the cyclops. Due to the wit of their leader, it may seem as if they have a chance to escape. I am noticing hints of the trickster tale that I read earlier in the semester...Odysseus tells the cyclops that his name is "Nobody" in an attempt to fool the cyclops. This ends up hurting the cyclops, when he tells his friends that "Nobody" has attacked him! This sort of wit would be valuable in my own story.

Bibliography:
"Odyssey: Land of the Cyclopes" by Homer (translated by Tony Kline) - online link
"Odyssey: Prisoners of the Cyclops" by Homer (translated by Tony Kline) - online link
"Odyssey: The Cyclops Defeated" by Homer (translated by Tony Kline) - online link

Image Information: A cyclops hurls a large stone at a ship.
Link: Image

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