Homer’s Odyssey

This course will take a deep dive into The Odyssey, exploring fresh perspectives of culture, poetics, and philosophy that should fascinate even those who are already familiar with Homer. Our course will also include a long-needed look into the pivotal roles of Penelope and Telemachus who are essential to understanding aspects of the true structure of The Odyssey, a structure that has been problematic for many centuries. The Odyssey is much more than the mere island-hopping adventures of Odysseus.

Readings: The Odyssey: A Norton Critical Edition, translated by Emily Wilson, ISBN 13-978-0393356250 and Richard Heitman, Taking Her Seriously: Penelope and the Plot of Homer’s Odyssey, ISBN 978-0472033171. 

Richard Heitman has studied and taught The Odyssey in both English and Ancient Greek. His book investigates the structure of the epic and reveals the long, misunderstood importance of Penelope for its meaning.