The Odyssey

Description

Western literature begins with Homer’s two epic poems. The epics concern the Trojan war and, in the case of The Odyssey, its aftermath. The Odyssey is the story of Odysseus’ postwar travels home from Troy to Ithaca.  You may know the story and have read the text, but beside the obvious truth that Homer can bear many rereadings, it is a different and richer experience to read the text as an older adult.  After an initial session devoted to the myths surrounding the Trojan war and the question of who Homer might have been, we will discuss the twenty-four books of the poem at the rate of roughly four books a week. 

 

 

Readings

Reading:  Homer, The Odyssey (Robert Fitzgerald, translator), ISBN 978-0374525743. 

About the Instructor

David Tarbet has both a Ph.D. in English Literature and a law degree. He became a lawyer after serving as  Professor of English Literature at the State University of New York at Buffalo. 

Instructor

David Tarbet
Email: dtarbet@comcast.net

When

Fridays
1:00-2:30 p.m.
6-week course
Begins November 11, 2022

 

Location

In-person class meets at Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick, ME 04011 in Morrell Meeting Room