Singers, Heroes, and Gods in the Odyssey

by Charles Segal

One of the special charms of the Odyssey , according to Charles Segal, is the way it transports readers to fascinating places. Yet despite the appeal of its narrative, the Odyssey is fully understood only when its style, design, and mythical patterns are taken into account as well. Bringing a new richness to interpretation of this epic, Segal looks closely at key forms of social and personal organization which Odysseus encounters in his voyages. Segal also considers such topics as the relationship between bard and audience, the implications of the Odyssey 's self-consciousness about its own poetics, and Homer's treatment of the nature of poetry.

264 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1994

About the author

Charles Paul Segal was an American classicist renowned for his application of critical theory to ancient texts. Although his work spanned a variety of Latin and Greek genres, he is best known for his work on Greek tragedy. His most influential work is Tragedy and Civilization: an Interpretation of Sophocles (1981), in which he presents a structuralist approach to Greek theatre.

Reviews

[Eva]

perfect for my essay <3

[Jacky Chan]

Professor Segal's approach to the Odyssey is stunning. His concerns range from the Odyssey's treatment of Ancient Greek values, ideas, and thoughts (xenia and kleos, among many others), of the nature and function of its own art, poetry, and of universal human themes such as home, identity, and humanity. Segal's style is lucid and riveting, and he manages to bring out the poignance of a poem long and often buried under layer after layer of dense and obscure criticism. An unreplaceable cornerstone to any comprehensive understanding of and insight into the Odyssey.

[Corydon]

Though an early work, Segal's discussion is systematic and thorough in his own manners. Many of his arguments have been well received. Notably Segal approaches Homer in an archaic framework.