Homer on Life and Death

by Jasper Griffin

This book demonstrates how Homeric poetry manages to confer significance on persons and actions, interpreting the world and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Taking central themes like characterization, death, and the gods, the author argues that current ideas of the limitations of "oral poetry" are unreal, and that Homer embodies a view of the world both unique and profound.

Genres: Classics, Nonfiction, Literature, Poetry, History, Literary Criticism

218 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Jasper Griffin (born May 29, 1937), MA (Oxon), FBA, was Public Orator and Professor of Classical Literature in the University of Oxford from 1992 until 2004.

Jasper Griffin read Classical Moderations and Greats at Balliol College, Oxford (1956-1960) and was Jackson Fellow at Harvard University (1960-61). On his return to Oxford he became Dyson Junior Research Fellow at Balliol (1961-63), Tutorial Fellow in Classics (1963-2004), and Senior Fellow (2000-04).

His wife of nearly fifty years, Dr Miriam T. Griffin (née Dressler), is also a noteworthy classicist. They have three daughters: Julia, Miranda and Tamara.

Reviews

[Bogdan Raț · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Greek mythology is distinguished from others above all by the dominant position within it of myths about heroes. Heroes [...] illuminate, by their actions and their nature, not the Levi-Straussian problems of the relationship between nature and culture, but the position, the potential, and the limitations of man in the world. In the noble speeches and tragic insights of a Sarpedon, a Hector, an Achilles, we see both the terrible and unalterable laws of life and death, and also the greatness which man can achieve in facing them. The loyalty of Penelope, the endurance and resolution of Odysseus, the self-sacrifice of Patroclus, even the tragic dignity of the guilty Helen: all show us that amid suffering and disaster human nature can remain noble and almost god-like."

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A valuable read that helps to show that even while all the technical bickering on the Homeric question is bursting around us, there is still a fundamental reason why we keep returning to the Iliad and the Odyssey: they are epic stories that appeal to the heart and mind. I thoroughly enjoyed Griifin including the original text along with translations, plus the added bonus of extracts from various scholia. I had my Greek dictionary and (tired) memory on hand to try to read the text before turning to the translation. Total Classics Geek fun!

As another reviewer mentioned, the text could be slow to slog through. It read like a dense academic paper at times and I had to reread several passages as my mind wandered. At other times, the work kept me rapt and my slow pace was my enjoying a fine meal not a dull conversation. I didn't always agree with his interpretations but he made a good argument throughout. I will keep this well marked up book on my Homer shelf for a long time.

[Samrat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Far more interested in the iliad than the Odyssey, which made sense (to me) for the book's focus on death. The chapters (3 and 4) on how death is represented and analyzed through the poem was the standout. Those also tied in well in how the later chapters on the depiction and treatment of the gods in the poem, with how often they're identified with immortality.

[Matt McCormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although dated, it's a very good analysis of many of the concepts in the Iliad. As someone trying to self-learn classical Greek, the many passages presented in that language, the citations and the brief summaries provided a learning tool I appreciated. I liked how he compartmentalized topics such as "gesture" and "objects" to provide a deeper understanding of a specific theme.

[Mariana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book a little too easy, but is totally my fault since I should have read this at the beginning of my studies. Even so, I think it gives really illuminating ideas, and I totally enjoy the read. Perfect for those who are starting a deep and close reading of the Iliad and Odyssey. (Not for a first-time reader of Homer of course).

[Jiang Yuqi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good one. But I wish the author could discuss Odyssey more. Now 80% of the pages are on Illiad...Also, not as deep as I expected.

[Ronald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent little book that provides a much deeper understanding of the meaning behind the epics of the Odyssey and the Iliad. Life, death, what it means to be a hero, the relationship between the gods and humans, and other subjects are all treated in an objective and well-supported fashion. Read the epics first, then this book, then read them again.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good insights but very boring. I had trouble remembering the author's arguments and had trouble staying focused on the essays.