Singers, heroes, and gods in the Odyssey
By: Charles Segal.
Series: Myth and poetics
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Published: 1994
Place of publication: Ithaca
Language: eng
Number of pages: 244
Subjects: Homer.; Epic poetry, Greek -- History and criticism.; Odysseus (Greek mythology) in literature.; Bards and bardism in literature.; Gods, Greek, in literature.; Heroes in literature.
Description: A special charm 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 readings 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.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 229-237) and index.