The Odyssey re-formed
By: Frederick Ahl and Hanna M. Roisman.
Contributors: Roisman, Hanna.
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Published: 1996
Place of publication: Ithaca, N.Y
Language: eng
Number of pages: 341
Subjects: Homer; Odysseus (Greek mythology) in literature; Epic poetry, Greek -- History and criticism
Description: Frederick Ahl and Hanna M. Roisman believe that contemporary readers who do not know ancient Greek can gain a sophisticated grasp of the Odyssey if they are aware of some of the issues that intrigue and puzzle the experts. They offer a challenging new reading of the epic which is directed to the general student of literature as well as to the classicist.

The "Odyssey" Re-Formed offers a lively and detailed reading of the Odyssey, episode by episode, with particular attention paid to the manipulative power of its language and Homer's skill in using that power. The authors explore how myth is shaped for specific, rhetorical reasons and suggest ways in which the epic uses its audience's awareness of the varied pool of mythic traditions to give the Odyssey remarkable and subtle resonances that have profound poetic power.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 315-323) and index.