The second installment of The Odyssey is done and I even finished on time, even if I didn't get the time to post about it. I still don't have time but want to get something quick out there. Anyway, organiser Trish has an illustrated synopsis over at her post, so make sure you go and visit.
Books 7-12 told of Odysseus' adventures, the ones that The Odyssey is famous for. They include all sorts of dangerous characters, including vicious cyclops who eat men for dinner and Circe the witch who turns men into animals and keeps them as pets. It's a wonder that Ody ever makes it back to Ithaca!
I'm almost too embarassed to type this but what kept coming into my head as I read about Ody's adventures was Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series. Now I recognise the references, so many of what Percy encounters comes from The Odyssey! It made me happy to think that there are authors who try to re-package such classic stories for a younger audience. Hopefully it'll get kinds interested in 'the real thing' and they'll pick up Homer too at some point.
No deep insights this week, I'm afraid. Too tired. Baby S decided that he no longer likes to sleep during the night. It's a great time to play, what with both Mommy and Daddy being home and all.
Trish mentions women in her post and I do think it interesting that they're portrayed so negatively. Except one, who was known for her dainty ankles. Lol. All the others eat or maim or trap men in some way. But hey, at least they have power right? :-)
8 comments:
Maim and trap is better than nothing. I guess.
Other authors are really good at making that link between classics and modern lit, right now I’m thinking of the Asterix & Obelix comics. It was the first time I heard about Hercules' 12 tasks, for instance.
By the way, do you know the poem Ithaka by Egyptian poet Cavafy? I’m not a poetry reader myself, but that one caught my attention and became a favorite.
Yes, except for Penelope and Odysseus' mother, none of the females so far could be described as victims!
I think it'll be fun to read books that reference The Odyssey after finally finishing this. I'm seeing tons of references that I sort of know.
Non-sleeping babies brings back some not so pleasant memories for me! I hope things get back on track.
I was having Percy Jackson visions too while reading this. Especially with the lotus-eaters.
I think it's hilarious that everyone noticed the ankles but me! Ha!
Glad you're still enjoying this Joanna. Sorry that Shane is having reverse sleep cycles (term stolen from last week's The Office episode). How old is he?
And don't be embarrased about the Percy reference! A few people this week mentioned Percy (non-participants) and how much The Odyssey ties in to those books. Hope to read/listen to them soon.
Alex - can you believe I've never read the Asterix comics? And I've been here for more than 15 years, shame on me!
Sylvia - it's a funny way to portray women, I find. Shouldn't they have been shown as weaker so as to keep them in their place? :-)
Kim - I agree, I'm hoping to get the courage to read Ulysses for example!
Shelley - for me it was especially with Scylla. :-)
Trish - Shane's 10 months old. :-) I think you'll like the Percy books. They're nice and easy so you might want to save them for just after the baby's born. I read Hunger Games after Shane was born - sleeping baby on one arm and book in the other hand. :-)
I've read the first Percy Jackson book and I enjoyed it. I'll have to pick up the second. I didn't notice the dainty ankles mention. That is too funny!
Sorry to hear about your baby not sleeping. I hope he gets back into a better sleeping pattern!
Kristi - the Percy books are really fun, perfect for when your brain's not functioning. :-) And I hope baby starts sleeping again soon too!!!
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