STORY 1:03:05 listening time
And finally, Penelope and Odysseus (no longer in disguise) meet. Penelope sets one final test, Odysseus passes it, and certain recognition ensues. Following that, Homer attempts to tie up a few lose ends in his plot – and leaves even more dangling – and The Odyssey comes to a close.
COMMENTARY MAKING SENSE OF THE ODYSSEY’S SPUTTERING FINALE 25:05 listening time
This commentary digs into The Odyssey’s problematic and often underwhelming ending—what translator Stephen Mitchell memorably calls “the sputtering finale of Book 24.” I take a look at what scholars have said about the way Homer wraps up his tale, and then offer a few strong “storyteller’s opinions” of my own.
And finally, I say my goodbyes. It has been a singular honor—and a lot of fun—to serve as your travelling companion and 21st-century Homeric bard through all the hours of this podcast.
Jeff
RELATED IMAGES
I struggle to find details – title of work, name of artist, date – for some images. If you can help, please forward information to me. Thanks. Jeff
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- The Olive Tree Bed
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- Odysseus’ Bed
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- Olive Tree Bed concept
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- Telemachus, Odyssues and Laerates prepare to confront the suitors
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- Athena (floating above) decrees an end to the killings
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- Athena (in her Mentor disguise) declares an end to the killings
