222 ~ The Homeric Epics: The Illiad and The Odyssey: Foolish Pride; Enduring Love

This lecture/PowerPoint presentation will give an overview of Homer’s epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey: Foolish Pride; Enduring Love (one hour for each). It will be illustrated with slides of relevant places and art works, with possibly a brief excerpt or two from films. Topics include: the historical/literary background, including the “Homeric” controversy, differences between the two poems in plot and theme, plotstructure, and basic themes of each work, with emphasis on the heroic archetype; the importance of these works in our culture; and the role of women and the gods in each. Class members are encouraged to review the plots of the poems. Suggested sources include Edith Hamilton’s Mythology or these websites: http://library.thinkquest.org/19300/data/Odyssey/virtodyssey1.htm, and http://library.thinkquest.org/19300/data/Iliad/virtiliad.

When: Monday, November 30, 10:00 am - noon (optional Greek lunch at 12:15 pm by Tu Kaluthia)

Location: Peter White Public Library, downstairs Community Room

Co-sponsor: Marquette Senior Center

Cost: $4 members / $7 non-members (Greek meal is $16, include with registration)

Presenter(s): Kay Payant, Professor of English (retired)

Class Liaison: Dave Fitzgerald, 250-8159 (call him to RSVP your Greek lunch)

Class Size Limit: None

Registration Deadline: Monday, November 23