Analysis of a Prose+Poem about the Odyssey

Poem: On First Looking into Chapman’s Homer (1816) by John Keats

Sonnets are usually about love. However, Keat uses this format to express a nonconventional kind of love story, which is his love for not only Chapman’s writing but also poetry in general. In addition, the 9th line is sonnets usually marks a volta, and here there is a change in stance/tone as Keat goes from writing about all the poet’s translation of the Odyssey he has listened to along his travels,  to talking about finally reading Chapman’s translation. The second part is in a much more powerful and profound tone as he is much more passionate. For instance, he says after reading Chapman’s work, “felt I like some watcher of the skies / When a new planet swims into his ken”. This could suggest the rarity and uniqueness of his writing.

Although he finds Chapman’s work to be the best, he does not dismiss other poets or writers. He mentions key people and terms related to poetry such as ‘bards’, ‘Apollo’ and ‘Homer’ to express his understanding and fondness of poetry. Using a sonnet may act as a tribute to his appreciation for poetry.

Prose: A Low Art (from The Penelopiad -2006) by Margaret Atwood

Atwood uses Penelope to recount her side of the story in the Odyssey.

  • “Since being dead– since achieving this state of bonelessness, liplessness, breastlessness–I’ve learned some things I would rather not know.” This suggests that since she is dead and has thus left her physical female body, she isn’t restricted to that archetypal female stereotypes anymore nor does she have to play the role of a loyal wife to Odysseus.
    • This could explain why she begins to freely express her anger and pain during the Odyssey, something she never did in Homer’s poem.
  • Penelope says Odysseus was a liar although everyone seemed to believe whatever he said. He even played tricks with her even after being so loyal. And so although it seems that ‘The Odyssey’ had a happy ending, Penelope says she kept a “blind eye” in order for that to happen.
    • It suggests the unfairness of wifely duty and devotion in Greek mythology or just in general
  • She mentions that tale-telling is a “low art”, which is the title of this prose. It could suggest that she believes her story is considered unimportant compared to other grand pieces of art, but nevertheless she will tell her story. This adds a more casual tone to such a serious topic
  • Although she is talking about a serious matter, she subtly alludes to ‘The Odyssey’ a couple of times (such as “sacks used to keep the winds in”, “yarn spinners”,  and “one-eyed monsters”) to create a more playful tone.  In addition, Penelope being a spiritual character makes this story sound even more unreal and insane and therefore adds to the comedic aspect.
  • “I’ll spin a thread of my own”. In the Odyssey, Penelope said she would weave a loom for Odysseus before marrying one of the suitors. In order to show her loyalty and love for her husband, she weaved the loom and then unwove every night. Here, it suggests that Penelope now wants to be that caring to herself.

One Comment Add yours

  1. CBH says:

    Germaine,

    Don’t say “a prose,” okay? Try “an extract” or “this section of the novel” etc. . . . but “a prose” is like “a poetry” —there is something uncountable about both.

    These are nice notes (more than tiny commentaries). The Keats one is a bit of a summary, right? But shows you recognize its structure and its “meaning.” The Atwood one is full of nice observations, but they’re kind of like steps on a ladder —and you want to build a grand staircase —like Michelangelo!

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