in medias res: homer's poetic innovation

In Medias Res

The Odyssey’s plot is not linear --that is, thepoem doesn’t begin with A in order to end atZ.

The literary term for this is “in medias res”--which helps create an impressive storyline.What’s best: it’s very easy to understandhow this type of plot works.

The Odyssey: A great poem

From Antiquity through to our days, Homerhas been considered a great master ofwords. A top poet --even, perhaps, the bestof all ages.

There’s a reason for his reputation.

The story of the Odyssey

This may sound a bit weird --yet, Odysseus’adventures don’t make, in and ofthemselves, a very good story...

Timeline of the Odyssey

If we took things in order, then we wouldstart from the day when Odysseus’ little fleetleft Troy and headed for Ithaca.

The first adventures

Most of Odysseus’ adventures (Lotus-Eaters, the Cyclops, Circe, the Sirens, etc.)take place during the first years of hisjourney.

The time frames mentioned by Homer don’tadd up to more than 1.5 year. Even if wetake into account his wanderings at the sea,we won’t get more that 2+ years...

Calypso’s Island

After losing all his comrades, Odysseusends up shipwrecked on Caplypso’s island.The Nymph will hold him captive there foranother 7 years: that’s what the hero himselftells to King Alcinous, when he recounts hisadventures at the island of the Phaeacians.

Scheria - Nausicaa

After a final shipwreck, Odysseus becomesthe host of Alcinous, King of the Phaeaciansand father of Princess Nausicaa.

Odysseus spends just 3 days & 3 nights atScheria --including his first night at thebeach. Then, he boards a Phaeacian shipand leaves for Ithaca.

The Killing of the Suitors

Odysseus’ palace is swarming withnoblemen who want to marry Penelope.

Odysseus slips in unrecognized, disguisedas a beggar, and when the right momentcomes, he kills them all --aided byTelemachus and a handful of loyal slaves.

Penelope - Odysseus

At first, Penelope has her doubts --but, in theend, she falls into her husbands arms.

Telemachus re-unites with his father. As forold Laertes, he lives to see the day of hisson’s return from the war.

The Odyssey has a happy end.

The storyline is flawed

In other words, we see many adventures inthe beginning. Then, there is a long gap ofinactivity with Odysseus trapped onCalypso’s island. Finally, too much actionmust be packed towards the end, in just afew days’ time.

This is not the best way to narrate a myth.

Homer and His Audience

The poet should satisfy his audience --keepthem awake and, what’s more, enthralled byOdysseus’ story.

He wouldn’t be such a great poet, if he didn’tsucceed his goal...

The magic of the Odyssey

Homer uses a number of literary hat tricks inorder to make his song more interesting.

He must not disappoint his audience.

Calling the Muse

Homer asks his Muse for assistance, so thathe be able to recount Odysseus’ story in thebest way possible.

He warns his audience: the Muse will launchout on the story “from where [she] will” --andthis is not necessarily from the beginning.

Where does the Odysseybegin?

The Odyssey doesn’t begin from the start --itbegins near the end.

We meet Odysseus captive on the island ofthe Nymph Calypso who wants to keep himthere forever.

The hero’s desire, to get back home, has hita huge obstacle.

Odysseus leaves Calypso’sisland

With a little help from goddess Athena,Odysseus’ patroness, Zeus decides that it’sabout time for Calypso to let go of herprisoner.

Odysseus is allowed to sail again for Ithaca.

Suspence over Odysseus’ fate

Zeus’ decision raises questions among theaudience:Will Calypso let Odysseus go?Will Odysseus finally make it to Ithaca?What will happen, once he gets back

home?

In Medias Res: In the Middle ofThings

The term “in medias res” is latin. It means,“in the middle of things” --in other words, atsome point along the unfolding of the affair.

It may sound weird, but it’s the best way tonarrate hos story. Homer knew very wellwhat he was doing.

The Odyssey in Simple Words

SimplyOdyssey.com:Everything about King Odysseus.

In simple words, images, video, and manymore --we get to know about the world ofHomer and we learn about the adventures ofIthaca’s mythical King.