Ancient Athens had nine Muses for the arts, beautiful goddesses who inspired creation and even spoke through the artists and poets who invoked them. Sometimes a Muse simply gave the spark of inspiration an artist asked for, but they also can indirectly create the art and use the poet as a kind of ancient "spokesperson."
The Muse of epic poetry is Calliope, and she is who Homer invokes when he writes:
Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man of twists and turns
driven time and again off course, once he had plundered
the hallowed halls of Troy.
Many cities of men he saw and learned their minds,
many pains he suffered, heartsick on the open sea,
fighting to save his life and bring his comrades home.
But he could not save them from disaster, hard as he strove--
the recklessness of their own ways destroyed them all,
the blind fools, they devoured the cattle of the Sun
and the Sungod wiped from sight the day of their return.
Launch out on his story, Muse, daughter of Zeus,
start from where you will--sing for our time too.
Where exactly does the Muse start? What are some possible reasons to begin the narrative there? What effect(s) do the choices the Muse/Homer made have on you as a reader? How does having a Muse as a necessary part of the creation process change our understanding of an artist's relationship to his or her art? (Don't feel like you have to respond to each question above. Just use them as a jumping off point for your own idea on the subject.)
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After Homer calls upon the Muse to help guide him through the story, she chooses to start about ten years into the war, with Odysseus trapped on the island with Calypso. I think one of the possible reasons that she started the story there is because it was very common to start stories in the middle in that time period. Homer also used this technique in the Iliad. I think he may have used this technique so that the reader is right in the action from the beginning, rather than having to develop plot and background. Then as the story progresses, the background and happenings from before the story began are explored. I think that the effect this has on the reader is drawing them into the story right away. Sometimes when stories begin with too much development and not enough action, the reader may not be inclined to continue reading; but if they want to know why things are the way they are, then they will probably want to keep going. Since I have read the story before, I wasn't really able to see what effect starting in the middle of the story had on me because I already know what is going to happen. However, I can relate this idea of starting in the middle of things to one of my favorite shows, "Lost." Much of the show starts in the middle of things, and it employs a number of flashbacks and foreshadowing. Homer has a major foreshadowing during his invocation to the Muse, and as Telemachus visits all the different Kings, they flashback to what has happened to Odysseus. This gives the story much more originality and excitement because it's not the usual way of telling a story.
ReplyDeleteThe story starts at Odysseus's wandering around, which I think is really random, since I didn't know the complete story before that. However I think it fulfilled the invoking and appealing function of the Muse. The beginning did a good job of grabbing the audience's attention, not only to the audiences who didn't know much about Odysseus, but also to those who are familiar with it. The audiences will be curious to find out what happened to him. Additionally, in relation to the oral tradition, the beginning here sounds more like storytelling rather than just reading a story. It doesn't really matter that some audiences are not familiar with the story, because there are times that some background were retold, such as the resentment between Poseidon and Telemachus. This effect of starting from the midway of a story is called medias res. As Christie pointed out, It's very interesting that we can find a lot of works using this effect in order to engage the audience in the first place.
ReplyDeleteI also find it interesting that even though at the end of the Book 1, the story jumped to Telemachus and then hosts, we can still pick up pieces about Odysseus and put them together. Then, we know more of Odysseus in different perspectives.
I believe Homer starts the story like this to allow the reader/listener to receive a better sense of how things are at the begining of the story with Odysses being away for a long time. This allows the reader to be able to relate to the story more and figure out what is going on and have a better sense of what each character may be thinking. As this shows the Homer is close to his work and trying to involve himself into the story.
ReplyDeleteI think starting the story in the middle, as Homer does, makes sense. As Luke said it allows the reader to start in the beginning with Odysseus being away. While Homer is starting in the middle of Odysseus' journey, he is also starting at the beginning of Telemachus' journey. The story begins with Telemachus being troubled and frustrated that his father is away and the suitors are in his house. The story beginning in the middle allows the readers to learn about Odysseus and Telemachus does so. As Christie mentioned this technique makes the story more interesting and immediately draws the reader in. Instead of presenting all of the background information as a monotonous introduction, the reader is left wanting to read more to know this information. I really think this is the best way to present a story with many details like the one about Odysseus.
ReplyDeleteThe muse begins her story by describing the aftermath of war. Many Gods were involved in the war at Troy and had their own feelings and opinions of the men who fought. This gives Homer a chance to focus on the main character, Odysseus. I believe he was considered an important character because the Gods often described him as having god-like qualities himself. They were all interested in the fate of him and his loved ones. This is why he goes on to describe the effect of Odysseus's absense on his family. I agree with Erica when she explains that the way the story is written gives the readers a chance to relate to the character, Telemachus. We can feel the way that he feels as he goes through his journey to find his father.
ReplyDeleteBooks like The Illiad, and The Odyssey, are composed of many different people's stories during that time. They are all wrapped up into one large poem. Every character has his/her own tale. Homer just chose to begin this story with Telemachus's story.
The story begins ten years after the end of the Trojan War where all of the Greek heroes except Odysseus have returned home. Homer begins this story here for a variety of reasons, but the main reason is that it is a very effective dramatic technique. The majority of hearers of this poem would have known all the aspects leading up to the Trojan War in detail, but this story catches the attention of the people immediately because it starts with a mob of suitors devouring the estate of Odysseus, and irritating his wife and family. The narration then becomes meaningful; ending with a happy note where Ulysses comes back home and in addition finishes the wrongs occurring in Ithaca. This form of poetic composition is very constructive and innovative, making the reader engage with the narration despite of its known story.
ReplyDeleteHaving the story begin after a few events have happened and having the Muse voice them is an effective way for the reader to become more involved in the story and want to read the story to find out about Odysseus and his journey home. The Muse voices how Odysseus is feeling and how he longs to be reunited with his family. Also her tone is more musical and gives the text a certain rhythm and a very distinct voice is given to the Muse. She reveals information to the reader so as they are reading the story they will have a greater understanding of the characters and the events going on. Also the Muse speaks for the gods and she tells us how the gods feel or interact with the mortals in the story as well as their struggles with one another. The Muse also gives a break from the story so the reader has a chance to understand and gain information as to what is going on in the text.
ReplyDeleteWhat is interesting about a muse is that they are viewed as what allowed or inspired someone to create something, in Homer's case, epic poetry. You see singer song writers of today or novelists, and although usually something inspires them to write, it is more common that they do not attribute their work to someone. It is very modern to perhaps thank God, a person, or a significant life event for inspiration for a story, but the work itself is the author's creation.
ReplyDeleteThroughout epic poetry, the idea of praise to Gods and Goddesses is prevalent. This in a way can be viewed as a mirroring an author's thanks to their Muse.
What is nice about Odysseus' journey is that it starts in the middle. This represents that the reader and the Muse had enough faith in the audience to pick up on the story and its underlying messages without being given loads of background information.
I think that the way Homer/the Muse starts the story with Telemachus in the middle is a really clever way to begin the epic. It allows the reader to establish a relationship with with Odysseus' family and allows them to have some sympathy for Odysseus when he is finally introduced. It also allows one to gain most if not all of the background knowledge of the past events if they haven't heard the Iliad.
ReplyDeleteI also think having a Muse "help" or "inspire" one to write an epic poem or a song gives the writer credibility. Everyone will think that you have the favor of the gods with you if the Muses help you "create" epic poems and songs.
The Muse started somewhat in the middle of the story but it seems to me as if the muse summarized alot of Odyseuss's journey. This was not uncommon back in those days to skip around in a story as you stated in class there will be many different versions of one story depending on the listeners of the story. Most writers include stories that somewhat pertain to themselves even in a fiction story they might manipulate the story but there will be some meaning and or point that they are trying to get accross therefore I believe this showed that Homer had a very close relationship to his work of art. Homer/Muse their choice of language and of context and their choice to start the story at a certain point helps the readers grasp the ideas better and helps reiterate the topic or the meaning ahead of time before you actually get to the story itself.
ReplyDeleteThe muse starts the story some years after the Trojan war has ended. We are taken through the story with Odysseus' son Telemachus as he goes out on his own adventure to discover the truth about his father and whether he is still alive or not. By starting the story where the Muse did, it allows us to get a different perspective on the story. We journey with Telemachus hearing the different stories and views of Odysseus from a variety of men that once new Odysseus. Instead of just traveling along with Odysseus, this way of writing lets us know the inside scoop of what is really going on. The two men Telemachus has talked to so far have been in contact with the gods and knew more information that what Odysseus knew/knows. This allows us to get the full idea of the story to know the whys of everything that has happened. Had the Muse written the book from Odysseus' point of view, it would be an entirely different story.
ReplyDeleteHomer asks the Muse to begin the story of Odysseus where she pleases. She chooses to begin the story in the middle. It is ten years after the Trojan War, and Odysseus is held captive on an island with Calypso. I believe the reasoning for this starting point is because this helps to develop the story and to create suspense.
ReplyDeleteIf Homer had started in the beginning of Odysseus's journey, the reader would not have fully understood how important it was for Odysseus to make it home. By opening the story in the middle, Homer can show the state of Ithaca. The reader discovers that because of Odysseus's absence, suitors have taken over his home and are trying to pursue his wife. This makes Odysseus's journey home more meaningful because it shows the reader that it is a necessity for him to return to Ithaca.
By starting the story in the middle, it also creates suspense. Odysseus's fate is unknown. From the beginning of the book, the readers understand the significance of Odysseus's journey, and they will want to continue reading to see how the story will pan out and if Odysseus will make it home or not.
Finally, another possible reason for the starting point is because it allows Homer to introduce several of the characters at the beginning of the story. The reader is introduced to Odysseus, Telemachus, Penelope, Athena, Zeus, Poseidon, Nestor, and more.
The muse starts the story by having Odysseus wandering about in unfamiliar territory. I think that the story starts this way to engage the audience in wondering what led Odysseus to become lost. Like other classmates, I am not familiar with the Iliad and I did not know the background information to this story. So, in the beginning I was lost on where the story started or where it was going. The beginning paragraph invokes emotional appeal to favor Odysseus. We are to sympathize to him as readers and wish for a triumphant return in his favor. He is the one man, according to Zeus on page 79, who is worthy of the Gods’ attention. There were a few sections in these first three books that stood out to me as a reader that may lead us into an interesting climax. In two different instances it is questionable whether or not Telemachus is Odysseus’ son. On page 84 Telemachus is speaking with Athena. He says, “Mother has always told me I’m his son, it’s true, but I am not so certain. We see the questioning arise again on page 111 we see Nestor questioning whether or not Telemachus is the son of Odysseus. “Your father, yes, if you are in fact his son… I look at you and a sense of wonder takes me.” I do not remember reading this story in high school so now I am wondering if the plot thickens by finding out that Telemachus is not the son Odysseus. I could see this being a turning point from the descriptions that we get of his mother. The description of the queen by one of the suitors on page 96 tells me that the queen is promiscuous and it could be that she had an affair on Odysseus.
ReplyDeleteThe muse begins the story by describing the situations after the war of trojan. Many gods was also involved in the war and had their own opinions of the men who fought. After the fall of troy, the greeks tried to sail home, but because of the curse from the gods they failed and got dead while returning. the possible reason to begin the narrative there is as a reader it will get you understand about the story and why this all happened.
ReplyDeleteThe Muse begins the story in the Middle. I believe this is done to get the reader to really think about why the story is beginning there. Odysseus is introuced and the reader begins to wonder where he is? Telemachus also gets introduced along with Odysseus's family. The reader then gets to learn why all of this is happening.
ReplyDeleteIt is not uncommon to start a story in the middle during this time period. It really is a challenge to the reader and gets them to understand the story better, and really look deep into it. The reader does not know what happened in the beginning of the book, so they will have no idea what is going to happen. This is why the Muse begins in the middle of the story.
The Muse is a big source of inspiration. The Muse is around to help a writer such as Homer create this great Epic. They are very important in helping the writer look at their art as something special and sacred. This can also help strengthen the writer's relationship with the gods and encourage them to have more faith.
The way that the story starts in the middle instead of the very beginning is actually a great idea. It could help hold a reader's attention because they will want to find out why certain events are occuring and will push them to keep reading further. When I first read The Odyssey in high school I was curious to find out why certain events were occuring so it made me keep reading and I am glad I did. It would be boring if every story started at right at the beginning and The Odyssey is anything but boring!
ReplyDeleteI believe that every great writer has a muse whether they will admit it or not. Writing involves opening up to the feelings he or she may be having and they are always included at some point in a story. These feelings usually are invoked by another person. I think that having a muse makes a story seem more authentic.
The Muse starts in the middle of the story. This is weird for someone who has never read The Odyssey before, because you have no idea as to what is really going on. Although it is confusing, it also interests the reader to keep reading, or as the Ancient Greeks use to learn this story, keep listening. Not only does starting the story in the middle of Odysseus journey gain the interest of the reader quickly it also causes the reader to stay interested in the story to the end because they are always curious about what is going to happen and what has already happened. It also gives the writer the option to develop the past events of the story as the story continues. That’s why I believe Homer started the story in the middle to keep the interest of the reader, not that the adventure wouldn’t.
ReplyDeleteHaving a muse removes the artist from his own work. The art becomes a collaboration, rather the the creation of just one artist. It also means that the creativity and the idea for the work do not belong to the human, but to the muse. This might suggest that humans were not thought to be creative through their own abilitites; the intervention of a muse was necessary to create. This puts the power of creation into the hands of the gods. Some humans are described as god-like in their appearance or battle prowess, but gods remain superior to humans in their power to make art, the world, and everything in the world.
ReplyDeleteThe muse starts the story from after the Trojan war and the fall of troy. All the kings along with their comrades who took part in the war have gone back to their homes with an exception of king Odysseus who is still missing and is feared by his loved ones to be dead. The Odyssey starts from the middle to create suspense in the mind of the readers. As The Odyssey unfolds it becomes clearer as to what happened during the war and where possibly could be King Odysseus. From book three when Telemachus meets King Nestor the flashback in the story begins. From this point on, Telemachus sets on a journey of revelation to find news about his lost father
ReplyDeleteThe reader is thrown into the middle of the story which makes it confusing for those who do not have a very solid background of knowledge about Greek gods and the story. The Muse acts as a guide for the reader through the story. A piece of the story is told then the background is explained a little. It would be hard to introduce all of the characters at the same time and expect the reader to keep everyone straight. Since the novel is split into books, each with their own characters and plot lines, the reader is able to follow along a little easier than if everything was thrown at you at once. The Muse is used as a sort of go between between the author and the reader. It is as if Homer is saying the Muse can tell the story better than be can, even though he is the one writing the Muse's words. It gives the story a more personal feeling.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the muse starts the story this way to intrigue the audience. It starts off with Odysseus locked away, emotionally in pain by being kept away from all he cherishes. His son Telemachus is almost trapped by his grief and by the suitors who are not only trying to marry his mother, but are draining him of everything he has. As some of the other students mentioned, they continuously flash back to events that happened before this story so as to help those of us who are not as familiar with the history. The story then shows Telemachus and his journey to find news of his father and having courage and bravery that he was so blessed by the daughter of Zeus to receive. I also believe that it was written to invoke thought within the reader.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion,Homer starting the story with Odysseus away was very effective. However As Luke and Erica stated earlier, you were able to get a sense of what was going on before you started to read. Also, while it may seem like the middle, it is the beginning of Telemachus' odyssey. The style that Homer used allows his readers to find facts about Odysseus through Telemachus' interactiions with people who knew his father. I'm pleasently surprised with this beginning because I feel like I've learned about history along with the story which has provided me with more information on what may lie ahead.
ReplyDeleteHaving the Muse as a part of the creation of the story completely changes the dynamic of this work. Instead of it just being a story that Homer made up, heard, or exaggerated, including Calliope as part of the creation of the story changes the tail to be something of the Gods. The affect that this has on the Odyssey is similar to how Christians believe The Bible is a divine book--even though it was written (or told in this case) by mortals, the inspiration for what happens in it is provided by a higher power. For a people who believed in the Olympian Gods, this would change the story from being simply fantastic to being a story that contains an important message about the Gods, even if the story is one of fiction. It also works to create the feeling that the book is more epic, a work of the Gods themselves, rather than just one man's fictional story.
ReplyDeleteBy evoking a muse Homer diverts credit for the story away from himself and to the gods. It also brings a sense of mysticism to the story, especially when people really believed that the gods worked and interacted with people in very real ways.
ReplyDeleteThe "muse" chooses to start the story with Odysseus trapped on an island by Calypso, with his wife being plagued with suitors and his son going bankrupt because of them. I think this creates a sense of urgency and immediately gets the attention of the reader or listener.
I really think that starting this story (while he is wandering aroung) with a Muse is such a good technique to writing. It's dramatic and draws you in. This story starts in the middle instead of at the beginning like most stories do. This gives you something to hold on to. You must finish the story to every figure out the end (obviously), let alone the beginning. Writing with a muse is sort of an emotional involvment in the writing. It comes in different feelings and sounds frome each writer (I think) and it really brings the whole story together, the plot, narrative, and even the writer/artists sense of the story.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the Muse begins the story where she does for many valid reasons. One could be that readers get a better sense of how long it truly has been since Odysseus has been home. Another reason could be that that you hear all of things he has already been through and want to know what it al means. Starting a story in the middle is a great writing technique to keep the readers reading and interested. He also brings attention to the mythical side of the story, letting you that gods are a huge role n this story. I was also very common for the time period to begin a story in the middle.
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