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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
In this edition, I have only read The Odyssey so far. It’s a work full of beauty and narrative power, especially when aided by George Chapman’s bold heroic couplets. Chapman is at his best when translating the detailed descriptions Homer always gives his readers; whether those descriptions are of battle scenes, banquets, characters or treasures, Chapman renders them skillfully and vividly. On the other hand, his verse can at times become turgid and cramped when attempting to translate the more complex scenes of dialogue between characters. Still, I was able to understand most of the time, and this story engaged me from beginning to end.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of this translation (Chapman). At times it did feel dramatic and very typical epic prose poetry, at other times it felt like a list of things that happened written in the most deliberately confusing way. Personally, the Odyssey was much easier to read than the Iliad although that might be on me as you know, not every minutiae had to be dictated in the Odyssey.
In terms of the actual story of the Iliad and the Odyssey, I have no complaints :) big ups Hector and Odysseus.
In terms of the actual story of the Iliad and the Odyssey, I have no complaints :) big ups Hector and Odysseus.
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
adventurous
fast-paced
I really enjoyed reading and remembering these stories. Hard to write a reasonable review -- it was epic! Hector was such a tool!
An enjoyable read and gave me a feeling of reaching back to early roots of humanity.
An enjoyable read and gave me a feeling of reaching back to early roots of humanity.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved how descriptive the war scenes were and how detailed the talks between characters were.
It was a bit complicated to follow all the characters in the Iliad since there were so many heroes and fights.
The Odyssey was my favorite of the two, it was easier to follow and you realize truly what kind of person he was, very different as how he is described in the Iliad.
I would have liked a more conclusive end to both books, they finish sort of hanging in the air especially the Iliad, even though by reading the Odyssey you can kind of piece together what happens.
All in all I loved both books and I am looking forward to see how the movie of Christopher Nolan will depict the Odyssey.
It was a bit complicated to follow all the characters in the Iliad since there were so many heroes and fights.
The Odyssey was my favorite of the two, it was easier to follow and you realize truly what kind of person he was, very different as how he is described in the Iliad.
I would have liked a more conclusive end to both books, they finish sort of hanging in the air especially the Iliad, even though by reading the Odyssey you can kind of piece together what happens.
All in all I loved both books and I am looking forward to see how the movie of Christopher Nolan will depict the Odyssey.