Long from home lost: A cross study in film and ancient Greek based around Homer’s Odyssey

Overview

The Odyssey, Homer’s epic poem about the Greek hero Odysseus’ return home from the Trojan War, is one of the oldest extant works in Western literature. In addition to hundreds of works of scholarship, the poem has also inspired dozens of reinterpretations by storytellers around the world. This Plan takes an in-depth look at The Odyssey through the lens of an academic paper, a series of translations, and an original film.

The Plan’s original film, Ithacan Bird, looks at the story of The Odyssey from the perspective of Penelope, Odysseus’ wife. Set in modern times, the film follows a woman named Ellery (who represents Penelope) through a series of surreal dreams involving her husband Dedrick, who is away at war. To better understand the source material, the Plan includes the author’s translations of Book 9 from The Odyssey, The Bacchae by Euripides, and Aristophanes’ The Frogs. Finally, a paper titled “Loyalty and the House of Odysseus” examines how the loyalty of Odysseus’ family and servants played a role in his successful reclaiming of his home in Ithaca.

Excerpts

“Disloyalty to a master/home is worthy of great punishment in Homer, and there is no doubt that Eurykleia would greatly enjoy seeing those who are attacking the family brought to justice.”

“What makes the family so successful is their loyalty to Odysseus. By remaining faithful, they are eventually able to recognize their father, husband, master, working together to protect him and themselves.”

Reflections

“The video skills I learned during Plan have allowed me to work in live broadcast after graduation. Plan became my main friend/bitterest enemy and each day I grew a little from the time I spent working on it; so when it was over and graduation rolled around it was bittersweet to say goodbye that friend.”