. Introduction with your thesis statements 2. Supporting Paragraph(s). Each paragraph must start with a sentence that defines your discussion in the paragraph below 3. Conclusion: Not merely a summary of what you discussed above but a larger discussion of your original thesis.

QUESTION

Theme: Analysis of art telling the story of Homer’s Odysseus and the One-Eyed Cyclops

FORMAT INSTRUCTIONS

Format: 12 pt. font; Times New Roman; 1-inch margins on each side; top and bottom, MLA Format

General Structure:

1. Introduction with your thesis statements

2. Supporting Paragraph(s). Each paragraph must start with a sentence that defines your

discussion in the paragraph below

3. Conclusion: Not merely a summary of what you discussed above but a larger discussion of

your original thesis.

Part A: Read the following excerpts from Homer’s The Odyssey (Book IX) to give context to the scenes telling the story of Odysseus confrontation with the One-Eye Cyclops, Polyphemus

Poetry in Translation website: Homer’s The Odyssey

http://www.poetryintranslation.com/PITBR/Greek/Ody…

Part B: View TWO works of art

You are to view the following TWO works of art that depict scenes from Homer’s The Odyssey retelling the events of Odysseus and his encounter with the One-Eyed Cyclops. You may search the works of art from the Getty website (There is information to be located here):

http://www.getty.edu/art/collection/

1. Pithos with the Blinding of Polyphemos (Workshop of the Calabresi Um, Etruscan, 650-625 BCE, Terracotta, 96.AE.135.a)
2. Attic Black-Figure Column Krater (Mixing Vessel with Odysseus Escaping from the Cyclops Cave), (Greek Attic, second half of 6th century B.C., Terracotta, (96.AE.303 )

Part C: Write your essay comparing the poem to the works of art.

Here are sample questions to consider in your discussion once you have read the poem and viewed the works of art You may choose your own questions when evaluating the literature to the artworks.

• How can you relate the poem to the scenes depicted on the works of art? Is the narration depicted on the works of art in way different than what you read in the poem? If so, provide a brief description of what sees different in your analysis.

• How has the artist chosen to illustrate these scenes of the story?

• In your opinion, which artwork best illustrates the scenes depicted, the vases or the statuette?

• How would you describe Odysseus? How does he react to the situations he finds himself in? Odysseus is known as the “quick-witted” and “wily” one. Does this story support his nickname? Why or why not?

ANSWER

 Comparing Homer’s Odyssey to Art Depicting Odysseus and the One-Eyed Cyclops

Introduction

Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, recounts the adventures of Odysseus as he attempts to return home after the Trojan War. One of the memorable encounters in his journey is his confrontation with the One-Eyed Cyclops, Polyphemus. This essay aims to analyze and compare the portrayal of this story in Homer’s poem and two works of art: the Pithos with the Blinding of Polyphemos and the Attic Black-Figure Column Krater. By examining the similarities and differences between the literary and visual representations, we can gain a deeper understanding of the narrative and artistic interpretations.

Supporting Paragraphs

 Relating the Poem to the Artwork

In Homer’s poem, the encounter with Polyphemus is described in vivid detail. Odysseus and his men become trapped in the Cyclops’ cave, and through his cunning, Odysseus blinds Polyphemus to escape. The Pithos with the Blinding of Polyphemos portrays this scene, with Odysseus and his men shown in action, while the Attic Black-Figure Column Krater focuses on Odysseus’ escape from the Cyclops’ cave. The artwork complements the poem by visually representing the key moments of the story.

 Artistic Interpretation

The Pithos with the Blinding of Polyphemos is a terracotta piece that showcases the figures in a relief-like manner, highlighting the moment of Polyphemus’ blinding. The artist skillfully captures the tension and drama of the scene, emphasizing the central characters and their actions. The Attic Black-Figure Column Krater, on the other hand, depicts Odysseus escaping from the cave, evoking a sense of movement and adventure. The details of the artwork bring the narrative to life, capturing the essence of Odysseus’ cunning and bravery.

Comparison of Artworks

Both artworks effectively illustrate the scenes depicted, but the choice of the preferred artwork is subjective. The Pithos with the Blinding of Polyphemos focuses on the critical moment of blinding the Cyclops, capturing the intensity and significance of the event. On the other hand, the Attic Black-Figure Column Krater offers a broader view, portraying Odysseus’ escape and highlighting the challenges he faces. Ultimately, the choice between the two artworks depends on individual interpretation and the specific aspect of the story one wishes to emphasize.

Odysseus: The Quick-Witted Hero

Odysseus is known for his quick-witted and cunning nature, which he employs to navigate challenging situations. This story exemplifies his resourcefulness and strategic thinking as he outwits the Cyclops. He cleverly identifies himself as “Nobody” to deceive Polyphemus, enabling his escape. The artwork, along with the poem, reinforces Odysseus’ nickname by depicting his actions and the impact of his quick thinking in the face of danger.

Conclusion

The comparison of Homer’s Odyssey with the artworks depicting Odysseus and the One-Eyed Cyclops enhances our understanding of the narrative and its visual interpretations. The artworks effectively capture key moments of the story, highlighting Odysseus’ cunning and bravery. The Pithos with the Blinding of Polyphemos and the Attic Black-Figure Column Krater offer distinct artistic perspectives, providing viewers with different insights into the narrative. Both the poem and the artworks contribute to the enduring legacy of Odysseus, a hero celebrated for his wit and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.