Foreign Languages & Literatures ETDs
Publication Date
7-1-2011
Abstract
Within this thesis I argue that the Iliad and Odyssey, as representatives of sub-genres within the larger archaic Greek epic tradition, engage in a shared agonistic discourse with one another in order to demonstrate that the hero of each epic is superior to that of its competitor. In order to trace this agonistic discourse, I examine the manner in which each epic employs the terms thumos, 'heart,' and gaster, 'belly,' to define itself in opposition to its competing epic sub-genre. Traditionally scholars have considered the Odyssey the more recent of the two epics and, thus, relying upon the Iliad. However, I contend that both epics are the products of competing performance traditions, such that we may find not only that the Odyssey is in agonistic competition with the Iliad, but that the Iliad is itself competing with the Odyssey.
Keywords
Homer, Iliad, Odyssey, Performance Studies, Greek Epic
Document Type
Thesis
Language
English
Degree Name
Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies
Level of Degree
Masters
Department Name
Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures
First Committee Member (Chair)
Garcia Jr., Lorenzo
Second Committee Member
Cyrino, Monica
Third Committee Member
Brau, Lorie
Recommended Citation
McMullin, Israel. "Hearts, Bellies, and the Hunger of Heroes: Intertraditional Agonistic Discourse between the Iliad and Odyssey." (2011). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/fll_etds/55