DESIGN IN THE ODYSSEY

 

 

The “interlocked ring structure”[1] involves the threefold repetition of a single “master plot” or series of type-scenes, centering on three different places visited by Odysseus, and  creatively disarranged (with variations, diversions, miniatures).   We can call these the Aiaian cycle, the Phaiakian cycle, and the Ithakan cycle, after the islands on which they take place.

 

 

I.  Master plot:

 

  1. Odysseus, in accordance with prophecy, arrives at an island disoriented and ignorant of his location. (A: Aiaia.  B: Phaiakia.  C: Ithaka.)
  2. A divine helper appears, advising him (a) how to approach a powerful female figure controlling access to the next phase of his homecoming, and (b) of potential difficulties posed by a band of young men.  (A: Hermes.  B, C: Athene.)
  3. His identity a secret, Odysseus approaches the female, who is initially reticent or even hostile toward him.  (A: Circe.  B: Nausikaa, Arete.  C: Penelope.)
  4. Female imposes test; Odysseus passes, winning her sympathy and help and obtaining access to next phase of his homecoming.  Emblematic offer of bath.  Prospect, for Odysseus, of sexual union and/or marriage with the female. (B: tester=Arete; marriage prospect=Nausikaa.)
  5. However, conflict arises between Odysseus and a band of young men (led by “Eury___”), who violate a divine interdiction.  (A: Odysseus’s crew [Eurylochos].  B: Phaiakian athletes [Euryalos].  C: suitors [Eurymachos].)
  6. Band’s consequent death, earlier prophesied, is demanded by wrathful god (A: Helios.  B: Poseidon.  C: Athene.)
  7. A divine consultation (on Olympos, between the aggrieved god and Zeus) limits the extent of the destruction.

 

 

 

II.  Tabulation:

 

Cycle

ê

Plot elementè

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A

(Aiaian cycle)

10:135-274 (Aiaia)

Hermes: 10:275-309

Circe:

10:310-320,

12:1-153

10:321-381

crew:

10:382-448,

12:154-373

Helios:

12.374ff.

B

(Phaiakian cycle)

5:451-493 (Phaiakia)

Athene:

7:19-81

Naus.:

6:115-185

6:185-315

athletes:

8:131-234

Poseidon:

8:565-9

13:149-177

Arete:

7:81-235

7:236-11:238

C

(Ithakan cycle)

13:187-221 (Ithaka)

Athene:

13:221ff.

Penelope:

19:81-214

19:213-23-343

(several tests)

suitors:

18, 20, 21 (22,

Athene:

22

24:473ff.

 

 

 

III.  Structural diagram (see over)

“Interlocked Ring Structure” of the Odyssey:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Telemachy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B1—B6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A1—A5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNDERWORLD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A5 —A7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B6—B7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C1—C7

 


[1] Louden, Bruce.  The Odyssey: Structure, Narration, Meaning.  Baltimore: Johns Hopkins, 1999.