Odyssey Toward Unity

This rich interpretation of Homer's "Odyssey" is unique among modern readings of the poem in its detailed book-by-book approach and in its deeply humanistic voice. According to George E. Dimock, what gives the "Odyssey" its unity is Homer's overarching theme of the meaning of pain and suffering in human life. In Dimock's reading, Homer presents Odysseus -- whose name translates as "Man of Pain" as the greatest sufferer of pain and evil. But it is precisely because Odysseus accepts this challenge that he eventually wins a happiness which would have been unattainable without such testing. His suffering is not only crucial to his coming home and the establishment of his identity, but also allows him to experience what home and self mean with an intensity that would have been otherwise impossible. -- From publisher's description.