I'd like to affectionately dedicate it to my students who mocked my obsessive Odyssey references as we studied Morrison's novel this past semester and I developed the ideas that I explore in the essay. Thanks for your patience, guys.
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2 comments:
The essay was really lovely to read. I had certainly never thought of _Beloved_ in relation to the Odyssey, and I think your essay explains why while making a nice case for the advantages of a side-by-side reading.
Perhaps Morrison's interest in telling stories of women in their homes also contributes to the initial difficulty of seeing "Odyssey." I'm remembering conversations you and I had years ago about _Sula_ and whether/how it would work in an all-boys school. The years of Sula's wandering, actually, are elided in that novel, while Milkman's journey (including his encounter with an apparent witch named Circe) forms the rising action of _Song of Solomon_.
Her newest novel, _A Mercy_, may be the only one that really focuses on a woman on a journey. In any case, you've given me much to think about, and I thank you.
Interesting point about Sula. It's a shame we don't get to read about her travels.
I'm glad you found the essay stimulating!
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