ENG 482: Poetics of Relation Research Guide: The Odyssey: A Play

I argue that Walcott’s Odyssey, written towards the ladder half of his life, is a play comprising his own set of literary adventures and trials. It makes sense that during the end of his career, he should feel the confidence to take such literary leaps with a piece like Homer’s Odyssey. While many renditions of The Odyssey have been written throughout history (even the Simpson’s made one!), Walcott’s reworking of the poem into a play signifies his ability to transform a text from the lens of a poet, to that of a theatrical piece. A major question I asked myself while writing this MOU and preparing for the class presentation was the following: how does The Odyssey: A Stage Version relate to a class on the poetics of relation? Despite my still-ruminating questions covering this theme, I feel confident in saying that Walcott’s Odyssey is an embodiment of the poetics of relation. In the play, Walcott reconstructs one of the most-famed pieces of literature of all time while also allowing room for a discussion on literary form. He takes the text of Homer’s Odyssey and shapes it like a sculptor would a piece of rock, freeing the words from their poem constraints and embodying the culture of the West Indies. He plays with literary form and in turn, presents a twentieth century picture of The Odyssey, a personalization and dedication to his home, the West Indies.

-Catherine O’Donnell 15’

Catherine O'Donnell 15' and Javier Robles 15' provide a presentation on the major themes, tropes, and characters of Walcott's The Odyssey. Presentation also includes quotes, questions, and background information.