Spaces and Times, Characters and Feelings in Contrast in the Odyssey

Abstract

In the Odyssey we find many contrasts involving several aspects between which correspondences can be found: spaces, times, structure, theme, characters, behaviours. Two fundamental themes can be opposed: the journey of the hero, the husband, which triggers change and mobility, and the multiplicity of spaces through a diversity of characters in a fantasy world (changing past time; first half of the poem). Set against this background, we find the wife’s waiting, which is inversely limited to a single permanent space, the household, and which takes place among real beings of daily life (continuous present time; second half).