Brain Pain discussion

This discussion covers Chapter 1, Odysseus’ Scar

In the section “The Critic” in Michener’s book The Novel, fictional Professor Streibert writes a lit crit book which attracts a lot of attention by naming who is and is not a good writer. His opinions ruffle feathers and boost sales, not unlike Harold Bloom’s books about canonical literature.

While many people find literary criticism to be a bit on the dry side, (and at times, nearly incomprehensible) Erich Auerbach manages to be not only readable, but enjoyable as he builds his arguments. In this first chapter, he uses a short scene from book 19 of Homer’s Odyssey. Penelope’s housekeeper Euryclea is preparing to wash Odysseus’ foot as part of their hospitality to the stranger (Odysseus has not yet revealed his identity) when she notices a scar on his leg that can only belong to her long lost master. Before she can remark on her discovery and reveal the stranger’s true identity, Odysseus covers her mouth and swears her to secrecy. In the analytical hands of Auerbach, this seemingly small moment expands into an excellent discussion comparing the literature of ancient Greece with the stories of Abraham in the Christian bible.

For the purposes of our Cluster Headache Number Two, we will only be reading and discussing this first chapter of Mimesis. However, if any members enjoy Auerbach’s style, we can read and discuss other chapters in a separate discussion. Just let me know…