Research Article

The Odysseus Gene: A Case of Reverse-Genealogical Characterization in Ovid’s Metamorphoses (11.312–315, 344–345)

Volume: 1 Number: 2 December 30, 2023
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The Odysseus Gene: A Case of Reverse-Genealogical Characterization in Ovid’s Metamorphoses (11.312–315, 344–345)

Abstract

This paper identifies a new instance of “reverse-genealogical characterization”—a literary technique whereby a well-known character’s distinctive traits are projected back onto their ancestor—in the Daedalion episode of Ovid’s Metamorphoses (11.289–345). It has widely been recognized that the episode’s sketch of the figure of Autolycus (312–315) alludes to some of the defining characteristics of that trickster’s grandson Ulysses, but I contend that Ovid’s depiction of Autolycus’ own grandfather Daedalion extends this process of genealogical foreshadowing back two generations further. In particular, I argue that the reciprocal pain and injury that typify Daedalion’s post-metamorphosis existence (aliisque dolens fit causa dolendi, 345) alludes to the Homeric etymology of “Odysseus” from ὀδυσσάμενος, as expounded by Autolycus himself in the Odyssey (19.407). The reverse-genealogical characterization of Autolycus and Daedalion jointly delineate Ulysses’ essential character and particularly highlight traits that undermine his sophistic self-presentation in the Judgment of Arms in Metamorphoses 13.

Keywords

References

  1. Anderson, W. S. (2008). P. Ovidius Naso. Metamorphoses. 2nd ed. Teubner.
  2. Ardizzoni, A. (1967). Le Argonautiche: Libro I. Ateneo.
  3. Arias Abellán, C. (1984). Albus-candidus, ater-niger and ruber-rutilus in Ovid’s Metamorphoses: A structural research. Latomus 43: 111–117.
  4. Austin, N. (1972). Name magic in the Odyssey. California Studies in Classical Antiquity 5: 1–19.
  5. Barbanera, M. (2013). The envy of Daedalus. Essay on the artist as murderer. Wilhelm Fink.
  6. Barchiesi, A. (1993). Future reflexive: Two modes of allusion and Ovid’s Heroides. Harvard Studies in Classical Philology 95: 333–365.
  7. Barchiesi, A., & G. Rosati. 2009. Ovidio. Metamorfosi. vol. 2. 2nd ed. Fondazione Lorenzo Valla.
  8. Barnes, W. R. (1981). The Trojan War in Valerius Flaccus’ Argonautica. Hermes 109.3: 360–370.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Classical Greek and Roman History

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

December 30, 2023

Submission Date

October 5, 2023

Acceptance Date

November 5, 2023

Published in Issue

Year 2023 Volume: 1 Number: 2

APA
Mcphee, B. (2023). The Odysseus Gene: A Case of Reverse-Genealogical Characterization in Ovid’s Metamorphoses (11.312–315, 344–345). ASA Dergisi, 1(2), 171-187. https://izlik.org/JA92RA87KE
AMA
1.Mcphee B. The Odysseus Gene: A Case of Reverse-Genealogical Characterization in Ovid’s Metamorphoses (11.312–315, 344–345). ASA Dergisi. 2023;1(2):171-187. https://izlik.org/JA92RA87KE
Chicago
Mcphee, Brian. 2023. “The Odysseus Gene: A Case of Reverse-Genealogical Characterization in Ovid’s Metamorphoses (11.312–315, 344–345)”. ASA Dergisi 1 (2): 171-87. https://izlik.org/JA92RA87KE.
EndNote
Mcphee B (December 1, 2023) The Odysseus Gene: A Case of Reverse-Genealogical Characterization in Ovid’s Metamorphoses (11.312–315, 344–345). ASA Dergisi 1 2 171–187.
IEEE
[1]B. Mcphee, “The Odysseus Gene: A Case of Reverse-Genealogical Characterization in Ovid’s Metamorphoses (11.312–315, 344–345)”, ASA Dergisi, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 171–187, Dec. 2023, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA92RA87KE
ISNAD
Mcphee, Brian. “The Odysseus Gene: A Case of Reverse-Genealogical Characterization in Ovid’s Metamorphoses (11.312–315, 344–345)”. ASA Dergisi 1/2 (December 1, 2023): 171-187. https://izlik.org/JA92RA87KE.
JAMA
1.Mcphee B. The Odysseus Gene: A Case of Reverse-Genealogical Characterization in Ovid’s Metamorphoses (11.312–315, 344–345). ASA Dergisi. 2023;1:171–187.
MLA
Mcphee, Brian. “The Odysseus Gene: A Case of Reverse-Genealogical Characterization in Ovid’s Metamorphoses (11.312–315, 344–345)”. ASA Dergisi, vol. 1, no. 2, Dec. 2023, pp. 171-87, https://izlik.org/JA92RA87KE.
Vancouver
1.Brian Mcphee. The Odysseus Gene: A Case of Reverse-Genealogical Characterization in Ovid’s Metamorphoses (11.312–315, 344–345). ASA Dergisi [Internet]. 2023 Dec. 1;1(2):171-87. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA92RA87KE