The Odyssey, the classic epic by Homer, has been retold for centuries since it was first written in ***. Each of these retellings differs from, one another, seeing as each version has a somewhat alternate take on the tale. This causes characters to be portrayed differently from translation to translation. After reading the retellings by John* Evslin and W.H.D. Rouse, as well as watching Konchalovslky's film version, it was clear one could detect visible differences between characters. Notable differences were most clearly seen in Odysseus, Anticlea, and Teiresias, who's depictions I will compare as they were described in Book XI of The Odyssey, "How Odysseus Visited the Kingdom of the Dead."

Odysseus, the main character, is basically portrayed as a shrew, fearless, and smart man, cleverly weaving his way out of different dilemmas. After all, he is referred to as "the man who was never at a loss," and judging from his description in both film and different translations, this always seems to be true. However, there are several smaller differences in his character portrayal in different retellings. In Evslin's version, seeing as this version isn't greatly detailed, one can't gain

Another character who appears somewhat differ from retelling to retelling is Anticlea, Odysseus' mother. In Evslin's translation, again, like with Odysseus', from Anticlea's role in this chapter the reader can't grasp that great of an understanding for her character. From what is written about her, she seems rather stern and monotonous, hardly showing signs of emotion making her character seem less alive. Anticlea also seems quite casual in the meeting of her son. From what she says one can't see that extreme feelings she posses for Odysseus, feelings that were supposedly so great they drove her to kill herself. From their interaction one can't see they share that much of a mother/son bond as it suggests in the film and Rouse version. It also doesn't seem that Anticlea thinks highly of Penelope, for when she mentions her it seems she speaks with a rather mocking, childish tone, when she talks about his wife being sought after by suitors while Odysseus is gone. " 'I knew Penelope was being wooed by other men in your absence'... 'I knew it well, but I would not speak evil of your wife, not I, not I...' " (p. 583)

Anticlea could have seemed somewhat of a stranger to Odysseus in Evslin's version, but by her behavior in Rouse's translation she seems more like a caring mother.She speaks with much emotion, making her character seem more alive. This makes Anticlea more appealing to the reader, since one can actually feel her deep sorrow. Anticlea tells Odysseus how she was driven to take her own life, thinking that he was dead and she could no longer go on living in his absence. She also tells him about Penelope, who she describes as having a "patient heart, but her nights are filled with tears and sorrow." (p.127), making it look as if she likes Penelope, contrary to what Evslin and the film portray.

Teiresias doesn't seem to have such a powerful presence in the movie. On the contrary, the film makes him look frightening, seeing as Odysseus himself seems rather scared when he is speaking with him. I beli

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Approximate Word count = 1360
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)