Shedding light on Odysseus’ companions

Seen in the framework of classical reception, this paper discusses use ancient sources by modern poets highlighting some main aspects dialogue between past and present. It focuses on examination four poems that present an interesting reworking appropriation themes drawn from Homer’s Odyssey: Ezra Pound’s Canto XX (1928) Yannis Ritsos’ three selected short poems, included collection Testimonies 2 (1966), where myth, history politics interweave. Although they were written engaged different ideologies these have a key element common: focus Odysseus’ companions instead Odysseus himself, choice which reveals both their aesthetic ideological choices. The way myth is used here brings out association aesthetics politics, thus illustrating views two position function literature society critical intervention current socio-political developments time. consideration context work at stage poetic careers suggests reading linked το contemporary concerns, also confirms importance lasting impact Homeric epics, providing yet another example modernists’ reception tradition.
 Keywords: mythical method, modernist poetry, E. Pound, Y. Ritsos