Join Homeric studies expert Jonathan Burgess for an in-depth exploration of Homer’s The Odyssey, recently reimagined by Hollywood as one of the year’s biggest box office successes.
Burgess’s talk will first explain the origins of the Homeric epics, with attention to other Greek epics that covered the Trojan War and the returns of the heroes. He will describe and discuss The Odyssey's main characters, major themes, and sections, with special attention to Odysseus' narration of wanderings on his way home, accompanied by ancient and modern artwork of Odysseus' tale. A final section will compare and contrast Homer's work with Christopher Nolan's film, with attention to other modern retellings in various genres.
About Jonathan Burgess
Jonathan Burgess has a BA in American Studies, an MA in Classics (University of Kentucky) and a Phd in Classics (University of Toronto). He is a recently retired (Professor Emeritus) in the Classics Department at the University of Toronto. His specialty is Homeric studies, on which he has published many articles and four books; the most recent one is The Travels of Odysseus (2025).
TICKETS (+HST)
General: $23
Members: $20, $17.50, FREE