The Search for Ithaca: Recent Episodes
Rafael Torre de Silva
A journey through the Classics. The podcast that explores and discusses the great works of Classical Literature. An attempt to unveil the truths of humanity contained in the texts that have most changed the course of civilization. Why is it that Homer still moves us? What does Sophocles have to tell me today in the XXI century? Why have these works endured for so long? A podcast for Liberal Arts believers and for lovers of Ancient Culture and Literature in general.
A commentary on the first half of Book 4 of the Odyssey, where Telemachus visits Menelaus, king of Sparta, and his wife Helen. Here the themes of hospitality and war are further developed, as well as the importance of children for the hero and the meaning of fatherhood.
A commentary on Book 3 of the Odyssey, where Telemachus visits Nestor, one of the greatest heroes of the Trojan War. It includes a discussion of the Odyssey's approach to the Iliad and the reality of war, as well as a commentary on the theme of fatherhood and the heroic nature.
A commentary on Book 2 of the Odyssey. What is the role of politics in the shaping of the human person? How is Telemachus facing the opposition of the suitors? How do heroes face ethical dilemmas and why are these essential to any good story?
A commentary on Book 1 of the Odyssey. It includes a discussion of Telemachus' journey to maturity and its role within the broader focus of the Homeric epic, as well as a detailed analysis of the first page of the poem, where the whole story and its themes are summarized.
N.B.: This episode is longer than the ones to follow.
An introduction to Homer's Odyssey, the first Classics that we are going to read and comment on. It includes some background on the work as a piece of literature, an overview of its main themes, as well as a contextualization of the plot. Did Homer ever exist? Is the Odyssey about a homecoming or about a man? How does the narrative fit within the broader myths of the Trojan War?
Are the Ancient Classics universal? How are they relevant today? What role do they play in one's education? Why should we read them? The introduction where we explore the nature of the Classics as stories and their value as teachers of Truth, Beauty and Goodness.
The Search for Ithaca Podcast premieres June 25th 2022! Embark with Rafael Torre de Silva in this journey through the Classics of Ancient Literature.