In the researched source titled “The Cyclops in the Odyssey, Ulysses, and Asterias Polyp: How Allusions Affect Modern Narratives and their Hypotexts” by Dellen Miller, the author raises the topic of the use of allusions in relation to the famous Greek character Polypheus in various works. To begin with, it is worth noting that allusions are an effective tool for giving depth to the main storyline. This enhancement is achieved by comparing and referring to other similar literary works that are also widely familiar to readers.
Thus, allusion often manifests itself in cases when one of the characters mentions another work. This move contributes to a better understanding of the nature and motives of the character and his or her role in the plot. The main such references, for example, in the Odyssey are constant references to the Iliad, combining these literary works. Thus, the Trojan War described in the Iliad has Odysseus himself as one of its participants and tells about the confrontations that the protagonist had to overcome.
The main interest for this study is the hero Polypheus. He is described as the Greek god Cyclops, the son of Poseidon. His basic and most outstanding characteristic is the presence of only one eye and the blindness he received from Odysseus (Aguirre and Buxton 5). Applying the theory of traditional literature, one can immediately see a parallel in the work with the Trojan War, which took place at the time of writing the literary work.
The central work that lends itself to analysis in the chosen scientific work is the Odyssey, which is known all over the world. The author notes that it becomes even more popular when mentioned and referred to in other works (Miller 6). As already noted, the main function of allusions or references is to deepen the central thought, give meaning and complicate the source text. Texts that are characterized by this kind of interweaving are called hypertexts in the scientific literature.
The allusion is especially interesting in the context of consideration from the point of view of traditional literary theory, since this merger contributes to the preservation of the historicity of literary work at the present stage of its development. Furthermore, the author analyzes how Polyphemus from the Odyssey is mentioned in such works as Ulysses and Asterios Polyp. The use of this technology helps to bring a new perspective on the nature of the work. Various symbols can be used as tools, as in comics, and visual linguistic allusions in ordinary literary works. There is also a stylistic reference, which implies an association with the work in the form of, for example, a set of events.
Therefore, it can be concluded that the Miller article is a valuable source for the study of allusions in literary works. Moreover, he provides sufficient evidence and examples to substantiate the deduced point of view. Exploring such works as Odyssey, Asterios Polyp and Ulysses, it effectively proves how referring to a particular character can effectively convey the main idea of the work. Moreover, this tool helps to maintain the fame of literary work and spread knowledge about events that took place many centuries ago.
Works Cited
Aguirre, Mercedes, and Richard Buxton. Cyclops: The Myth and Its Cultural History. Oxford University Press, USA, 2020.
Miller, Dellen N. The Cyclops in the Odyssey, Ulysses, and Asterias Polyp: How Allusions Affect Modern Narratives and their Hypotexts. 2016. Dissertation. University of Oregon.