The Many Lives of Ulysses with Miles Osgood

The podcast explores the enduring figure of Ulysses and his archetypal significance in Western culture, focusing on modern reinterpretations of Homer's Odyssey. It examines the complexities of Ulysses' character, acknowledging his flaws and questioning idealized portrayals. The discussion highlights key motifs such as the Sirens and the descent into Hades, analyzing their evolving symbolism in works by Kafka, Adorno, and Joyce. Guest Miles Osgood, from the Ho Center for Buddhist Studies, discusses Joyce's Ulysses, Walcott's Omeros, and Louise Glück's Meadowlands, revealing how these authors adapt and subvert the original myths to reflect contemporary concerns of exile, identity, and fidelity. The conversation also touches on Dante's depiction of Ulysses and Tennyson's heroic vision, contrasting interpretations of Ulysses' insatiable curiosity and its implications for the modern imagination.