Helen between myth and literature: readings from Homer to Isocrates.
After some introductory lessons intended to illustrate Greek literary production in its general lines, the course will linger, with the reading and commentary of the most significant passages on the complex and multiform figure of Helen, from poetry, with Homer, Iliad book III to prose, with the great encomia of Gorgias and Isocrates.

1. For the monographic part:
– the texts uploaded on Moodle during the lessons are an essential part of the program
– a translation of your choice from the Iliad book III, and from the Odyssey, book IV, with Greek text, e.g. the translations of Iliad and Odyssey edited by R. Calzecchi Onesti, Einaudi, or for Iliad edited by G. Cerri, Rizzoli, and for Odyssey edited by G. A. Privitera, Mondadori.
– reading of a chapter of your choice from D. De Sanctis, Il canto e la tela: le voci di Elena in Omero, Serra 2018, or from G. Ieranò, Elena e Penelope. Infedeltà e matrimonio, Einaudi 2021.
2. For the general part:
– a handbook of Greek literature chosen from those presented and discussed during the introductory lessons.

For non-attending students:
– a handbook of Greek literature
– at least two texts of your choice, one in poetry, one in prose, within the context of the Greek literary tradition
– a critical essay on the texts chosen for the exam.
Manual, texts to be translated, critical essay are to be agreed upon during an interview at office hours at least one month before the exam.