The Odyssey - No sex, terrible food

About this episode

Armand D'Angour (Professor of Classics at Oxford University and Fellow of Jesus College) gives his take on Chrisopher Nolan's Odyssey and (more to the point) talks about the poem and the poet. Along the way we talk about Emily Wilson's blistering review (which is where the title of this episode comes from). And Armand gives some readings from the poem including this gem of a translation by Alexander Pope (lightly reworked by Armand): Abandoned in neglect poor Argos lay,   unhoused, uncared for, on the public way;  and where the heaps of rank manure were spread   a-swarm with fleas, he made his filthy bed.    As they conversing to the city drew, the faithful dog his ancient master knew:   and recognising well his voice and tread,   pricked up his ears and raised his heavy head.   Seeing Odysseus, him he strove to meet, and tried in vain to crawl and lick his feet;   but strength alone he had to wag his tail  to greet his master, though to no avail.  Deep pity touched Odysseus to his soul,  and down his cheek a tear unbidden stole;   but unperceived he turned his head, and dried   the falling drop, while silently he cried.   "What sorry beast in this abandoned state,”  he asks,