Somax (ransom)

[chemkid_23]

Hi all, got  sac on Friday about Ransom.
I just wanted to know if people can see this; but can it be said that Somax is Malouf's representation of Homer in his novel? I know Somax is the storyteller for the reader but also the future within the novel, and because of that, I believe he is in some way a representation of Homer.

Thanks

[EvangelionZeta]

Somax isn't really representative of Homer at all, in my opinion.  He's more an "everyman" voice which Malouf uses to distinguish Ransom from the epic nature of The Iliad - notice how he is a man of no rank, status, etc., and how he contrasts with all the regal figures.

[pi]

I agree with EZ, Somax is definitely not a representation of Homer. Rather, he represents the common man.

[chemkid_23]

I totally agree with you guys in that he is the ordinary man of the story, but in relation to his storytelling, how he his the stealer of other men's tales and passes them on, similar to Homer.....

[Water]

I agree with chemkid_23

There can be strong symbolic connections that can be made between Somax and Homer.

Like Homer is to a "blind poet" who roamed around telling his stories, Somax is also likewise in that aspect. By using this understanding of Homer, one can suggest to deem him as "common." Though Somax himself is not blind, he does tell stories. However no one believes him, in parallel with the ambiguity of Homer's authorship of "The Illiad" and the "Odyssey". Just as Somax can be seen as an imagination of "Malouf", Homer can be considered an imagination created from legends.

[EvangelionZeta]

I agree with chemkid_23

There can be strong symbolic connections that can be made between Somax and Homer.

Like Homer is to a "blind poet" who roamed around telling his stories, Somax is also likewise in that aspect. By using this understanding of Homer, one can suggest to deem him as "common." Though Somax himself is not blind, he does tell stories. However no one believes him, in parallel with the ambiguity of Homer's authorship of "The Illiad" and the "Odyssey". Just as Somax can be seen as an imagination of "Malouf", Homer can be considered an imagination created from legends.

There's a parallel in that they both tell stories, but saying that Somax is Homer is a bit rich.  Homer was worshipped by his society after death - Somax is an average joe who no one takes seriously. 

[Water]

I agree with chemkid_23

There can be strong symbolic connections that can be made between Somax and Homer.

Like Homer is to a "blind poet" who roamed around telling his stories, Somax is also likewise in that aspect. By using this understanding of Homer, one can suggest to deem him as "common." Though Somax himself is not blind, he does tell stories. However no one believes him, in parallel with the ambiguity of Homer's authorship of "The Illiad" and the "Odyssey". Just as Somax can be seen as an imagination of "Malouf", Homer can be considered an imagination created from legends.

There's a parallel in that they both tell stories, but saying that Somax is Homer is a bit rich.  Homer was worshipped by his society after death - Somax is an average joe who no one takes seriously. 

However, ironically , us, VCE Kids study Somax as a character and glorify him? Though Somax isn't Homer, he can be a subtle reflection?

[LOVEPHYSICS]

There is always room for subtle reflection. You just need to be selective and specific when you are communicating it through writing I guess.