The Rewriting of the Myth of Odysseus in the Migrant Novel: “Errances” by Sergio Kokis Cover Image

La réécriture du mythe d'Ulysse dans le roman migrant "Errances" de Sergio Kokis
The Rewriting of the Myth of Odysseus in the Migrant Novel: “Errances” by Sergio Kokis

Author(s): Piotr Sadkowski
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Śląskiego
Keywords: Odysseus; transvalorization; narrative identity; return

Summary/Abstract: The article focuses on the analysis of Sergio Kokis’ novel “Errances” as an example of contemporary transvalorization of the myth of Odysseus. Kokis’ novel is treated as a „récit odysséen” (an „Odyssean narrative”), i.e. a type of fiction characterized by the theme of an exile’s return to the native land and the exploration of the protagonist’s narrative identity by means of metafictional devices. In the process of rewriting the Homeric epic and 20th century versions of the myth of Odysseus (Nikos Kazantzakis’ “The Odyssey: A Modern Sequel” and Joseph Conrad’s novels), Sergio Kokis deconstructs the concept of the return to the native land defined in terms of territory and ethnicity. What emerges from the novel, is a concept of the ethos of the eternal wanderer based on the shattering of the illusion of collective belonging as the source of identity.

  • Issue Year: 2007
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 59-69
  • Page Count: 11
  • Language: French