THE STORY: (37 minutes) This episode has it all! A kinky story about an amorous swan, a disturbing story about a butchered horse, a cautionary story about a foolish husband, and a too-familiar story about a corrupt politician. And in the midst of all the stories, well, Helen of Sparta moves to Troy.
THE COMMENTARY: HELEN OF TROY – DAMSEL IN DISTRESS or FEMME FATALE? (26 minutes; begins at 37:00) Helen of Troy is one of the most complex and enigmatic characters in all of fiction (or in all of fact – which just adds to the complexity!). As you know, Helen left her life in Sparta to travel to the city of Troy with Paris. But what caused Helen to leave? Well, that continues to be the subject of considerable debate. In this episode of post-story commentary I review five conflicting “takes” on Helen’s motivations. I note that each culture down through the ages has ascribed to Helen motivations which are deeply reflective of that particular culture’s attitudes towards women, the family, and sexuality. And I caution that each culture tends to create an explanation for Helen’s actions that the culture “needs to hear”. The five “takes” on Helen that I discuss include: Helen the Homewrecker; Helen the Damsel in Distress; Helen the Femme Fatale; Helen the Survivor; and Helen: Pawn of the Gods. I make a case for each, then share with you the version of Helen I personally find most compelling. And I invite you to disagree with me! Have fun! Jeff
RELATED IMAGES
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- BOOK A LIVE TELLING or “EDU-TAINMENT” (click here)
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- LEDA Cesare da Sesto 1477 – 1523 (Leda’s looking pretty good for a woman who just completed THAT delivery!)
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- LÉDA ET LE CYGNE, Pierre Paul Rubens 1577-1640
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- LEDA and the SWAN (C.H. SANDERSON)
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- THE ABDUCTION OF HELEN (Gavin Hamilton, 1723-1798)
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- THE ABDUCTION OF HELEN, Guido Reni 1631 (note a mischievous Eros taking credit for the abduction)
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- THE ABDUCTION OF HELEN, Giordano Luca 1634-1705
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- THE PRIVATE LIFE OF HELEN OF TROY, novel 1947, by John Erskine (classic “femme fatale” image)
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- HELEN OF TROY, 2003 television miniseries
RELATED POEMS
LEDA AND THE SWAN, WB Yeats (best 14 sentence sonnet summary of the Trojan War Epic EVER!!!)PDF
HELEN OF TROY DOES COUNTERTOP DANCING, Margaret Atwood (one of my favourite poetic “takes” on Helen) PDF
RELATED SONGS
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- (‘HELEN OF TROY”: a single from ENGLISH ELECTRIC, the 2013 comeback album from OMD, my favourite 80’s new wave band)
Leda and the Swan above, with note about unknown artist, is by C. H. Sanderson
Thanks so much for the information. I have updated my website to give appropriate credit and recognition. I hope that I have located the correct C.H. Sanderson (1925-1993); please inform me it otherwise. Jeff
The Abduction of Helen – missing artist – Gavin Hamilton
Thanks! I have updated my website accordingly! Jeff