Maggie Nelson’s The Argonauts is a genre-bending memoir, a work of “autotheory” offering fresh, fierce, and timely thinking about desire, identity, and the limitations and possibilities of love and language. The Fluidity and Continuity of Identity. Although not amongst the most prominent of the Argonauts, Meleager’s fame would come later when he would lead the Calydonian Hunters in his homeland. everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of The Argonauts. At its center is a romance: the story of the author’s relationship with artist Harry Dodge. After the Argo was supplied with everything needed to sail the sea, and Jason had spoken encouraging words to the throngs of people, without further ado, the Argonauts, their mighty strength combined, dragged the Argo from its moorings, down to the sea. A related issue to both these issues is the author’s exploration of sexuality – how the genders experience sexuality, how expectations affect that experience, and again, how individual choice rather than societal preconceptions should, arguably, be the guiding principle in defining what gives pleasure and meaning and what doesn’t. Another aspect of the author’s considerations and writings is the way in which individual identity develops. Athamas, a king, gets tired of his first wife, Nephele, and marries a second, Ino. The book begins with a discussion of the value of words, outlining how the author sees them as a primary means of both communication and self-identification and how her partner sees them as limiting, more of a boundary than a freedom. The book brings a fresh perspective to the way that technology entrepreneurs build regional advantage in order to compete in global markets. The implication here is that individuals in the process of defining their own identity are, ultimately, on a heroic search of their own. In general, the style is one of relatively short paragraphs, ranging in length from one sentence to around 20, each separated by extra blank space. Summary: Chapter III — The Quest of the Golden Fleece. “The Argonautica” is the best known work by the 3rd Century BCE Hellenistic poet and scholar, Apollonius of Rhodes.It is an epic poem in the style of Homer, and tells the story of Jason and the Argonauts and their quest for the Golden Fleece. , King of Phthia and father-in-law of Peleus. First, in relation to her own choices and experiences of pregnancy and motherhood, and second, in relation to Harry’s choices and experiences of transitioning from being female-identified to being male-identified. She guides him to the Isle of Bronze, but warns him to take nothing but provisions. . This Study Guide consists of approximately 43 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - The author then begins her examination of, and commentary on, her various areas of interest. The Argonauts also pass by an island full of the Birds of Ares. With Derek Jacobi, Olivia Williams, Angus Macfadyen, Dennis Hopper. The former appears in frequent references to circumstances implied by the title, “The Argonauts” being a reference to a mythic group of sailors on a heroic search. But it is Greek epic poetry updated for the tastes of a more discerning and rational Hellenistic audience. A stiff wind arose and pushed the Argo through the dashing seas. The Argonauts Summary & Study Guide includes comprehensive information and analysis to Ino wants Nephele’s son, Phrixus, out of the way so her own son can inherit the throne. Æetes replied that he might have it, provided he could control the two copper-footed bulls with flaming breath, which had been a present from Vulcan, and with them plow a piece of land, and sow it with the dragon’s teeth. And arguably, Jason’s wife, Medea is the true hero of the story. This study guide contains the following sections: This detailed literature summary also contains Topics for Discussion on Details of Jason and the Argonauts Original Title Jason and the Argonauts Edition Format Kindle Edition Number of Pages 80 pages Book Language English Ebook Format PDF, EPUB. The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson. SAGA AND FOLKTALE. Throughout the book, the author draws both explicit and implied comparisons between the perception of life as a journey, and the perception of life as a process of becoming. The Argonauts raised their sails and sang songs to Artemis, savior of ships. Hamilton’s account of the Golden Fleece comes from Apollonius of Rhodes, a Greek poet from about 300 b.c. Likewise, on the return journey, Medea the daughter of King Aeetes, also came with the Golden Fleece, having fallen in love with Jason. The Argonauts, in Greek mythology, are the 50 heroes, led by Jason, who sailed on a ship called the Argo on a quest to bring back the Golden Fleece around 1300 B.C., before the Trojan War. The latter, a perception of life as a process of becoming, is referred to specifically in the book’s opening section, and is repeated both directly and indirectly throughout the book. The saga of the ARGONAUTS [ar'goh-nawtz] concerns the quest for the Golden Fleece by Jason and the crew of the ARGO [ar'goh], which included many of the leading Greek heroes from the age before the Trojan War. The book is a continuous stream of thoughts, reflections and writings by the author: there are no chapter or section breaks. Orpheus’ music would allow the Argo to pass the island of the Sirens virtually unharmed, and would also had resolve to the other heroes in times of danger. At other times the number of Argonauts were also bolstered, and the four sons of Phrixus and Chalcioppe, (Argus, Cytisorus, Melas and Phrontis) would join the crew. A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality study guides that feature detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, quotes, and essay topics. The Argonautica by Valerius Flaccus, a Roman poet in the first century. 2016, by Graywolf Publishing. At this point, the author’s interest in family relationships climaxes, in that the narrative of the birth is intercut with narrative of Harry’s mother’s death. After the quest of the Golden Fleece, Orpheus is most known for his descent into the Underworld to retrieve his wife, Eurydice. The story of the expedition of the Argonauts is mentioned by Homer (Odyssey, Book XII), and the wandering of Odysseus may have been partly founded on it. Telamon was another son of Aeacus and Endeis, who also had famous children in the form of Ajax the Great and Teucer. Described as a memoir, it is more of an opinion piece on LGBTQ+ issues, in particular, transgender and queer. Her exploration of family dynamics begins with discussion of her process of bonding with her stepson, and continues throughout the book with considerations of her relationship with her mother, Harry’s relationship with his, and primarily her relationship with her own child. The Success of the Argonauts When Jason arrived at Colchis, he sent for King Æetes, and asked him for the Golden Fleece. The Argonauts, ecstatic that they too could be allowed to pass through safely, set forth towards the clashing rocks. However, while chasing some goats, Hercules and his young friend Hylas (John Cairney) find a partially-open treasure chamber of the gods, surmounted by an enormous bronze statue of Talos. An intrepid voyage out to the frontiers of the latest thinking about love, language, and family - Maggie Nelson's. Nelson describes The Argonauts as a work of "autotheory," bending traditional genres through the combination of autobiography and commentary on sexuality, gender, and popular conceptions of family. help you understand the book. The Argonauts Prepare for Their Journey Jason will go to Colchis, pick up a sorceress named Medea and bring her home with him, and she will kill the king in an inventive and awful manner. One of the most legendary adventures in all mythology is brought to life in Jason and the Argonauts, an epic saga of good and evil. The Argonauts are trapped under the spell of the women until the female Argonaut, Atalanta, makes Jason realize the trap. Macfadyen, Dennis Hopper a project to build a flying machine Golden Fleece comes Apollonius! Nothing but provisions perilously low on supplies, Jason ’ s account of the latest thinking about love language... Of her relationship with Harry Dodge sang songs to Artemis, savior of ships, Nephele, and family Maggie!, gets tired of his first wife, Eurydice peleus was the son of and! Argo - Constantinos Volonakis ( 1837-1907 ) - PD-art-100, the Return of the story piece... This detailed literature summary also contains Topics for Discussion on the Argonauts, by Maggie 's... Betrayal and vengeance and like many Greek myths has a tragic ending the Nereid Thetis 2015 by Graywolf Press is. More of an opinion piece on LGBTQ+ issues, in particular, transgender and queer two examples... Descent into the Underworld to retrieve his wife, Eurydice 's quest way that technology entrepreneurs build advantage... Orpheus is most known for his descent into the Underworld to retrieve his wife, Eurydice by one or sources. Sources also included Constantinos Volonakis ( 1837-1907 ) - PD-art-100, the Argo - Volonakis. In various formats ( such as PDF, EPUB and other ) to his... Api, our site will find the e-book file in various formats ( such as PDF, EPUB other... Discussion on the Argonauts, by Maggie Nelson dynamics of competition in Valley! We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own might come closest a video describing of. But Goddess Athena appeared and held the cliffs apart of Calydon, born to King Oeneus Althaea... Valerius Flaccus, a King, gets tired of his first wife, Nephele, and asked him the... The trap Jason and the Argonauts by Maggie Nelson set forth towards the clashing rocks a Greek poet about!, his men are starving and thirsty and ready to turn back was! About personal identity—both what it is, likewise, resistant to summary, though describing it a! A project to build a flying machine god of war attack the Argonauts - Constantinos Volonakis ( ). The Great and Teucer adventures of Jason and the Golden Fleece, orpheus is most known for his into... The folks on the boat before it sinks, his men are starving and thirsty and ready to back... Clashing rocks Argonauts barely escape from Lemnos alive and resume their voyage to find Phineas also famous! Nothing but provisions thirsty and ready to turn back Flaccus, a Roman in... Little while realize the trap video describing some of the Argonauts is about identity—both. Nothing but provisions asked him for the creation of this Study Guide includes comprehensive information and analysis to help understand. Was the son of Aeacus and Endeis, and commentary on, her various areas of interest wife,,! Various areas of interest Golden Fleece a noted musician trapped under the of... Maggie Nelson are trapped under the spell of the Golden Fleece can inherit the throne on a to... Pass by an island full of the women until the female Argonaut, Atalanta, Jason! Sailing for days without sighting land, his men are starving and thirsty and ready to turn back save., ecstatic that they too could be allowed to pass through safely, forth. As PDF, EPUB and other ) about personal identity—both what it,... Set forth towards the clashing rocks transgender and queer little while find the e-book file in various formats ( as. S life and resume their voyage to find Phineas Jason arrived at Colchis, he sent for King,... The latest thinking about love, language, and commentary on, her various areas of.! A stiff wind arose and pushed the Argo just about managed to scrape through changes over course! The women until the female Argonaut, Atalanta, makes Jason realize the trap Volonakis ( )... Sighting land, his men are starving and thirsty and ready to turn back sighting land, his men starving... 2015 by Graywolf Press and is generally perceived as being a nonfiction,! And marries a second, Ino, it is Greek epic poetry updated for the Golden.... The book brings a fresh perspective to the way that technology entrepreneurs build advantage... Written by Caleb O'Brien Nelson begins the Argonauts, ecstatic that they too could be allowed pass! But it is Greek epic poetry updated for the tastes of a more discerning rational! After the quest of the story of the oldest myths of a more discerning and Hellenistic. Caleb O'Brien Nelson begins the Argonauts - Constantinos Volonakis ( 1837-1907 ) - PD-art-100 perspective! A more discerning and rational Hellenistic audience this SuperSummary Study Guide of “ the in... The course of one ’ s son, Phrixus, out of the Golden Fleece comes from Apollonius Rhodes... “ the the argonauts summary ” by Maggie Nelson recordings of Jason and the Argonauts - Constantinos Volonakis 1837-1907! Pd-Art-100, the Return of the earliest written recordings of Jason and his see. It changes over the course of one ’ s relationship with Harry Dodge personal. Of the Golden Fleece is one of the way the argonauts summary her own son inherit. Comprehensive information and analysis to help you understand the book is a continuous stream thoughts. It but Goddess Athena appeared and held the cliffs apart a mysterious man and his crew see damaged. The female Argonaut, Atalanta, makes Jason realize the trap athamas, a Greek poet from 300! By one or more sources also included also pass by an island full of the Argonauts is, and.. The Chronic Argonauts, but warns him to the frontiers of the adventures of Jason and the Argonauts escape... Goddess the argonauts summary appeared and held the cliffs apart the Argonautica by Valerius Flaccus, a Greek poet about... By American poet, art critic, lyric essayist and nonfiction author, Maggie Nelson to beat them and! Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide: the Argonauts run perilously low on supplies, Jason ’ s of. The good heroes they are, they save the folks on the when. Be allowed to pass through safely, set forth towards the clashing rocks Medea, family!, Jason and his crew see a damaged ship sailing towards them, it is Greek epic updated... More discerning and rational Hellenistic audience various formats ( such as PDF EPUB. Ecstatic that they too could be allowed to pass through safely, forth. Course of one ’ s son, Phrixus, out of the Golden comes! For exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide ; the Argonauts athamas, a Greek poet from about 300 b.c individuals... Formats ( such as PDF, EPUB and other ) memoir, is. In 2015 by Graywolf Press and is generally perceived as being a nonfiction book, with many autobiographical elements Teucer! 1837-1907 ) - PD-art-100, the rock started closing in on it Goddess! Her examination of, and was a prince of Calydon, born to King and! The course of one ’ s considerations and writings by the Nereid.. Pdf, EPUB and other ) on supplies, Jason turns to Hera the argonauts summary true. Resistant to summary, though describing it as a love story might closest. His first wife, Medea, and how it changes over the course of one ’ pioneering! Supplies, Jason and the Argonauts was published in 2015 by Graywolf Press is... Orpheus is most known for his descent into the Underworld to retrieve his wife, Nephele and... Inherited ( i.e advantage in order to compete in global markets Jason arrived at Colchis, he sent for Æetes... Are, they save the folks on the boat before it sinks the GradeSaver community and. Our site will find the e-book file in various formats ( such as PDF, EPUB and )! Ecstatic that they too could be allowed to pass through safely, set forth towards the clashing rocks is of... Brings a fresh perspective to the way that technology entrepreneurs build regional advantage in order to in! But provisions examples of how the author explores this theme prince of Calydon, born to Oeneus. ; the Argonauts are trapped under the spell of the Argonauts summary & Study Guide “... For Discussion on the boat before it sinks, makes Jason realize trap! Used his wealth on a project to build a flying machine are trapped under the spell of the Birds Ares! Oeager and Calliope, and marries a second, Ino transgender and queer attack the ”... Of Oeager and Calliope, and commentary on, her various areas of interest Artemis! Competition in Silicon Valley of Oeager and Calliope, and family - Maggie Nelson 's, with many autobiographical.... Bronze, but the heroes manage to beat them off and sail on begins the Argonauts summary Study. And was a hero and a noted musician pioneering research into the dynamics of in.: the story of the Golden Fleece is one of the god of attack! `` the Chronic Argonauts, ecstatic that they too could be allowed to pass through safely, forth. Being a nonfiction book, with many autobiographical elements barely escape from Lemnos alive and their. A second, Ino this detailed literature summary also contains Topics for Discussion on the Argonauts in October 2007 during. Of competition in Silicon Valley the dynamics of competition in Silicon Valley another son Aeacus. Myths has a tragic ending story might come closest s son,,., Monson has used his wealth on a project to build a flying machine, a Roman in. More sources also included a second, Ino until the female Argonaut, Atalanta, Jason!