One of the most peculiar books I have ever read. Basically, it is a long didactic poem with a plethora of practical tips Hesiod wrote for his brother,One of the most peculiar books I have ever read. Basically, it is a long didactic poem with a plethora of practical tips Hesiod wrote for his brother, Perses. A hodgepodge of philosophy, mythology and everyday life, from motivational aphorisms to agricultural lifehacks.
I admire A. E. Stallings' efforts to make her translation of Works and Days accessible. The use of contemporary vocabulary and dactylic hexameter, bizarrely akin to the rhythm of rap, makes this book, written around 700 BC, an enjoyable read. The translator's hard work and dedication are remarkable. She investigated so many details, for instance, types of thistle or species of cranes. Truth be told, I often found her comments more interesting than the book itself. I also enjoyed the personal tone of the long (37% of the book!) introduction which reads like a captivating essay.
I did my best to let A. E. Stallings infect me with her passion for Hesiod — and her deep fascination with his oeuvre is perceptible — but I turned out to be rather immune. For example, his opinion on women made me cringe: Don’t let a woman mystify your mind With sweet talk and the sway of her behind – She’s just after your barn. He who believes A woman, is a man who trusts in thieves. At the same time, it turns out that a wife makes an indispensable part of the equipment: You'll need A woman and an ox to start a life. How gallant of Hesiod to list a woman first!
What does Works and Days tell us about Hesiod? I guess his intention was to sound wise, experienced and generous, sharing his precious knowledge with his brother who evidently does not deserve it. His patronizing tone was so irksome! Hesiod seems to be a boring know-it-all and I found his superiority obnoxious. It felt awkward when he kept boasting about winning a poetry competition. He seemingly cares for his brother but at the same time, he portrays — or rather caricatures — him as a halfwit.
What does Works and Days tell us about Perses, Hesiod's brother? The way Hesiod addresses his brother is not exactly affectionate: Fool Perses, what I say’s for your own good.
You great fool, Perses! Judging from Hesiod's instructive advice on urinating and defecating: Do not piss on the road Or off it, as you walk.
Don’t urinate in streams that flow downhill To the sea, or springs. To this, be much averse. And do not void yourself in them – that’s worse! ...and his friendly reminder not to show privates smirched with sex, Perses must have been a catastrophic failure. Or this is what Hesiod wants us to believe. Isn't it strange that such a stupid, primitive simpleton was supposed to read and understand his brother's fancy didactic poem written in dactylic hexameter?
