Decoding the Cryptic: Unraveling that Elusive Homeric Exclamation
Ah, the crossword puzzle – that delightful brain teaser that simultaneously frustrates and exhilarates. Today, we tackle a particularly intriguing clue:
Exclamation from Homer
. Seems straightforward enough, right? Wrong! The beauty (and the beast) of cryptic crosswords lies in their layered meanings, their subtle hints, and their ability to send even the most seasoned solver scrambling for their dictionaries.
This particular clue plays on our knowledge of Homer, not necessarily the cartoon patriarch, but the ancient Greek author of the
Iliad
and the
Odyssey
. It demands we consider the emotional landscape of these epic poems, filled with battles, betrayals, triumphs, and devastating losses. What kind of exclamations might punctuate such narratives?
Our first hurdle is understanding the clue’s type. Is it a double definition? A cryptic definition? A hidden word? Perhaps a wordplay based on a specific Homeric character or event? Each possibility opens up a different avenue of exploration.
Let’s start with the obvious. We need an exclamation, a word expressing strong feeling. Consider the range of emotions present in Homer’s works: rage, despair, triumph, awe, grief. Each could lead to a different kind of exclamation.
Then, we must consider the context of Homer’s writing. The language is highly stylized, often employing epithets and poetic devices. The exclamation we seek might therefore be somewhat archaic or unusually descriptive. Is it a single word, or a short phrase?
Furthermore, remember that crossword clues often rely on wordplay. Is there a hidden word within the clue itself? Could “Homer” be a cryptic indicator, pointing us towards a specific word within the works themselves, or perhaps a pun on a related word?
We must delve deeper. Could the exclamation relate to a specific scene or character? Think of Achilles’ wrath, Hector’s fall, Odysseus’ cunning. These monumental events are likely to have inspired powerful expressions of feeling.
Perhaps the clue relies on a less literal interpretation of “Homer”. It’s a name, after all, and names often have symbolic weight. Could the exclamation relate to the
quality
associated with Homer’s work – perhaps something reflecting the grandeur, the drama, or even the poetic language of the epics?
Solving this clue is an exercise in lateral thinking, a test of both vocabulary and knowledge of classic literature. It encourages us to embrace the ambiguity and to consider various interpretations. So, put on your thinking caps, delve into your memory banks (and perhaps a good reference book), and see if you can unearth the hidden answer. Good luck! We’ll be here waiting to compare notes. And remember, even the most challenging crossword clues are conquerable with a little patience and perseverance. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
D’OH.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 1 Jan 25, Wednesday