“Poetic Pains and Pleasures: Theory of Mind and the Reception of Epic Performance (Odyssey 8 and Beyond)”

The contribution investigates aspects of literary reception in a combined aesthetic and cognitive framework. The first part is in-depth analysis of Odysseus’ and Phaecians’ contrasted receptions of Demodocus’ performance in Odyssey 8, weeping and enjoyment respectively. The investigation expands on the cognitive processes presumably at work behind these reactions, namely Theory of Mind and embodied simulation. The joint analysis shows that an ‘as-if procedures’ applies both to ToM and simulation theory and aesthetic principles underlying Greek poetics.