A few reminders from the handout I gave you in class about this assignment:
·
It does not have to be from the book you focused
on with a partner.
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The passage should be between 1-15 lines in
length.
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Include the passage word-for-word at the top of
your blog post. As always, include a citation.
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Analyze the wording, tone, imagery, and/or
structure of the passage.
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Analysis should be at least 8 sentences in length.
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Read other people’s analysis posts before you
post. Repetition = points off.
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Mere plot summary will result in a failing
grade.
DUE: Anytime between now and May 23
VALUE: 30 points.
“But once you crew has rowed you past the Sirens
ReplyDeletea choice of route is yours. I cannot advise you
which to take, or lead you through it all –
you must decide yourself –
but I can tell you the ways of either course” (273.61-65)
Upon return to Circe’s Island, Odysseus is ready to set out on his journey once again. However, it’s different this time. He is not given specific instructions. In the passage above, Circe tells him that she will not be able to guide Odysseus step by step on this particular stretch of his trek. This is a very significant passage of the book. Up until now, Odysseus has been told what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. This part of Odysseus’ voyage will test whether he can handle himself under pressure as he did and could in the Trojan War, or if he can only follow other peoples’ orders. This instance is the first time he hasn’t been told what to do. Can Odysseus make his own decisions? Circe makes sure Odysseus knows that there isn’t any way to break these ‘rules’. She says he “must” – not can, not should – but must make his own decision. Odysseus’ journey has always been a choice, but other people always made the decision for him. Athena or the other multiple gods that have been there along the way have helped Odysseus. Odysseus could have chosen to stay with Calypso and become immortal, but instead Hermes did the work for him. Odysseus could have stayed with Circe yet his men told him what to do. Throughout the whole novel Odysseus has been told what to do. Circe is putting Odysseus to the test by not giving him instructions.
"Joy... warm as the joy that children feel
ReplyDeletewhen they see their father's life dawn again,
one who's lain on a sickbed racked with torment,
wasting away, slowly, under some angry power's onslaught-
then what joy when the gods deliver him from his pains!
So warm, Odysseus' joy when he saw that shore, those trees,
as he swam on, anxious to plant his feet on solid ground again.
But just offshore, as far as a man's shout can carry,
he caught the boom of a heavy surf on jagged reefs-
roaring breakers crashing down on an ironbound coast,
exploding in fury-
the whole sea shrouded-
sheets of spray-
no harbors to hold ships, no roadstead where they'd ride,
nothing but jutting headlands, riptooth reefs, cliffs" (164-165. 436-451).
Every single time that Odysseus sees land throughout the book, even if he arriving to an island that isn't Ithaca, he always becomes overjoyed by the sight of it. Joy is something Odysseus strives for and in this passage, Homer uses an epic simile to describe the joy that Odysseus experiences. "Joy... warm as the joy that children feel when they see their father's life dawn again, one who's lain on a sickbed racked with torment, wasting away, slowly, under some angry power's onslaught- then what joy when the gods deliver him from his pains!" (164. 436-440). In this simile, Homer is able to foreshadow Odysseus' homecoming while explaining the feeling that Odysseus feels when he sees land. It is in this passage that the readers are reassured of the fact that Odysseus will make it home and he will be reunited with his son at last. Although Odysseus is disappointed that when he lands on an island it isn't his precious home, Ithaca, Homer includes similes that foreshadow Odysseus' arrival home and how it will be a successful and joyful one.
“So damn those lords and captains, those Phaeacians! Not entirely honest or upright, were they? Sweeping me off to this, this no-man’s land and they’d sail me home to sunny Ithaca—well, they never kept their word. Zeus of the Suppliants pay them back—he keeps an eye on the world of men and punishes all transgressors!“ (293.237-243)
ReplyDeleteThis quote shows that Odysseus is representing a completely rude person in the every man. The kind Phaeacians took him all the way to Ithaca, however, Odysseus didn’t appreciate it and started complaining and blaming on the Phaeacians. This quote is also ironic because he is the one who was not entirely honest or upright. For instance, he was dishonest to the Cyclops and lied a lot or made up a fake story and told it to the loyal swineherd, Eumaeus. Odysseus was unfaithful to Penelope with Circe and Calypso and is therefore not respectable. And he also checks if his gifts from the king were stolen or not. This is disrespectful to the Phaeacians because he thinks about his property. He doesn’t have the right to say these because he is the one who is not honest or upright.
For example, in this quote, Odysseus is talking to himself in anger. We can tell from “were they?” that he is talking to himself but he doesn’t need the answer. Odysseus never blames himself through the whole epic. He always blames the people, monsters, and gods except himself. Besides blaming the gods, he relies on asking them favors when it is unnecessary. For example, he asks Zeus to punish the Phaeacians because they took him to no-man’s land, not Ithaca. At this point he represents the bad portion of the every man.
“an irresistible sleep fell deeply on his eyes, the sweetest,
ReplyDeletesoundest oblivion, still as the sleep of death itself….
And the ship like a four-horse team careering down the plain,
all breaking as one with the whiplash cracking smartly,
leaping with hoofs high to run the course in no time—
so the stern hove high and plunged with the seething rollers
crashing dark in her wake as on she surges, unwavering,
never flagging, no, not even a darting hawk,
the quickest thing on wings, could keep her pace
as on she ran, cutting the swells at top speed,
bearing a man endowed with the gods’ own wisdom,
one who has suffered twenty years of torment, sick at heart,
cleaving his way through wars of men and pounding waves at sea
but now he slept in peace, the memory of his struggles
laid to rest” (289.91-105).
They first time I read this passage it immediately screamed, “death” to me. The word choices, the tone, and the passage even compared the sleeping of Odysseus to “still as the sleep of death itself” (289.92). Homer uses a simile to compare the ship to a “four-horse team” (289.93). I think that this simile is being used as a dream that Odysseus was having because it was a bit random; and it is also the space between consciousness and unconsciousness. Odysseus was said to have the gods’ wisdom. I took this to mean that he is up on Mt. Olympus with the gods; Mt. Olympus is part of the heavens and the heavens are directly related to death. The last four lines of the passage sound like a speech made at a funeral. The lines voice the struggles Odysseus had endured, but then focuses on how good it is that he and the memories lay at rest.
You have such a good idea here, Bethany. The four horses could be a reference to the horses of the apocalypse, and the fact that they are "careening" down the plain definitely suggests Odysseus isn't in control here. Keep going with your instinct that this is about death; spell out for us what exactly in the passage develops this image.
Delete"The swineherd started up, amazed, he dropped the bowls with a clatter-he'd been busy mixing ruddy wine. Straight to the prince he rushed and kissed his face and kissed his shining eyes, both hands, as the tears rolled down his cheeks. As a father, brimming with love, welcomes home his darling only son in a warm embrace-what pain he's borne for him and him alone!-home now, in the tenth year abroad" (339.15-20).
ReplyDeleteThere are several important facets of this passage to be analyzed, the most important being the irony of the whole situation. Telemachus returns home from a journey and is greeted by a fatherly figure. The thing is that it is Eumaeus is acting as Telemachus' father in this scene, whereas Odysseus just looks on like a random bystander. After twenty years of waiting to see his son, Odysseus must wait a little bit longer to reveal his true identity to Telemachus. Homer even throws it in the reader's face with his epic simile about a father welcoming home his son. The father, as already stated, is Eumaeus in this case. Interestingly enough, Homer compares Telemachus' journey to a ten year odyssey away from home. Not coincidentally, Odysseus spent 10 years fighting the war in Troy and 10 years voyaging back to his homeland. The similarities between Telemachus and Odysseus are important for Odysseus as he attempts to size up and test his sons virtues throughout the rest of the text.
“But you, Achilles, there’s not a man in the world more blest than you—there never has been, never will be one. Time was, when you were alive, we Argives honored you as a god, and now down here, I see, you lord it over the dead in all your power. So grieve no more at dying great Achilles. I reassured the ghosts but he broke out, protesting, ‘No winning words about death to me, shining Odysseus! By god, I’d rather slave on earth for another man—some dirt-poor tenant farmer who scrapes to keep alive—than rule down here over all the breathless dead” (265.547-558).
ReplyDeleteOdysseus has always been obsessed with how he looks in other people’s eyes. He has always wanted to be imaged as the relentless and brave soldier who wouldn’t stop at anything until he was satisfied, and if death halted him, at least he died with honor trying. To Odysseus, reputation is everything. By saying “we Argives honored you as a god,” he tells us that he reveres Achilles, who dies exactly how he would have wanted and pictured himself if he were to die—in war on the battlefield. Odysseus thinks that Achilles is the luckiest man because he rules over the dead and died a legend. Odysseus feels that death would be a sweet release to his “endless trouble” (265.546) type of life. However, Achilles feels the exact opposite. When he says, “I’d rather slave on earth for another man—some dirt poor tenant farmer,” he tells Odysseus that reputation (especially after death) means nothing, and he would give anything to be alive regardless of his social class or how famous he would be. Achilles tells Odysseus to not waste away his life on earth because once it’s gone he can’t go back: Achilles didn’t know what he had lost until it was gone. He took his life for granted. The ironic thing is they both envy each other and perfectly fit the idiom that states how the grass is always greener on the side in which the person isn’t on. Throughout The Odyssey, there are a lot of lessons that still occur even today. The one that Homer creates here is how people will always want what they can’t have.
From Mary Peabody...
ReplyDelete“Yes, yes, but tell me the truth now, goddess, I protested. Deadly Charybdis—can’t I possibly cut and run from her and still fight Scylla off when Scylla strikes my men? (12.123).
Odysseus is always up for the fight in this epic, however, he is foolish about when to fight and when to just get through it. Circe explains that no man has ever gotten past Scylla and Charybdis so Odysseus thinks all of a sudden that getting past them is too simple and decided that he should try to kill Scylla. This (in my opinion) is the cockiest Odysseus is in the entire book. He wants to show off to Circe that he can kill the monster but even she sees him as a foolish sailor who has gotten too full of it. He has already a ton of men, he only has one ship left and not even a full one he should not be so relaxed about loosing more men. In this passage I like that he used the word “cut” because although he doesn’t mean it this way in the passage he will have to cut of try to slice Scylla in his attempt to kill her. Also I think that the word “strike” is strategically placed because she will strike her necks and to capture her prey.
Good point, Mary P. This is a great example of a man who wants to kill just to make a statement--not because he needs to.
Delete"And I welcomed him warmly, cherished him, even vowed to make the man immortal, ageless, all his days. . . But since there is no way for another god to thwart the will of storming Zeus and make it come to nothing, let the man go- if the Almighty insists, commands-and destroy himself on the barren salt sea! I'll send him off, but not with any escort. I have no ships in reach, no crew to ply the oars and send him scudding over the sea's broad back" (5.150-159).
ReplyDeleteThis quote shows the true emotion that Calypso feels for Odysseus. This is not another Goddess messing with a human as a game, she truly has feelings for Odysseus and is willing to show it. She accuses the Gods of having a double standard towards humans. She does not think it is fair that the Gods may have affairs with humans but the Goddess's may not. When Hermes asks for her to release Odysseus she becomes quite flustered and even curses Zeus. This also shows Odysseus ability to resist temptation. Calypso is a beautiful Goddess who has offered him the gift of immortality yet he still has his eyes set on home. Having Odysseus chose a human over her upsets Calypso which fuels her anger in this passage. By telling Hermes that she has no crew for Odysseus she is giving putting his life in the hands of the Gods and Zeus.
“Odysseus scanned his house to see if any man
ReplyDeletestill skulked alive, still hoped to avoid black death.
But he found them one and all in blood and dust…
great hauls of them down and out like fish that fishermen
drag from the churning gray surf in looped and coiling nets
and fling ashore on a sweeping hook of beach—some noble catch
heaped on the sand, twitching, lusting for fresh salt sea
but the Sungod hammers down and burns their lives out…
so the suitors lay in heaps, corpse covering corpse.
At last the seasoned fighter turned to his son:
‘Telemachus, go, call the old nurse here—
I must tell her all that’s on my mind’ (451. 406-417).
This passage has an epic simile in it that compares the deaths of the suitors to fish that are plucked out from the ocean. There was also another time in The Odyssey where the deaths of men were compared to fish plucked out of the ocean, and it was when Odysseus’ men were being eaten by Scylla. Odysseus explains how his men were eaten, “Just as an angler poised on a jutting rock flings his treacherous bait…, whips his long rod—hook… and whisks up little fish he flips on the beach-break, writhing, gasping out their lives…so now they writhed, gasping as Scylla swung them up… she bolted them raw” (279. 271-277). The awful slaughter of men is described like fish plucked from the ocean because the men in both cases were helpless. The suitors were helpless because it was Odysseus who was fighting against them (with the help of Athena), so they had no chance of winning. Also, Odysseus’ men were helpless because Scylla was an awful monster that was not able to be defeated by mere men. Fish are helpless too because they cannot escape being captured by fishermen because they are lured by his bait or they are caught in a net.
Another way that the capturing of fish is the similar to the deaths of men is that they cannot avoid their death when it is inevitable. Odysseus’ men were not able to avoid being plucked from Scylla, and fish aren’t able to avoid fishermen. The suitors were not able to avoid their deaths because it was bound to happen by Odysseus and Athena. The only way they are able to escape their deaths are by luck. Fish are lucky when they escape fishermen’s nets or hooks. Odysseus was lucky when he escaped Scylla. The bard and Medon, the herald were lucky when they escaped their deaths.
Also the suitors are said to “lay in heaps, corpse covering corpse” after their murders, so they are exactly like fish that are caught in nets and flung onto a boat because fish lay in heaps together, one on top of another, where they suck for air. The tone of both passages in The Odyssey are very negative because they are so treacherous, murderous, and disgusting. The suitors are “like fish that fishermen drag from the churning gray surf”, and this makes the suitors weight “drag” like it’s not important because they are of no importance since they are dead now. This is such a negative way of explaining how the suitors were like after their murders, but it is also a negative event that occurred, so it makes sense to have this passage have a negative vibe to it. The passage with Odysseus’ men is negative as well because the men are described “writhing, gasping…as Scylla swung them up… bolted them raw”, so this reveals a murderous, treacherous death for these men too because they were eaten alive. Since the word ‘raw’ was used, it makes this passage even more negative because it makes the men seem like meat, just worthless, useless meat. The men are shown as worthless, and of no importance because of this comparison with fish.
Thanks for going into depth about this one, Janet. I think everyone would really benefit from reading this.
Delete"The inspired Prince Telemachus heard his pleas and quickly said to his father close beside him, 'stop, don't cut him down! This one's innocent. so is the herald Medon--the one who always tended me in the house when I was little-- spare him too. Unless he's dead now, killed by Philoetius or Eumaeus here-- or ran into you rampaging through the halls" (450, 374-381).
ReplyDeleteThis paragraph shows how Telemachus is more merciful than Odysseus. Telemachus has memories with these servants that Odysseus doesn't because he was gone for twenty years. This shows that Telemachus knows more about Ithaca now than Odysseus does. By Telemachus saying, "or ran into you rampaging through the halls," he is saying that Odysseus is bloodthirsty and wants all the suitors to die for what they did to his home. But the importance of Medon is to show that Odysseus doesn't know the difference between the suitors and his loyal citizens. Thus by Telemachus showing this to his father, he is saying that he knows this kingdom better than its own king.
Yes!! Great job, Charlie! And in this way, Telemachus is showing he is ready to lead.
Delete.“Naked Threats--and Athena hit new heights of rage, she lashed out at Odysseus now with blazing accusations: “where’s it gone, Odysseus—your power, your fighting heart? The great soldier who fought for famous white –armed Helen, battling Trojans nine long years—nonstop, no mercy, mowing their armies down in grueling battle….How can you bewail the loss of your combat strength in a war with suitors?” (446.233-243).
ReplyDeleteFrom the style of this quote, we as readers can see Athena using any means of motivation possible. She knows Odysseus’ fiery, hot spirit during the wartimes is slowly fading due to him being with his family at the peaceful country side that is his home. You can see the anger and desperation that is built up in Athena in the line, “she lashed out at Odysseus now with blazing accusations”. This very vivid description is used to further the point Homer is trying to make a crossed that this is Odysseus last major battle, because his kindred spirit needs more fuel to reignite the once great warrior inside of him. This fact as shown in the passage enrages Athena because she possible is more attached to the “wilder” Odysseus. This is why Athena unleashes her plurality of motivations towards him, to try and bring the warrior to Ithaca and potential keep the warrior in Ithaca. This fact can also be supported because none of Athena’s motivation includes information such as: this is your last fight or that Penelope is waiting for you and with her a long lasting peace will begin.
Last sentence:
DeleteThis is why later in book we know Odysseus adventurous spirit is still being kindled by Athena and is why he can never be truly peaceful at home.
Yes, but are they true?? Homer uses "blazing accusations"--does that mean they are accurate? And perhaps Homer isn't acting like a warrior here because he's not on the battlefield. He knows this space is different and needs to act as such.
Delete“Now along came this tramp, this public nuisance
ReplyDeleteArnæus was his name,
But all the young men called him Irus for short…
Well he came by…
And met Odysseus now with a rough, abusive burst:
‘Get off the porch, you old goat, before I haul you
Off by the leg! Can’t you see them give me the wink,
All of them here, to drag you out – and so I would…’
And the wily old soldier countered, ‘Out of your mind?
What damage have I done to you? What have I said?
I don’t grudge you anything…
This doorsill is big enough for the both of us….
Keep your fists to yourself, don’t press your luck, don’t rile me,
Or old as I am, I’ll bloody your lip, splatter your chest
And buy myself some peace and quiet for tomorrow”’ (18.1-29).
Irus does not represent a person, but an ideal – he is anger and impracticality. This encounter between Irus and Odysseus perfectly exhibits the conflict between rational and irrational on both a personal/internal scale and a public scale. As Odysseus summons his voice of reason and says, “Out of your mind? What damage have I done to you? What have I said? I don’t grudge you anything,” he is acting to buffer the hateful regurgitation of irrational vulgarity brought forth by Irus. Yet in the beginning, one side is not able to triumph over the other. Odysseus still must call upon his own irrational side to balance his own personal equation, as he gracefully remarks, “Or old as I am, I’ll bloody your lip, splatter your chest,” representing his warlike half, which has dwindled after his journey and is not as present, for it appeared as his second thought. However, by looking at Odysseus’s initial response, the one of reason and fairness, the idea that these two characters are opposites and antitheses of each other is revealed. Both are beggars, but one seeks to start the social fires – Irus – and represent Odysseus’s compulsive side, while the other – Odysseus himself – seeks to extinguish the burning flames and symbolize his own rational personality. Thus, both beggars act to balance out the overall equation of rationale and irrationality. In addition, Odysseus’s remark, “This doorsill is big enough for the both of us,” shows that in the emotional quarrel between Odysseus and his opposite, Irus, the good and the logic should prevail, as Odysseus actively desires to acknowledge the fact that his two sides should share a “doorsill” together and come to harmony, on both a social/civil scale and a mental scale. However, this harmony is not always possible in the mind, and the impending fight between his two sides resulting in Irus’s smashed neck demonstrates this. This quarrel does not show the victory of irrationality over rationality, but the opposite. Odysseus is defending his original response – reason – from the other – pugnacity – by any means necessary in order to preserve his most favourable and logical mental state - the one that has served him the most over the last ten years during his journey home.
“Muttering so, great Odysseus crept out of the bushes, stripping off with his massive hand a leafy branch from the tangled olive growth to shield his body, hide his private parts. And out he stalked as a mountain lion exultant in his power strides through wind and rain and his eyes blaze and he charges sheep or oxen or chases wild deer but his hunger drives him on to go for flocks, even to raid the best-defended homestead. So Odysseus moved out… about to mingle with all those lovely girls, naked now as he was, for the need drove him on, a terrible sight, all crushed, caked with brine-- they scattered in panic down the jutting beaches” (172. 139-152).
ReplyDeleteOdysseus through out each story has experienced a vastly new way of life and people. Odysseus seems to begin generating two different personalities depending on where he is. While in the Phaeacians’ town Odysseus is introduced to a new group of people, and he is unaware of how they act. So Odysseus is open to revealing himself in a very striking manner appearing naked to a group of women, and Odysseus becomes overthrown by a mixed group of emotions. He probably thinks these people may speak his language and he could arrive home safely now or they could be a group of savages. So Odysseus presents himself as some type of barbarian. This leaves me and other readers I feel to wonder how will Odysseus react when he eventually arrives back home in Ithaca once he is reunited with Penelope? For that matter has this journey home from Troy to Ithaca really changed Odysseus for good? Did the war scar him mentally or did it just change his out look on how people interact in an unknown place?
Great questions at the end, Amy.
Delete“But still they paused at her doors, the nymph with lovely braids, Circe–and deep inside they heard her singing, lifting her spellbinding voice as she glided back and forth at her great immortal loom, her enchanting web a shimmering glory only goddesses can weave. Polites, captain of armies, took command, the closest, most devoted man I had: ‘Friends, there’s someone inside, plying a great loom, and how she sings–enthralling! The whole house is echoing to her song. Goddess or woman–let’s call out to her now!’” (237.240-251)
ReplyDeleteIn The Odyssey, weaving represents cunning and deception. This passage focuses on Circe’s weaving and how she creates a trap. Circe deceives whomever comes onto her island, so it’s fitting that she’s described as sitting “at her great immortal loom” because she is forever tricking the men who happen upon her palace. She is weaving an “enchanting web,” which she’ll use to trap Odysseus’s men and turn them into pigs. She’s “plying a great loom,” which means she’s creating a great trap. Her intrigue, another theme that weaving represents, has completely enraptured the men. Her “spellbinding” and “enthralling” voice just makes her lure even more irresistible. She weaves all the elements of her beautiful voice, the illusion of safety, and the satisfaction of food together to create a web that enchants and ensnares the men.
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ReplyDelete“Quick, they rushed him, seized him, haled him back by the hair, flung him down on the floor, writhing with terror, bound him hand and foot with a chafing cord, wrenched in his limbs back, back till the joints locked tight—just as Laertes’ cunning son had commanded—they strapped and twisted a cable around his body, hoisted him up a column until he hit the rafters, then you mocked him, Eumaeus, my good swineherd: ‘Now stand guard through the whole nigh, Melanthius—stretched out on a soft bed fit for you, your highness. You’re bound to see the Morning rising up from the Ocean, mounting her golden throne—at just the hour you always drive in the goats’” (445, Homer).
ReplyDeleteThis passage from Slaughter In the Halls marks the second time in the epic Homer uses the second person. Homer originally switched to the second person to gain the audiences’ affection for Odysseus, but when he uses it again by saying, “you mocked him, Eumaeus,” all the affection for Odysseus is lost. Homer uses the second person again to try and regain the audiences’ affection during some of Odysseus’s darkest moments. This quote for example, comes when Odysseus’s torture order is being carried out. When slaughtering all of the suitors in the first place is frowned upon, torturing one of them too is the worst thing Odysseus could have done for his reputation. Odysseus brings the hardships and gruesomeness of war back home to Ithaca in this book, and this quote exemplifies this because on the next page Athena references the Trojan War and tells Odysseus to keep fighting like he did then. This quote also depicts Homer’s meticulous use of detail. He creates a vivid visual of Melanthius’s body being broken and tortured. Homer gives every scene in this whole epic ample detail, even when the scene is a gruesome as this one.
Nice job catching the second person here. So what are we supposed to make of this fall from grace--not just for Melanthius but for Eumaeus as well? "You mocked him" can't be a compliment, right?
Delete"Infested with ticks, half-dead from neglect, here lay the hound, old Argos. But the moment he sensed Odysseus standing by he thumped his tail, nuzzling low, and his ears dropped, though he had no strength to drag himself an inch toward himself toward his master. Odysseus glanced to the side and flicked away a tear, hiding it from Eumaeus, diverting his friend in a hasty, offhand way: 'Strange, Eumaeus, look, a dog like this, lying here on a dung-hill..what handsome lines! But I can't say for sure if he had the running speed to match his looks or he was only the sort that gentry spoil the table, slow-dogs masters pamper for their points'(364.328-341).
ReplyDeleteComing from Book 17: Strangers at the Gates this is one of the most saddening passages in the epic. It was also the first time the audience saw someone or thing that that immediately recognized Odysseus, despite his guise. One thing that is interesting is that in the second sentence Homer decides to start with a preposition. Normally starting a sentence with a preposition is seen as unconventional in the English language; however, I believe Homer does so to grab the reader's attention. Another facet of this passage that makes it unique is the amount of adjectives used before Homer gets to the point. Normally Homer utilizes an epithet or just one adjective, in this passage he used two or three adjectives before telling the subject or main point. As we have seen before Homer displays Odysseus as stoic and unphased while also capable of being emotional and sentimental. Homer describes Odysseus as being emotional when saying, "Odysseus glanced to the side and flicked away a tear"(364.330), but also describes his more hardcore side,"Strange, Eumaeus,look, a dog like this, lying here on a dung hill"(364.332).This is another example of Homer utilizing the quintessential Greek hero, who displays characteristics of prowess and vulnerability, Homer shows the audience the humanity in Odysseus, so we can relate to him.
And how Odysseus can be two people at one time: a public persona and an emotional, private man.
Delete"Joy, warm as the joy that shipwrecked sailors feel
ReplyDeletewhen they catch sight of land-- Poseidon has struck
their well-rigged ship on the open sea with gale winds
and crushing walls of waves, and only a few escape, swimming,
struggling out of the frothing surf to reach the shore,
their bodies crusted with salt but buoyed up with joy
as they plant their feet on solid ground again,
spared a deadly fate. So joyous now to her
the sight of her husband, vivid in her gaze
that her white arms, embracing his neck
would never for a moment let him go..." (463. 262-272).
This quote is right after Penelope realizes that Odysseus is back after he reveals the story of the bed. This simile is rather interesting because it describes joy in a very nontraditional way. The tone of the simile is actually very negative; not many people survive this imaginary boat crash. Phrases like "struggling out of the frothing surf," "crushing walls of waves," and "deathly fate" don't really set the mood for a joyous reunion. The survivors, however, are very likely to be joyous to have reached their homes and refuge. This is what it is like for Odysseus to be back in Penelope's arms. While it was great that he reached Ithaca, it wasn't until he made it to Penelope that he felt like he was finally home. Another very interesting observation that I made was that Odysseus practically lived out this simile after Zeus struck a thunderbolt to his ship. This was such a negative memory, so it was interesting that this was included in his first meeting with Penelope as Odysseus. This passage is very significant because Penelope has finally reunited with Odysseus, and it also adds some interesting highlights to joyous occasion.
Odysseus has many moments in the text when he is overjoyed to see land. I think this simile puts Penelope in the position of also feeling this same type of joy, thus further connecting their experiences at the moment of reunion.
Delete"Telemachus," Odysseus, man of exploits, urged his son,
ReplyDelete"it's wrong to marvel, carried away in wonder so
to see your father here before your eyes.
No other Odysseus will ever return to you.
That man and I are one, the man you see . . .
here after many hardships,
endless wanderings, after twenty years
I have come home to native ground at last.
My changing so? Athena's work, the Fighter's Queen --
she has that power, she makes me look as she likes,
now like a beggar, the next moment a young man,
decked out in handsome clothes about my body.
It's light work for the gods who rule the skies
to exalt a mortal man or bring him low" (345. 229-242).
I believe that in this passage, Odysseus is being very humble towards Telemachus. WRONG! Odysseus is being completely passive aggressive in this. Odysseus exclaims, “it's wrong to marvel, carried away in wonder so to see your father here before your eyes.” (345. 230-231). This in my eyes is passive aggressive. When people use words like the wonder to see someone, It is obviously glorifying the person you're describing. Odysseus has been notorious throughout this whole book for being arrogant and this is just another example of it. He also says mentions that Athena, just a friend of his, can change his appearance into this old man and then into a young, strong and fit stud: “My changing so? Athena's work, the Fighter's Queen --
she has that power, she makes me look as she likes, now like a beggar, the next moment a young man, decked out in handsome clothes about my body” (345. 237-241). ‘Hey kid, I'm your shape-shifting father. Aren't you gonna give me a hug or something?’ I would be scared too if I saw this creepy old beggar turn into Taylor Lautner.
Your posts crack me up, Jake.
Delete“Then, as doves or thrushes beating their spread wings against some snare rigged up in thickets- flying in for a cozy nest but a grisly bed receives them- so the women's heads were trapped in a line, nooses yanking their necks up, one by one so all might die a pitiful, ghastly death... they kicked up heels for a little- not for long” (454. 494-499).
ReplyDeleteThe metaphor of the birds and thrushes gives insight into the maids' predicament with the suitors. Through Odysseus's killing of the maids, who are represented by the birds, he temporarily becomes a villain. Doves are known to represent peace and serenity, while thrushes represent innocence. The ensnaring of the doves is portraying the lack of peace, and the killing of a thrush, a symbol of purity, represents Odysseus's cruelty. The metaphor implies that the maids may be receiving blame for something they didn't do. The fact that the innocent creatures are being trapped alludes to the idea that maybe the maids were also trapped. The suitors were always seen as violent and cruel, so it is possible that the women were harassed or even raped. The “snare rigged up in thickets” seemed deceptively safe, just like the maids' household. Another sign of the women's innocence is the bird symbolism throughout The Odyssey. They are always seen as a sign from the gods, and are usually a good omen. In the end, the women's innocence made them as vulnerable as a bird to a hunter.
Great insight, Grace--I totally agree with you.
DeleteOdysseus may return- there's still room for hope! Or if he's dead as you think and never coming home, well there's his son, Telemachus....like father, like son....No women's wildness here in the house escapes the prince's eye. He's come of age at last" (393.91-96).
ReplyDeleteThis is Odysseus congratulations to his wife Penelope. The master of craft, Odysseus doesn't just hand out compliments he is far more complex than that. Odysseus is disguised as a beggar in this scene and he is trying to give Penelope a sense of hope but he is also telling her she has made it though Odysseus test and then some. Odysseus told Penelope that she should marry when Telemachus grows facial hair, and even though Telemachus is a man she has yet to find a new husband. Odysseus is thereby congratulating Penelope or saying thank you for being the ultimate wife. Penelope has waited all these years and even though she was told to marry she refused because she still had faith that her husband was alive. Odysseus even says if you think he's never coming home then there's his son, who in fact has come of age but yet you still do not marry. Odysseus is in disbelief that she has come so far and has been able to stay faithful. This is Odysseus showing his respect and condolences for his wife because she achieved something he could not, which is loyalty. Odysseus slept with many women on his voyage and we know of Penelope slept with none. Penelope has countless suitors knocking at her door begging for her yet she remains faithful and this is the first time Odysseus see's his wife. Obviously, Odysseus is not going to fling his arms around her and thank her but he does include this subtle moment of thanks.
Nice response and sentiment, Billy. What do you make of this line, though? "No women's wildness here in the house escapes the prince's eye."
DeleteI believe the line "No women's wildness here in the house escapes the prince's eye" is yet another test. At first glance I thought Odysseus was talking about the girls of the house who were sleeping with the suitors. But after re-reading the statement I realized it also referred to Penelope. Telemachus had a watchful eye on the young girls of the house and he lashes out at them later by calling them whores but this was also a test to Penelope's faithfulness. As far as we know Penelope was faithful and I really believe she was and I believe she had more fortitude than the great "hero" Odysseus.
DeleteWell done, Billy. I couldn't agree with you more.
DeleteWell done, Billy. I couldn't agree with you more.
Delete"Only Eurymachus had the breath to venture, 'If you,
ReplyDeleteyou're truly Odysseus of Ithaca, home at last,
you're right to accuse these men of what they've done-
so much reckless outrage here in your palace
so much on your lands. But here he lies,
quite dead, and he incited it all -Antinous-
look, the man who drove us all to crime!
...
So spare your own people!
...
Before we've settled,
who on earth could blame you for your rage?'
But the battle-master kept on glaring, seething.
'No Eurymachus!'
When Odysseus first returned to Ithaca, he told Eumaeus that when he was about to be killed by Egyptians for raiding their cities, killing the men, and dragging off the women and children, that he hugs and kisses the king's knees. He begs for mercy, and the king spares him and refuses to let the Egyptians kill him. However, when Odysseus comes across Eurymachus and is begged for mercy, he refuses and kills him anyways. This parallels the bible story of The Ungrateful Servant, wherein a king is going to have a servant sold into slavery because he owes the king a huge sum of money, but the servant begs for mercy. The king takes pity on the servant and relieves him of his debt. However when the servant sees his neighbor who only owes him a few dollars, he throws him in jail when he can not pay him back. When the king hears, he throws the first servant in jail. In this scenario, since the king from Odysseus's story isn't real, the person he actually has to answer to is probably the gods. They have already told Odysseus, through Tiresias, how he will die, and Odysseus has and will continue to suffer plenty for his actions, even before they happen. Also similarly, Odysseus has greatly wronged the "king"/gods with all his murder and pillaging, while Eurymachus has only committed the comparatively small crime of eating Odysseus's food and trying to marry his wife. This allusion also equates Odysseus with a servant, which is interesting mostly because he is supposed to represent "everyman". Odysseus is a servant to his past, to Penelope, and to returning to Ithaca, in that those are the things that rule his life. And since he is everyman, this passage could be representing how we all are "servants" to something in our lives.
The parable is from Matthew 18:21-35
DeleteSome interesting points here, one of which is that "this allusion equates Odysseus with a servant." Perhaps Homer is suggesting that he NEEDS to act more like a servant or beggar here? Perhaps he has transitioned from beggar to rightful king too quickly?
Delete“She drifted a sound slumber over Icarius’ daughter, back she sank and slept, her limbs fell limp and still, reclining there on her couch, all the while Athena, luminous goddess, lavished immortal gifts on her to make her suitors lose themselves in wonder” (382. 213-217).
ReplyDeleteSleep reoccurs throughout The Odyssey because it symbolizes change. Change affects every character differently because like sleep, change can either be a gift or a burden. Change is not always well received but can become a gift once it’s accepted. For Penelope, change has to occur. Although Penelope is cunning, she fails to change her situation and instead forces Athena to make the first move towards change. Athena is known to push Odysseus and Telemachus to continue and preserve in their situation. However with Penelope, Athena is more forward because she doesn’t allow Penelope to stay in her same situation and changes the way she looked for twenty years. Penelope’s transformation is a gift because Athena blessed her with newfound beauty. Having Penelope look more beautiful than before created a newfound desire among the suitors to try and woo her. This was part of Athena’s plan because it would not only make the suitors stay but also force Odysseus to have more rage. However, unlike Penelope, sleep was a burden for Odysseus. Although sleep created change that forced Penelope out of her bad habits, it also created change that would force Odysseus years of suffering.
"With that he trained a stabbing arrow on Antinous... just lift in a gorgeous golden loving-cup in his hands, just titliting the two handled goblet back to his lips, about to drain the wine-- and slaughter the last thing on the suitor's mind: who could dream that one foe in that crowd of feasters, however great his power, would bring down death on himself, and balck doom? But Odysseus aimed and shot Antinous square in the throat and the point went stabbing clean through the soft neck and out-- and off to the side he pitched, the cup dropped from his grasp as the shaft sank home, and the man's life-blood came spurting from his nostrils-- thick red jets-- a sudden thrust of his foot-- he kicked away the table-- food showered across the floor, the bread and meats soaked in a swirl of bloody filth" (439-440. 8-21).
ReplyDeleteBook 22, Slaughter in the Hall, is often thought of as a pseudo-Iliad because of the battles that take place. This passage reminds us that the Iliad was battle at Troy. What happened in the hall was no battle. Neither side, the suitors nor Odysseus and his allies, was ready to fight a fair battle, making it a slaughter. This is clear when Homer says that Odysseus shot Antinous "square in the throat," no warning, just cold-blooded murder. I think that this was the most important kill of all the suitors. Antinous was the head-honcho, the man calling all the shots, the man that first took advantage of Odysseus's home. Also, he was killed while drinking the very thing that made him prime for being murdered: wine. Odysseus was angry that all of the suitors were courting his wife and planning on taking over his kingdom, but he was also angry that they were not following the code of hospitality and taking his stuff, including his food and wine. The suitors were gluttonous and represented a lack of discipline and no self control. When Antinous was killed, the "thick red jets" from his nostril could be a symbol to the wine, that he had consumed without being invited, rushing from his body; like a luxury being emptied from a person that did not deserve it. When he kicked the table and finally fell, the food, a symbol of wealth and hospitality, fell to the floor and became surrounded in his "bloody filth." The wine that was once held with high esteem is now filthy and the food that was considered delicious is also filthy because of its final release from Antinous's body.
"So Odysseus looked now, splattered with gore, his thighs, his fighting hands, and she, when she saw the corpses, all the pooling blood, was about to lift a cry of triumph--here was a great exploit, look--but the soldier held her back and checked her zeal with warning winging home: 'Rejoice in your heart, old woman--peace! No cries of triumph now. It's unholy to glory over the bodies of the dead"(452.430-438).
ReplyDeleteThis passage shows the contrast between Odysseus' noble character and his beastly one. Throughout "The Odyssey", it is clear that Odysseus is not meant to be portrayed as the ideal hero; rather, he is quite the opposite. Homer depicts the man as he would most likely appear in reality. He has flaws, just like anyone else. The quotation from Book 22 shows this perfectly. When Homer describes the blood and gore surrounding Odysseus while he is talking about the unholiness of glorying over dead bodies, it shows Odysseus' hypocrisy and provides irony. In other words, he has just killed a myriad of men, yet, he is rambling on about how to be noble. One could argue that Homer is actually focusing on Odysseus' flaws in this passage rather than his nobility that is implied through Odysseus' speech at the end of the quote. This is because of the blatant hypocrisy in Odysseus' talk. He makes Odysseus look like an immature boy by having him say something that sounds good but in reality is foolish considering the circumstances.This passage proves that Odysseus is not the mature, chivalrous person that many people view as a hero, and it enhances the message that Homer is trying to send about reality.
Interesting take, Evan. I agree, but I also think it could be again showing the different sides of Odysseus. After a show of such gore and violence (in which you could argue Odysseus is not heroic), he pulls out these lines, which rein in his arrogance, pride, and hubris, perhaps revealing a more tender, human side.
Delete"Weak as the doe that beds down her fawns in a mighty lion's den-her newborn sucklings- then trails off to the mountains spurs and grassy bends to graze her fill, but back the lion comes to his own lair and the master deals both fawns a ghastly bloody death" (135). In this quote, Menelaus talks about a doe, a lion, and a fawn. The doe is Penelope, the lion is Odysseus, and the fawns are the suitors. Lions are powerful and strong just like Odysseus. Fawns can be selfish and can be dangerous when they lose control. That perfectly fits the suitors! When it says: "weak as a doe that beds down her fawns in a mighty lions den" it means that Penelope is letting the suitors stay in Odysseus' house while he is away. It then says: "but back the lion comes to his own lair and the master deals both fawns a ghastly bloody death." He is saying that when Odysseus comes back to his house, he is going to slaughter all of the suitors. Menelaus is foreshadowing the fate of the suitors, which we see later on in the book. Menelaus is letting Telemachus know that the suitors will be taken care of when Odysseus gets back.
ReplyDeleteGood analysis, Bailey--but why are the suitors the doe's fawns? Doesn't that make her their mother?
Delete"So damn those lords and captains, those Phaeacians! Not entirely honest or upright, were they? Sweeping me off to this, this no-man's land, and they, they swore they'd sail me home to sunny Ithaca -- well, they never kept their word. Zeus of the suppliants, pay them back -- he keeps an eye on the world of men and punishes all transgressors!" (293).
ReplyDeleteIn this passage, noble Odysseus makes a snap judgment before really assessing what has happened to him. He quickly blames the Phaeacians for something that they didn't do. Judging on the fact that the Odyssey is an insight on the human experience, this passage is not humanities’ strongest moment. Odysseus, a powerful king who serves his people loyally, quickly judges the nice people that took him home just because he doesn't immediately see what he wants. He damns them to suffer under Zeus's wrath, which they do in a terrible shipwreck. This passage shows how jealous humans can be of their own material possessions. In the next short passage, Odysseus even accuses the Phaeacians of stealing his treasures. Those treasures were gifts to him in the first place so technically it wasn't even stealing if they did! This passage shows how human Odysseus really is. He spends the whole book "saving people" and avoiding death and being revered as "god-like" by even the gods themselves and this is one true moment in which Odysseus is really human. He shows a weakness, and that gives Odysseus even more character depth. Even the most perfect person can make mistakes.
"Of all that breathes and crawls across the earth, our mother earth breeds nothing feebler than a man. So long as the gods grant him power, spring in his knees, he thinks he will never suffer affliction down the years. But then, when the happy gods bring on the long hard times, bear them he must, against his will, and steel his heart. Our lives, our mood and mind as we pass across the earth, turn as the days turn... as the father of men and gods makes each day dawn" (380.150-158).
ReplyDeleteThe first part of this quote talks about the stages of life starting out as a very feeble baby. The gods nurture them to adulthood where inevitably the humans meet long, hard times. "Our lives, our mood and mind" shows that in a lifetime, we can expect changes in our attitude, thinking capability, and understanding. This passage references "mother earth" and "the father of men and gods". Mother earth is seen as a life source and the father of men and gods symbolizes power to turn the world. One is a breeder and one makes the world go round. An interesting point is "the father of men and gods" references something singular that is bigger than the gods. There are the Titans, which are bigger than the gods; however, this references something singular, leading to believe there is something even bigger than them. This could be alluding to the belief in one major entity, above the titans and gods. The infamous "But then" appears in this passage to divide the youth and adulthood. Adulthood is bearing hard times and hardening your heart; this is shown by Telemachus as we get to see him grow up and grow stronger in his heart. This passage tells the reader that we are passing across the earth and turning at the same time. This section talks about the differences of youth and adulthood, and how as adults, our lives turn as each day turns.
“Give the boy the name I tell you now. Just as I have come from afar, creating pain for many man and woman across the good green earth so let his name be Odysseus…the son of pain, a name he will earn in full.” (403.460-464)
ReplyDeleteThis quote is very significant because it tells the reader, or the viewer how and why his name Odysseus and what Odysseus means. Naming a son or daughter is a very important process in a person’s life. To be named after your father or grandfather, is supposed to honorable and continuing on the legacy. In this case Autolycus, Odysseus’s grandfather decides to choose a name that is not meant to be good. A son of pain is somebody that you don’t want to be or even be associated with especially if your grandfather created pain for many. The last seven words in the sentence are the words that are truly important and tell why Odysseus is the person that he is. Just think about all the pain he has suffered. From being away from his family and homeland for almost twenty years, having to fight in wars, starved, gotten frozen cold at night, he has had to endure a lot. Although he suffered, he also created pain for other people: he left his loving wife, son , mother and father back at home for longer than twenty years, waiting on word that he is still alive and if he will ever come back home, he killed many people during the wars and fights he got into creating physical pain, and he even found a way to create emotional pain for people he didn’t even know, the suitors families that were mourning the loss of their loved ones. Although he is the “son of pain” he truly created pain for himself and others.
'"No I am not a God, the long-enduring, great Odysseus returned. "'Why confuse me with one who never dies? No, I am your father- the Odysseus you wept for all your days, your bore a world of pain, the cruel abuse of men." "And with those words, Odysseus kissed his son" (344. 209-215).
ReplyDeleteThis quote is very powerful. It has a way of making you feel sympathy for Odysseus, even if you don't really want to. I like this quote a lot because I really think that it is the point in the epic where Telemachus and Odysseus start to build their friendship/father son relationship. It is very unique because the wording is so pure and intense. When Odysseus says"why confuse me with one who never dies?" That is such a good line because he knows that he doesn't even consider himself a God and he certainly doesn't want his son to start thinking he is some God because he knows he still has to explain himself for where he has been for the past twenty years. Then he closes this quote with a Star Wars reference by saying "I am your father." That was cool because it was unintentional, but it made the passage a little bit more fun to read. The thing is, what do you think could be going through Odysseus's head at that moment? What do you think is going through Telemachus's head at that moment? I mean the guy hasn't seen his Dad for twenty years, and then suddenly just shows up and says I am your father. That is pretty intense. I wonder if Telemachus knew right away if that was his dad? At first I don't think he did because he was pretty unsure because it all happened so quickly, but in the end I think deep down he always knew it was him.
“Where’s it gone, Odysseus-your power, your fighting heart? The great soldier who fought for the famous white-armed Helen, battling Trojans nine long years-nonstop, no mercy, mowing their armies down in grueling battle….How can you-now you’ve returned to your own house, your own wealth-bewail the loss of your combat strength in a war with suitors?” (446. 236-243).
ReplyDeleteWhile we do not get much involvement from Athena in the book 23, this speech speaks volumes about Odysseus’ character and mentality. As someone who believed in Odysseus Athena is outraged with the lack of courage he shows against the suitors. When he talks to the suitors, he asks for help something Athena believes he would never do in battle. The great, war hero Odysseus would never ask for help on a task that tested his manhood. This speech from Athena depicts the two faces of Odysseus. As a soldier he would do anything for his pride and victory and was applauded for his efforts. When fighting for the love of his wife, that was faithful to him for twenty years while he was away, he chokes. Perhaps this shows that Odysseus’ heart was no longer in truly in love with Penelope. He could not do a task of extreme importance without a crack of his courage, while he showed tremendous courage on the battlefield.
“Where’s it gone, Odysseus-your power, your fighting heart? The great soldier who fought for the famous white-armed Helen, battling Trojans nine long years-nonstop, no mercy, mowing their armies down in grueling battle….How can you-now you’ve returned to your own house, your own wealth-bewail the loss of your combat strength in a war with suitors?” (446. 236-243).
ReplyDeleteWhile we do not get much involvement from Athena in the book 23, this speech speaks volumes about Odysseus’ character and mentality. As someone who believed in Odysseus Athena is outraged with the lack of courage he shows against the suitors. When he talks to the suitors, he asks for help something Athena believes he would never do in battle. The great, war hero Odysseus would never ask for help on a task that tested his manhood. This speech from Athena depicts the two faces of Odysseus. As a soldier he would do anything for his pride and victory and was applauded for his efforts. When fighting for the love of his wife, that was faithful to him for twenty years while he was away, he chokes. Perhaps this shows that Odysseus’ heart was no longer in truly in love with Penelope. He could not do a task of extreme importance without a crack of his courage, while he showed tremendous courage on the battlefield.
"A son of Dolius snapped to his command,
ReplyDeleteran to the door and saw them all too close
and shouted back to Odysseus,
'They're on top of us! To arms -- and fast!'
Up they sprang and strapped themselves in armor,
the three men with Odysseus, Dolius' six sons
and Dolius and Laertes clapped on armor too,
gray as they were, but they would fight if forced.
Once they had all harnessed up in a burnished bronze
they opened the doors and strode out, Odysseus in the lead" (24.544-553).
In this passage taken from Book 24, Homer is creating a puzzle for the portion of his audience willing to dig below the surface of his story. At first, the fact that Dolius has six "good" sons willing to die at Odysseus' side and Melantho and Melanthius, the "bad" offspring who jeered Odysseus as a beggar, may seem odd to the readers. Why would Homer create two malignant offspring for a man who showed such great happiness towards Odysseus' return immediately when he "rushed up to [Odysseus], clutched [him] by the wrist and kissed his hand" (24.441-442)? Furthermore, Homer makes a point of naming Laertes' faithful servant Dolius after the Greek word for "fraudulent" (http://translate.google.com/#el/en/%CE%B4%CF%8C%CE%BB%CE%B9%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%82). This combination of facts from both the text and outside sources blend together to raise one more question for the audience: what does the significance of the name Dolius have to do with the character named Dolius? There seems to be only one probable answer. Dolius must, sometime in the future, turn on Odysseus and his family. Maybe Dolius could even be the cause for Odysseus' later journey from Ithaca; perhaps Dolius committed some treachery against Penelope and Telemachus that forced Odysseus to become a fugitive. It seems that due to Homer's lack of explanation, the true reason behind Dolius' name and Odysseus' journey will be left up to the imagination of the readers.
"Of all that breathes and crawls across the earth, our mother earth breeds nothing feebler than a man. So long as the gods grant him power, spring in his knees, he thinks he will never suffer affliction down the years. But then, when the happy gods bring on the long hard times, bear them he must, against his will, and steel his heart. Our lives, our mood and mind as we pass across the earth, turn as the days turn... as the father of men and gods makes each day dawn" (380. 150-158).
ReplyDeleteThis is in response to Kate Wood’s blog post. When I read this quote, it never occurred to me that it could be talking about how humans grow up. I read it as saying that our human characteristics and our earthbound existence are what make us vulnerable and “feeble.” We, as humans, are born with a kind and loving nature, and we have desires and “needs.” These are what make us fragile and weak. We have the tendency when we are young to think that things will always go our way, but that is not what happens, and that is the “He thinks he will never suffer” part of the quote. Unfair and bad things happen in the world, and that is the “Gods bring on the long hard times” part. And we must “bear” and endure them. As we grow older, we “steel [our] heart[s]”; we mature and learn to accept the inevitability of suffering.
"'No fear in your heart? Wine's got to your wits?-- or do you always play the fool and babble nonsense? Lost your head, have you, because you drubbed that hobo Irus? You wait--a better man than Irus will take you on, he'll box both sides of your skull with heavy fists and cart you from the palace gushing blood!'
ReplyDelete'You wait, you bitch'--the hardened veteran flashed a killing look" (386. 375-379).
The way that Melantho mocks Odysseus shows the twisted morals of the suitors and how they are bringing everyone in Odysseus's home to their level; however, the way that Odysseus replies is surprising, as most beggars wouldn't talk back to the people who are at least giving them food. This may hint to some people in the home that this beggar is in fact Odysseus, since only he would be so bold with threats as a beggar. I wondered why some of the maids would be so rude and inhospitable to beggars when it is not their wealth that is being abused by so many, it is Odysseus's wealth. Athena is likely affecting these unloyal maids along with the suitors to keep making Odysseus more and more angry, so Athena will get the slaughter she wants so badly.
“Do I stay beside my son and keep all things secure--my lands, my serving-women, the grand high-roofed house--true to my husband’s bed, the people’s voice as well? Or do I follow, at last, the best man who courts me here in the halls, who gives the greatest gifts?” (407. 592-6).
ReplyDeleteI feel like this passage really captures the essence of Penelope’s pressure of responsibility. Since she’s been on her own for 20 years now, I think she’s finally come to grips with the idea that maybe she needs to move on with her life. She battles staying back and ruling over her husband while he’s gone, but I think she’s afraid of doing so because she will do nothing but be reminded of her husband. If Penelope goes, I think she believes it will allow her to move on with another man. She also sees it as a way to make her son happy. By leaving the kingdom to him, this would enable him to become the ruler and be his own man. Regardless, Penelope is facing an ongoing internal battle within herself. She feels guilty and selfish because of her continuous mourning. She feels as though she’s bringing other people down with her. One way or another, it’s going to be hard for her to make that decision. All of the suitors surrounding her with their proposed feelings of love is only clouding her judgement even more. She just wants this love to happen naturally and not forced upon her. But ultimately, she wants Odysseus back.
Athena says at the end of the book, “court the rage of Zeus who rules the world!”(Book 24,597).
ReplyDeleteThis is Athena telling everyone to just stop with the fighting and be in peace. She consults with Zeus before had on what to do about the fighting and this is what she does. She’s going into the center of all the war and tells all to stop. Even though Athena is a goddess I think what she did was bold, courageous, and showed care. She’s bold because she’s going out in the middle of everyone and telling them to stop even though she knows of all the anger that is involved on both sides. What she did showed courage because she did this not knowing of what the reaction would be. She got her courage to do this from Zeus who is the most powerful one who rules over everything and she knew all would be in fear and listen to her with Zeus on her side. She could of just set back and watched letting it all just unfold, but instead she stood up and put a stop to it because she cares for all. This quote being the basic end to the book is perfect because it shows who is really in power in the end and what is best for everyone who is to have peace and forget the past.
“No mortal on earth could breed a finer stock of oxen-broad in the bow, they thrive like ears of corn. But just look, these interlopes tell me to drive them in for their own private feasts. Not a thought for the young prince in the house, they never flinch- no regards for the gods’ wrath- in their mad rush to cave up his goods, my master long gone! I’m tossed from horn to horn n my own mind... What a traitor I’d be, with the prince still alive, if I’d run off to some country, herds and all, to a new set of strangers. Ah, but isn’t it worse to hold out here, tending the herds for upstarts, not their owners-suffering all the pains of hell? I could have fled, ages ago, to some great king who’d give me shelter. It’s unbearable here. True, but I still dream of my old master, unlucky man- if only he’d drop in from the blue and drive these suitors all in a rout throughout the hall” (417).
ReplyDeleteAt Odysseus’s first encounter with the cowherd, Philoetius, he is handed valuable information. First, the cowherd tells him that Telemachus is an amazing man. However, he tells Odysseus that he is held back by the suitors who carelessly take advantage of him. Also, Odysseus is told that it is okay to kill the suitors because they don’t acknowledge the gods, meaning that the gods will not punish him for the slaughter. More importantly, the cowherds tone and speech proves he is loyal to Odysseus without having to be tested. In a very sincere voice, he tells Odysseus that he could have gone to serve another master in some other land. However, he stayed in Ithaca and suffered hell, because he is forever loyal to Odysseus. This speech saves valuable time that Odysseus might have waisted on testing Philoetius.
*(417.233-251)
Delete"i found my loyal crew consumed with grief and weeping live warm tears. But now as calves in stalls when cows come home, droves of them herded back from field to farmyard once they've grazed--as all their young calves come frisking out to meet them, bucking out of their pens" (Homer 243). When Odysseus compares his as the calves yearning to go home, it symbolizes their own lust for home. Also when he refers to the herder, this is Odysseus because of his leadership capabilities that he utilizes on his men. Also when he is talking about the young calves he is referring to Telemachus, and the calf frisking out to meet them symbolizes Telemachus's quest to search out knowledge about his father.
ReplyDelete“I broke into sweat, my friend, when I first saw you-- see, my eyes still burn with tears, remembering him, Odysseus...He must be wear such rags, I know it, knocking about, drifting through the world if he’s still alive and sees the light of day. If he’s dead already, lost in the House of the Death, my heart aches for Odysseus, my great lord and master” (417.224-229).
ReplyDeleteIn Book 20: Portents Gather, Philoetius,the loyal cowherd, says this, and what made this quote stand out to me was the word "if." That word implies that Philoetius still has hope that Odysseus could still be alive. He is the only one who still thinks this when Aethon (Odysseus) asks about his whereabouts. Everyone else that Aethon asks quickly states that Odysseus is never coming back. Penelope states "Odysseus, I tell you, is never coming back" (400.359), and Telemachus states "but he's surely died a wretched death by now" (328.299). Two people who should have had the most faith in Odysseus's whereabouts did not show their loyalty, but it was the servant who did. They were not theoretical to what they said in believing the possibility of Odysseus still being alive. They directly stated their belief that he was dead without wavering on the possibility of his existance. However, Philoetius was theoretical in his statement in having the idea that he may be alive. He even goes to by hypothesizing on Odysseus's current state by being a beggar in rags, which is ironic because that is the actual current state of Odysseus. This is something Penelope and Telemachus never do. By this, the quote shows the true loyalty of the suitors, especially Philoetius
"'Cowherd,' the cool tactition Odysseus answered, 'you're no coward, and nobody's fool, I'd say.'" (417)
ReplyDeleteThis quote is from Book 20. I think that this quote shows the intentional nature that Homer had while writing the Odyssey. In Auerbach's essay, he argued that Homer simply wrote the Odyssey to get the story down on paper, taking no caution in story telling. I completely disagree. I think that this word play shows how thoughtful Homer was while writing this epic.
Whose post is this? I can't give you credit it for it without a name...
Delete“So I said and they jumped to do my bidding. Only Euryochus tried to hold my shipmates back, his mutinous outburst aimed at one and all: Poor fools, where are we running now? Why are we tempting fate?- why stumble blindly down to Circe’s halls? She’ll turn us all into pigs or wolves or lions made to guard that palace of hers- by force, I tell you- just as the cyclops trapped out comrades in his lairwith hotheaded Odysseus right beside them all- thanks to this mans rashness they died too”(244.471-482)!
ReplyDeleteIn Book 10, Odysseus has his first breaking point as a ruler. This was the first time that his crew criticizes him. Odysseus led his people into destruction instead of refusing to return to Circe’s halls where his friends were being transformed to pigs. This was a vital growing moment in the novel. He had to make a quick decision on his toes(unlike the usual 10-20 years he has on Islands) and unfortunately made a bad one. Like Shawn said previously, Odysseus is all about his reputation and hopes people view him as a strong, army man. Here, Eurylochus was right in attempting to hold the shipmates back. This was a growing point for Odysseus because eventually he was going to learn hes not always right, and there are some flaws in his authority.
" 'Telemachus,' Odysseus, man of exploits, urged his son, "it's wrong to marvel, carried away in wonder so to see your father here before your eyes. No other Odysseus will ever return to you. That man and I are one, the man you see...here after many hardships, endless wanderings, after twenty years I have come home to native ground at last. My changing so? Athena's work, the Fighter Queen, she has the power, she makes me look like this, now like a beggar, the next moment a young man decked out in handsome clothes about my body" (345. 229-240).
ReplyDeleteThis passage is the only moment for Odysseus to prove to his son, Telemachus, that HE IS his real father. But this passage is just not any other passage from the book, Odysseus uses powerful words to get his point through to his son. I feel that when Odysseus was talking to his son, he was forceful and straight to the point that Telemachus had to believe it was him. The first tactic Odysseus does is tell his son that it is wrong to "marvel," meaning wrong to be suspicious that Odysseus is his father. Odysseus does not give him room to think freely. Secondly, when his said "no other Odysseus will ever return to you," is vicious. I can't imagine someone saying to a boy, who has NEVER seen his father in all his life, that no other Odysseus, no other father will EVER come back to you. I think that is when it hit Telemachus the most. The fact that if he doesn't believe this "god-looking" man, he might never see his father again. Then Odysseus says, "That man and I are one..." This sentence has a definite double meaning. When Odysseus refers to "that man" he could be referring to two things. The first one is the beggar and his new transformed self. This beggar and new man is one. Secondly he could have meant the man in the war of Troy and Telemachus' father are one. Those two personalities are Odysseus. Then Homer adds ellipses after that implying there are still information left unsaid.
When I read this whole passage at first, it was heart warming, and I was happy that Telemachus believed that it was him. But when I read this passage again, I realized that Odysseus used some powerful and forceful language in order for Telemachus to believe him. At this point not only was Odysseus a tactician but due to his troubles of life, he became strong and forceful.
“My son-when he was a boy and lighthearted-
ReplyDeleteurged me not to marry and leave my husband's house.
But now he has grown and reached his young prime,
he begs me to leave our place, travel home.
Telemachus, so obsessed with his own estate,
the wealth my princely suitors bleed away”
It's interesting that we get to see what Penelope thinks that Telemachus is thinking about the suitors. She says that lately Telemachus has been wanting her to chose a suitor and finish this four-year invasion because he wishes to finally become the man of the house and take ownership of the wealth. When Telemachus is seen elsewhere, it doesn't appear at all that he would want his mother to be wed to any of those men. When Telemachus was younger, he would say outright that he thought it would be best if she continued to refuse the suitors and would run away. Those ideas were nice dreams, but they were impossible to accomplish. Telemachus grows up quickly and realizes that such dreams were naïve wishes, and that he will have to find another way to free his mother. She may be thinking that Telemachus wants her to marry because Telemachus does not have the courage to rid the house of the suitors, and he doesn't know what to do. She assumes that Telemachus wants her gone, so she feels more pressure to marry.
"Now let me begin by telling you my name... so you may know it well and I in times to come, if I can escape the fatal day, will be your host, your sworn friend, though my home is far from here. I am Odysseus. son of Laertes, known to the world for every kind of craft-my fame has reached the skies." (212).
ReplyDeleteBy the end of the book, we all find out that Odysseus has many sides to his personality and in book 9, we encounter his cocky side for the first time as he reaches Polyphemus's island. Odysseus soon realizes that his cockiness gets him into trouble very quickly when he tries to be smart with Polyphemus. This is Odysseus's way of showing all he encounters who he really is and where they stand against him. He wants people to fear him in thinking that he is a legendary hero who has been to hell and back (literally). Odysseus even says his fame has reached the skies. He gloats to Polyphemus trying to make the giant fear the man when the man could easily be defeated by a giant. He manipulates peoples' minds and gets them to think what he wants them to think. Overall, this is Odysseus's way of getting through his troubles and battles, but it also causes him to come close to near death situations.
"Reaching, tiptoe, lifting the bow down off its peg, still secure in the burnished case that help it, down she sank, laying the case across her knees, and dissolved in tears with a high thin wail as she drew her husband's weapon from its sheath" (426. 62-66).
ReplyDeleteThis passage shows how nostalgic Penelope felt for her husband, Odysseus, when she got out the bow. This bow was extremely sentimental to her because Odysseus is the one who can string it with greatest ease, and also because Odysseus left behind the bow when he went on his conquests. It also reminded Penelope that it was time for her to finally seek out a husband. She finally understood that Odysseus would not be coming back, and that she would have to let the suitors compete for her. I am sure that this would make Penelope cry also. Although we discussed that Penelope possibly knew that the beggar was Odysseus the whole time, I do not think this is true. When Eurycleia told Penelope that Odysseus was home, she even denied it for a while. There would be no reason to fake denial. So the Penelope got out the bow, it basically confirmed to Penelope that Odysseus was gone forever.
"Reaching, tiptoe, lifting the bow down off its peg, still secure in the burnished case that help it, down she sank, laying the case across her knees, and dissolved in tears with a high thin wail as she drew her husband's weapon from its sheath" (426. 62-66).
ReplyDeleteThis passage shows how nostalgic Penelope felt for her husband, Odysseus, when she got out the bow. This bow was extremely sentimental to her because Odysseus is the one who can string it with greatest ease, and also because Odysseus left behind the bow when he went on his conquests. It also reminded Penelope that it was time for her to finally seek out a husband. She finally understood that Odysseus would not be coming back, and that she would have to let the suitors compete for her. I am sure that this would make Penelope cry also. Although we discussed that Penelope possibly knew that the beggar was Odysseus the whole time, I do not think this is true. When Eurycleia told Penelope that Odysseus was home, she even denied it for a while. There would be no reason to fake denial. So the Penelope got out the bow, it basically confirmed to Penelope that Odysseus was gone forever.
“But the moment he sensed Odysseus standing by he thumped his tail, nuzzling low, and his ears dropped, though he has no strength to drag himself an inch towards his master. Odysseus glanced to the side and flicked away a tear… But the dark shadow of death closed down on Argos’ eyes the instant he saw Odysseus, twenty years away” (364.330-360).
ReplyDeleteThis passage shows the dedication and love that not only Argos, but also most of Odysseus’ servants and friends fell towards Odysseus. Argos waited 20 years until he could die; this dedication is also shown in the swineherd and cowherd. The swineherd and the cowherd risked their lives by fighting the suitors with Odysseus without hesitating. Argos is also like Laertes in that he cannot die without seeing Odysseus one last time, and when Laertes finally reunites with Odysseus again, he is ready to suit up in armor and fight an oncoming horde of angry townsfolk and die for Odysseus. All of this shows just how important Odysseus is to the people of Ithaca, his family, friends, and servants. This quote also shows how Odysseus still remembers and loves those that he left on Ithaca. Odysseus left Ithaca when Argos was a young pup, yet he immediately recognizes the old near death dog to be his once energetic dog, this shows how much he thought of his home and how much he missed it. And this shows how grateful Odysseus is, Argos lived to see Odysseus one last time and not even the strong Odysseus can hold back from tears to honor his beloved dog.
"Who could move my bed? Impossible task, even for some skilled craftsman—unless a god came down in person, quick to lend a hand, lifted it out with ease and moved it elsewhere. Not a man on earth, not even at peak strength, would find it easy to prise it up and shift it, no, a great sign, a hallmark lies in its construction. I know, I built it myself-no one else... There was a branching olive-tree inside our court, grown to its full prime, the bole like a column, thickset. Around it I built my bedroom... Does the bed, my lady, still stand planted firm?"(23.206-16,227).
ReplyDeleteThe "great rooted bed" is the tangible image of Odysseus and Penelope's love. The bed has been carefully and meticulously crafted by Odysseus, who throughout the book is referred to as a master craftsman. The bed surrounds an olive tree, which is associated with Athena, the goddess of wisdom, and means that their love has meaning and was not something that happened on first sight. The tree is also a symbol of peace, which is apparent between the two lovers when they lay down on the bed talking with each other about their stories. Finally, Odysseus and Penelope's love is unmovable. Nothing short of a god will separate them and this is something that Odysseus is certain of as he retaliates in anger when Eurycleia is asked to move the bed. The test seems to be too much when Odysseus questions if their love remains firm or if Penelope has moved on.
"Antinous, look the man who drove us all to crime...once he'd lain in wait for your son and cut him down! But now he's received the death that he deserved. So spare your own people!" (441.50-51, 55-57).
ReplyDeleteThis passage really in forces the idea that Odysseus is sort of a god amongst all of these men. Eurymachus is pleading maybe even praying to this godlike man to not smite them down because of their unfaithfulness. Eurymachus also puts complete claim onto Antinous even though they listened and did whatever he said. Eurymachus keeps saying "he" referring to Antinous saying "he lain in wait," and "he wanted to kill your son," and "he got the death that he deserved." Eurymachus shows some cunning of his own in this passage as well. He tries to guilt Odysseus into not killing the suitors. He tries to convince him that he is a bad king saying that he should "spare his people," but Odysseus is not fooled. He is a god amongst these men and isn't fooled by these mere mortals.
" You never listened to me or the good commander Mantor, you never put a stop to your son's senseless folly. What fine work they did, so blind, so reckless, carving away the wealth."(482.503-506)
ReplyDeleteHow many times has mankind seen cases of children growing wild and adults not stopping them or reigning them in then growing mad when someone else does it. This passage explains what parents will deal with if their children go unguided into the world. Adults must take control of their children and step in their path if it leads them to death and tun them around or someone else will come in and end it. In this case with death. I do believe the suitors deserved death but other children whose parents have not given a care about have a chance to survive, so if adults see other adults treating their children like manure the put some flowers in thst manure and let that child bloom int a beautiful flower. The suitors' fathers did nothing to their manure children so that manure turned even nastier until it was dug up and thrown out by someone else or in this case Odysseus.
‘’Mother,” “my father’s bow - no Achaean on earth has more right than I to give it or withhold it as I please.
ReplyDeleteThis quote shows how Telemachus wants to be like his father and string Odysseus’s bow. He tells his mother this because he doesn’t want his mother to get marry to another man for two reasons. The first reason why he doesn’t want Penelope to get marry because he knows his farther is in the crowd. The second reason is because he was string the bow and proves to the suitors and his mother that he is worth of becoming king of Ithaca like his father. Telemachus also wants to string Odysseus’s bow because he wants to be only man other than Odysseus to string the bow. In doing this he shows the people of Ithaca that he just likes his father.
"That great weapon--King Odysseus never took it abroad with him when he sailed off to war in his long black ships. He kept it stored away in his stately house, guarding the memory of a cherished friend" (425.45-49).
ReplyDeleteThis quote perfectly identifies the two basic sides of Odysseus, as well as how those two sides have melded together as he grows in experience. Not only with Odysseus, but with the entireity of Greek culture, there seems to be a divide between home and war. Odysseus, the embodiment of the greek man embodies this. The bow is a symbol of peace, love, and friendship, which is a great contrast to the harshness of war. So, he keeps them separate. However, after the war and all the hardships he has faced, the lines between home and war start to blur, suggesting one's morals can change depending on the experiences he has had. After all, Odysseus will use this very same bow to wage war in his home. In a way, it represents a spiritual death of sorts and emphazies the fact that Odysseus is a very different man than the one that left twenty years ago, and this is the event that will make it eveident to everyone in Ithaca that he is different. The bow is not only a memory of his friend, but the last memory of the man he used to be, and as he fires each arrow, the last parts of that man slip away.
"Just as an angler poised on a jutting rock flings his treacherous bait in the off shore swell, whips his long rod--hook sheathed in san oxhorn lure--and whisks up little fish he flips on the beach-break, writhing, gasping out their lives. . . so now they writhed, gasping as Scylla swung them up her cliff and there at her cavern's mouth she bolted them down raw. . ." (279. 270-278).
ReplyDeleteThis quote is from book 12 when Odysseus is trying to get past two monsters: Scylla and Charybdis. This epic simile is comparing men being eaten by a monster to fishing. The fish are the Odysseus's men and the fisherman in Scylla. This is somewhat ironic because most people consider fishing a gentle relaxing sport. However, in this quote fishing is portrayed in a very dark and disturbing light. The way this quote is written, the reader can see how when a fisherman catches a fish, the fish has no chance of survival and are desperate to live. Homer was trying to show how desperate these men were to not be eaten by Scylla. By saying their bodies were "writhing, gasping for their lives," it is obvious these men desperate to survive.
Homer uses the fishing simile a lot when describing bloody, violent deaths. Later,he describes the suitor's dead bodies as fish trapped in a net. In class, we decided Odysseus was the fisherman, like Scylla was in this quote. Odysseus being considered a "fisherman" shows he causes a lot of pain and suffering just like Scylla does.
*it is obvious these were trying to survive.
Delete"Of all that breathes and crawls across the earth,
ReplyDeleteour mother earth breeds nothing feebler than a man.
So long as the gods grant him power, spring in his knees,
he thinks he will never suffer affliction down the years.
But then, when the happy gods bring on the long hard times,
bear them he must, against his will, and steel his heart.
Our lives, our mood and mind as we pass across the earth,
turn as the days turn . . ."
Odysseus says these words to Amphinomus shortly after defeating Irus in book 18. Odysseus,disguised as beggar, says he once was a great warrior, until one day he was captured. On one level, his words here reinforce those lies. The acceptance and helplessness he expresses—that a man only thrives while “the gods grant him power”—were frequently expressed feelings of the Greeks. They curse them if something goes wrong and praises them if they have good luck. This all seems very natural coming from Odysseus because he is the one experiencing it himself.
The words are not only a prophecy to Amphinomus, but a warning. For Odysseus, on the other hand, the words do not give out the future but explain the past and explain the lesson it has taught him.
*-are frequently expressed feeling by the Greeks
ReplyDelete