As children, we were continuously taught to be honest. In Book 9, "The Cyclops," How does Odysseus take advantage of his good luck? But, allusions to The Odyssey are few by comparison to those youll find about other mythological stories. The odyssey, an epic told by Homer in ancient greece, has many major themes following odysseuss adventures. Throughout ones life it becomes evident very early on, that nobody's perfect. Because he isn't wearing any clothing when he goes over to see what's going on. 372) Shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception. Athena possesses the ability to disguise herself and others, and this skill allows her to give advice and guidance. Below is a reading passage followed by several multiple-choice question. Homer also shows that if people do not display respect then they will be punished using revenge. By wearing clothing that immortals would normally wear. However, some characters in the epic display many great qualities. She continues to use this power to disguise Odysseus as a beggar to allow him to reunite with his family and prove his power and worth to Penelope among the suitors. Is lying considered justified if it was involved in a dangerous situation? In what way? In Homers Odyssey, Odysseus uses lies as a protective disguise against strangers. Odysseus could be considered a hero, but many of his actions say otherwise. This is an example of trickery because she does something to fool the men into giving her what she wants without being bothered. What unusual provision does Athena make for Odysseus to get clothes and shelter? How have Books V-VII formed a bridge from Telemachus' story to the stories that Odysseus is about to tell? What do you think about the government's right to unwind wards of the state who aren't talented enough or who have "reached their potential"? Therefore, temptation and pride were Odysseus greatest enemy throughout his journey back to Ithaca, as they distracted him on his voyage, prevented him from getting home, and displeased the gods. Is it the adventures they go on, the traits they possess, or how popular they are? In the epic story the Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus is returning from the Trojan war, and on his way home he finds many obstacles ahead of him. Odysseus goes through his life believing he is the best. The Odyssey is a Greek Epic involving some of their ancient Gods. If both of those things correspond with inner kindness or positivity it is likely that the act will be perceived much better with less punishment also. Books V-VII have formed a bridge from the stories of Telemachus to the stories of Odysseus because in Books V-VII we finish discussing the stories of Telemachus and begin to discuss some background information of Odysseus to the stories that he is just about to tell. There are a lot of leaders in Greek mythology that use deceit and dishonesty to accomplish their own goals. In the Odyssey, what does Teiresias (the prophet in the Land of the Dead) warn Odysseus against in his prophecy? What does this reveal about him? Merriam-Webster defines a hero as, A person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities. For Odysseus to be a hero this definition is supposed to fit and describe him and his character, but why does this definition not describe or fit him and his character? As Homers Odyssey demonstrates, tricks and deception must be used wisely in order to avoid problematic. Have you been prideful of what your status or accomplishments? He displays a degree of selflessness in his concern for his men (despite their stubborn, foolish behavior). For example, when Odysseus and his men find themselves on Polyphemus's island, Odysseus's actions are self-centered and at the expense of his men. Odysseuss skill of creating intricate falsehoods and his use of lies as a way of controlling the thoughts of person hes lying to, reveals his exceptional tact and guile. No matter the circumstances one is bound to need some sort of mischief in their life. The protagonist in The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus is a hero because although he is emotional throughout the book and lets his emotions take over his actions, he displays immense courage and perseveres through his journey and hardships. In Homers epic poem The Odyssey, the brave hero Odysseus encountered these obstacles of temptations and pride that people today still face. Many creatures try and stop him from achieving his goal of returning home, but he and his crew have to push through and get home. Throughout the story Odysseus uses a lot of clever and deceitful tactics to get his men and himself out trouble. How does Odysseus react to Broadsea's insults? Also, the text shows the beneficial outcome of resisting from temptations that distract people from completing their goal. In Book 9, "The Cyclops," What is the Cyclops' attitude towards the Gods? At the end of Casablanca the classic film that many consider the most romantic of all time the hero Rick says to his beloved Ilsa, as he puts her on a plane with her husband, "It doesn't take much to see that the problems of three little people don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world.". How does Odysseus view his own actions? In Book 9, "The Cyclops," to whom does Polyphemus pray to after Odysseus' leaves his island? The qualities in which define Odysseus as a hero are courage, intelligence, and leadership. I took an inside seat this time, for the convenience of a nap. Therefore, he will have to punish himself as he promised the people of the town. One half of the latter are imagined; and even that which is true is so enveloped with collateral absurdities, that when pushed, they are invariably exposed. Although it always has a prominent role in myths, deceit is a powerful factor in the myths of Prometheus, Nessus, and Zeus. Lies are, whether detrimental or advantageous, are a staple of most civilizations throughout history. A young man had been sleeping on the grass, and this land-pirate had absolutely succeeded in getting his shoes, his handkerchief, and his hat; but an attempt to take off his cravat had awoke the sleeper. For example, Penelope delays the suitors by lying to them about her progress for her loom, promising to wed a suitor once she finishes her work: She spoke, and the proud heart in us was persuaded/Thereafter in the daytime, she would weave at her great loom/but in the night she would have torches set by, and undo it.(II.93-96). What kind of goddess is Calypso? Youll find references in everything from the classics (such as Mary Shelleys Frankenstein) to contemporary young adult literature (such as the overt example of the Percy Jackson series). I answered that it was. In The Odyssey, did Odysseus do the right thing in not telling his men about the monsters. Can someone help with the jack and the bean stalk one. They are given a good and bad wind by Aeolus, myPerspectives: English Language Arts, Grade 7, SpringBoard English Language Arts: Grade 10. They face terrible consequences as a result. We can contrast Odysseus, for example, with the great warrior Achilles in The Iliad. As a result, he is a man-boy when we first meet him, but a heros blood flows in his veins and he refuses to accept his lackluster fate. or To what extent? URGENT: What invitation does she give Odysseus? Odysseus did not want his men to lose hope and turn against him if they knew that only Odysseus would return home. In addition, Odysseus portrays his wanderings as everyone else but his fault. Hospitality is displayed by Telemakhos and the Phaiakians. He throws the top of a mountain into the sea. For example, Athena uses her power of disguise to help Telemachus on his journey to find his father. Odysseus and his men end up on the island of the Lotus Eaters. He is an intellectual. How often? In The Odyssey, how does the character of Odysseus change from the beginning of his quest until the end? In The Odyssey, an epic poem composed by Homer in Ancient Greece, Odysseus is an epic hero, representing the classic values of Greek rulers and warriors through his long journey back from the Trojan War. After all, I am not so certain our law is much better; but I believe more of the onus of obtaining justice falls on the injured party here than it does with us: still we are both too much under the dominion of the common law. Although he earns the trust of his men while in Troy, he loses it on his perilous journey home. Lines 272-275: What does the sound of the name that Odysseus tells to the Cyclops suggest about what Odysseus might be planning? He takes the punishment of Antinous and the other suitors without saying a word and is able to see those who have invaded his house. What are the challenges that Odysseus had to face on his journey home? Odysseus should be regarded as a hero because he is brave, clever, and cautious. Ive taught The Odyssey to high school students for five years, so I know the obstacles youll encounter while (re)reading Homers epic. Venturing to ask him the names of one or two objects that we passed, and fearing he might think my curiosity impertinent, I apologized for it, by mentioning that I was a foreigner. she holds fast to her faith in Odysseus return. However, he was not dead. Oedipus tells the people he will find the culprit and do whatever he needs to do to punish them. After the victory over the Cicones, Odysseus wisely wants to take the plunder and depart quickly (9.50). You also might recall that Odysseus never wanted to join the war; he only leaves his wife Penelope and infant son Telemachus because he is forced to honor an oath. In Homers The Odyssey, Odysseus is considered the hero of the story. Even when Athena intervenes on his behalf, she often leaves ultimate success or failure up to Odysseus. 2023 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Significant Myths and Structure of the Text. Finally, he develops the character our hero of this epic, Odysseus. She replies that they must first visit the land of the dead to hear a prophecy from the ghost of Tiresias (Fitzgerald 387). Homers Odyssey is greatly concerned with nostos, the Greek word for homecoming. Telemachus and Odysseus are ultimately victorious because of Athenas power; in fact, Athena is the hero of this epic poem. Penelope and Odysseus in particular play a significant role in Odysseus quest for nostos. The town has asked Oedipus to save them from the disease that has spread killing all the life in town by finding the person who killed Lauis. How do the gods use it's name? Suitors have taken over Odysseuss home, and are all trying to marry Odysseuss wife, Penelope. What makes someone a hero? He could outsmart basically anyone he encountered, even the sons of the gods! Odysseus sends a scouting party of three men to approach the lotus eaters and make their presence known. In conclusion. How do you think that decision would affect the outcome of the war? Our soil yields the Cyclops powerful, full-bodied wine. (9. The tales of the Greek heroes, though based largely in fiction, are no different, and none of mythologys pantheon of mighty men are are quite so human as Odysseus and Telemachus. Welcome back to our series on Greek mythology. My business was now done, and I left London in a night-coach for Southampton. Then, Odysseus cadged for a deal to get the crew member back. in: Character, Featured, Knowledge of Men, Guest Contributor November 16, 2012 Last updated: June 16, 2021. Throughout the story, Odysseus exhibits many heroic characteristics, such as bravery and being admired for great achievements. How does he take advantage of the good luck? Even Zeus, who is said to punish liars, frequently tricks both mortals and immortals. This can be said for most of Odysseus's actions in the story, as his main objective is to reach his home. Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. They never reported for duty or returned . Latest answer posted October 02, 2020 at 3:09:58 PM. The Odyssey is predominately action and adventure, but Penelopes reunion with Odysseus and the symbolism of their great rooted bed are a love story fit for even the manliest of men. He is deeper than Achilles, more contemplative, but still capable of explosive violence; he is almost certainly more interesting. How does Odysseus react to the Trojan horse story? So Odysseus gets more than he bargained for, with many of his crewmates ending up inside the giant's hungry belly. The main character of The Odyssey, Odysseus, is shown as a hero because him and his story fit the epic hero cycle. b) France stopped all trade with the United States. Great captain, a fair wind and the honey lights of home are all you seek. Similar to the woman described in Proverbs 31 of the Bible, Penelope is a sample of an ideal woman. How does Odysseus take advantage of Arete's recognizing the clothes he is wearing? Reading The Odyssey and examining its characters is one of the best intersections of mythology and modern manhood that I can imagine. There are often travelling displays of actual Greek sculpture and pottery that you can keep an eye out for, too. The captain and the toady were both evidently pleased; nor can I say, I was sorry the appeal had been made, for it had the effect of silencing a commentator, who knew very little of his subject. The place of rendezvous was the White Horse Cellar, in Piccadilly-a spot almost as celebrated for those who are in transit, as was the Isthmus of Suez of old. In my eyes a hero is a person who shows courage, is humble, does not give up, and is someone everybody can relate to. Even though they disobey him constantly, Odysseus is still loyal to them. Explain the good luck Odysseus has. She is both beautiful and clever, and against all odds remains fiercely loyal to her husband. When it proves effective, Odysseus lies (even to his own family), cheats, or steals in ways that we would not expect in an epic hero. Gods also provide support to mortals and thus, mortals depend and act on behalf of the gods and their decisions. He is overcoming challenges to return home to his wife penelope and his son Telemachus. Odysseus is not a hero because, he is foolish, lacks faithfulness and is consumed by his Hubris and selfishness. He displays a degree of selflessness in his concern for his men (despite their stubborn, foolish behavior). a) The United States has the world's largest economy. If you have never read The Odyssey, treat yourself to it. Latest answer posted December 16, 2020 at 8:04:05 PM. Second, the guest was to be given the privilege of staying in your home, where you would be expected to provide food and shelter. The end of Book VI prepares us for Book IX because in the beginning of Book IX, the topic of the minstrel is discussed and Odysseus says how wonderful it is that they have a god to sing to them which is ironic because he was weeping at the minstrel's tale in Book VI, but in Book IX he praises the minstrel. Why or why not? The Odyssey, created by Homer, is an ancient telling of a man named Odysseus and his journey home from the Trojan War. Odysseus, the main character in The Odyssey, should be considered a hero. Penelope is forced to wait until Odysseus and Telemachus can finally rid Ithaca from the suitors, so she uses her only power, lies. Both the captain and the radical quitted us in the night. Odysseus gets the crew membersaway from there by taking them to the ships and tying them down under the benches so they could not escape. Odysseus starts to weep because of the story and the king commands the minstrel to stop telling stories. The king is the uncle of his wife Arete; it's as if it's commonplace in the town. What happens just as Odysseus sights Phaiacia? It is not always bad to lie. What does the king do about his reaction? Deceit and Lying allow the furtherment of goals and the ability to cast ourselves as someone who may not be. literature. What function might it have in Homer's tale? Many Hollywood films, such as Clash of the Titans, Immortals, and Disneys Hercules, attempt to recreate (and exaggerate) the Greek tales. Although Odysseus lust is to blame for a portion of the delay, his pride is ultimately the greatest cause. Choose the word from the context around the word unction that best supports your answer to question 444A. Who holds Odysseus captive on her island ogygia for several years? While he does seem to grow throughout his wanderings, the reader should not look at each event as a one more learning experience for the hero. Why does Odysseus cry? Including his time in Troy, Odysseus was absent from his estate in Ithica for twenty years, during which his son Telemachus grows up in a home where arrogant suitors abuse his hospitality, consume all of his resources, and attempt to court Penelope, believing that she will lose hope that her husband Odysseus will ever come home. In The Odyssey, Odysseus proves to be a weak leader by being overconfident in Book 9, forgetful in Book 10, dishonest in Book 12, and having a short temper in Books 21-23. He is foreshadowing that Odysseus will die out at sea by the god and something will happen to their city. The Odyssey is a Greek Epic involving some of their ancient Gods. What are 3 examples of times when Odysseus demonstrated epic hero/god like qualities in The Odyssey? How does he prove himself? How does he take advantage of the good luck? The lad was evidently supported by a gang, and we might be beaten as well as robbed, for our pains. Describe the king's hospitality. It lands right in front of Odysseus' ship, creating a reverse wave, washing his ship back to shore. The aristocrat was silent, and the admirer of aristocracy evidently thought himself too good to enter into a dispute with one of the mere people; for to admire aristocracy was, in his eyes, something like an illustration; but wincing under one of the other's home-pushes, he said, "These opinions may do very well for this gentleman," meaning me, who as yet had not uttered a syllable- "who is an American; but I must say, I think them out of place in the mouth of an Englishman." The next day I was looking at a bronze statue of Achilles, at Hyde Park Corner, which had been erected in honor of the Duke of Wellington. This thought by Odysseus shows that he realized his decision to go to the mysterious island wasnt the most rational one and that his mens pleas to leave were the better option, but he decides to be stubborn and place his curiosity before his mens safety resulting in a non-heroic. It was surely foolish of Odysseus to expect Polyphemus to honor the host/guest . In Homer's world, where there are no police or justice systems, might usually makes right. In Homers Odyssey, Odysseus uses lies as a protective disguise against strangers. Odysseus is a hero because he is brave, level-headed, and he shows faithfulness and respect to important figures in his life. Besides, the handkerchief was not actually taken, attendance in the courts was both expensive and vexatious, and he would be bound over to prosecute. Verified answer. Although literary scholars of The Odyssey have argued that he is not a hero, closer examination shows that he is a hero because he met the ultimate goal of defeating Troy, bravely led and sacrificed for his men, and escaped multiple enemies. The Greeks used numerous tricks and lies when telling their famous myths. However, in The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus disrespects his crew men and the gods advice, lets hubris interfere with his mens lives, and is unfaithful to his wife Penelope. You might be surprised how often your knowledge of Greek mythology will add new depth to your understanding of literature. In Book 9, "The Cyclops," What happened to Odysseus' ship? The majority of those who read The Odyssey consider the protagonist of the story, Odysseus, a hero. He is also a living series of contradictions, a much more complicated character than we would expect to find in the stereotypical epic hero. His first trait is being exceptionally skilled continued with cleverness and bravery. Odysseus takes advantage of the good luck by using it as a tactic to make the Cyclops intoxicated, therefore, out of it, so that he wouldn't be able to kill him and his crew. c) U.S. households enjoy the highest standard of living in the world. stop him!" The radical regarded me a moment, and inquired if what the other had just said was true. In Book 9, "The Cyclops," How many men does the Cyclops eat? The Odyssey begins as Odysseus leaves an island he was trapped on for 10 years to go back to his hometown, Ithaca. Many cities of men he saw and learned their minds, many pains he suffered, heartsick on the open sea, fighting to save his life and bring his comrades home. In Book 9, "The Cyclops," Which do you think will be most important to the outcome of Odysseus' conflict with the Cyclops?" Odysseus, despite claiming heroism, upholds these traits inconsistently, as seen in his taunting of Polyphemus. Certainly Odysseus does grow in wisdom and judgment throughout his ventures. Telemachus decides that in order to protect his mother from worry, he needs to leave out information:1` Swear to tell my beloved mother nothing about this until the eleventh day has come or the twelfth, Odysseus portrays his wandering one-sidedly, placing himself as the victor. Nausicaa doesn't want Odysseus to follow the girls through town because of the fact that she wants him to trail her through town to have people question if the two are in a relationship and because of the gossip that goes on in the town; Odysseus tells Alcinous that he did not follow Nausicaa's instructions to follow her because he thought it might offend him. Yes, there is a wealth of detail on each page. In the famous encounter with Polyphemus, the cycloptic bastard son of Poseidon, Odysseus brilliantly tricks the beast before gouging out its eye. The Greeks sense of hospitality exceeds our own. Use the noun guile for cunning, craftiness, and artful duplicity. More importantly, understanding the Greek sense of hospitality explains why the suitors, who were vying for Penelopes affections during Odysseus long absence, were tolerated for so long in the palace. Trickery can be used to escape from life threatening situations. He is favored by the gods and respected and admired by the mortals. Homer illustrates using character, symbolism and irony to reiterate that legerdemain or trickery isnt always used for bad. Instead, the sailors only wanted to stay on the island, eating more Lotus plants. In Book 9, "The Cyclops," How do the men hurt the Cyclops? or How much? It requires qualities such as strength, courage, and intelligence. River separating heaven and hell; its' name is seen as something similar to swearing. Odysseus is the ruler of Ithaca and he is trying to return home to his land. While Odysseus is sentenced to never return home after the Trojan War. Who does Odysseus encounter in the Land Of The Dead in Homer's Odyssey? Odysseus is wise not to tell his crew of Skylla, but should have divulged the contents of the bag of winds. Though Achilles generally takes the spotlight in that infamous battle, you could argue that the real hero of the war is Odysseus. How do the stories differ? He is also a convincing, articulate speaker and can win over or manipulate his audience with ease. As well, how learning from mistakes can prevent their repetition. Ive listed only a few areas here, but its echoes can be heard in nearly every arena of our lives. Since the inception of literature, heroes have been created to embody the most important traits of a culture. Odysseus is disguised as a humble beggar, so the suitors treat him with mockery . That being said, the suitors behavior was not acceptable to the Greeks; Homers audience would have been outraged at the thought of these brazen men exploiting a loophole in the hospitality system. Copyright 2023 IPL.org All rights reserved. Launch out on his story, Muse, daughter of Zeus, start from where you will sing for our time too. In Book 9, "The Cyclops," What does Odysseys known about Agamemnan and the Cyclops? 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. In an era characterized by wars, this kind of alliance would be politically significant.). It all depends on the intentions it is based upon and the way one goes about carrying it out. If you are fortunate enough to have a local museum of art, I encourage you to go and look for the influence of mythology. CliffsNotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what you're studying, CliffsNotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams. and any corresponding bookmarks? Scenes from mythology have been depicted by artists throughout history because of the archetypal nature of its characters and stories. The narrative structure that Homer used to tell his tale can be jarring if you are unprepared. How many? In Book 9, "The Cyclops," What words does Odysseus use to describe the Cyclops? Even Joss Whedon (now famous for directing The Avengers) utilized mythological references in his short-lived sci-fi television series Firefly. Instead, Odysseus lied by getting their hopes up of returning home, when in the end he knows that they will not make it back. In The Odyssey by Homer, loyalty, courage, and trickery are displayed throughout the book in a positive manner, showing that they are the Greeks cultural values. In the play Oedipus the King, written by Sophocles in 430 BC, Oedipus is in denial about who killed the previous king, Laius. He is an honest story teller, showing that he is not ashamed that he was courageous and daring, but in some ways that being too cocky could be dangerous. In TheOdyssey, why does Odysseus tell Polyphemus that his name is Nobody? Adverbs answer the questions Where? In the Odyssey, however, Homer clearly defines a hero as a humble, determined, and loyal individual; thus, according to Homer, it is not enough to claim to be a hero, but it is also important to exhibit those qualities that Homer values as heroism. When Odysseus left for Troy, he had already established his reputation as a hero. His strong emotional wall kept him alive and going during the twenty years that he was gone from home. However, unwilling to leave any members of his crew behind, Odysseus goes, himself, and finds the three men and forces them back to the ship. He ends up having to bring them back physically and tie them down on the ship. This thrilling, cathartic portion of the story includes Odysseus eagle-eyed marksmanship, blood-soaked beard, and rippling muscles (Homer goes out of his way to highlight Odysseus muscular man-thighs, which always generates comments among my students). Editors note: This is a guest post from Tony Valdes. Odysseus uses deception and tricks in an attempt to assure his speedy homecoming, whilst Penelope does the same in order to avoid being forced to replace her husband. In Book 9, "The Cyclops," What does Odysseus's metaphor in lines 91 and 92 imply about the cyclops? Here, he (unrealistically) expects the kind of hospitality he received from the Phaeacians. In The Odyssey, Odysseus and others take advantage of homeric social norms of lying and deceit in order to get what they want; furthering their quest and goal through their trickery. He encounters many great gods, goddesses, and monsters on his way home. Having his men by his side when he returns seems a trivial thing to him. Odysseus's quick thinking helps him out of some very tough situations, as when he escapes from the cave of the Cyclops in Book 9, or when he hides his slaughter of the suitors by having his minstrel strike up a wedding tune in Book 23. Odysseus is a combination of the self-made, self-assured man and the embodiment of the standards and mores of his culture. While he was in the midst of his denunciations, the coach again stopped, and one of the outsides was driven into it by the night air. These points invoke different feelings and opinions in the people to whom he lies. The coach stopped, and we took up a third inside. Primer on Greek Mythology Series: The Gods and Goddesses The Mortal World and Its Heroes The Trojan War The Odyssey and Applying What Weve Learned. The true beauty of Penelopes character is most apparent in the final act of the story when she talks to the beggar (who is Odysseus in disguise) and inadvertently plays a crucial role in the suitors demise (though her cleverness makes me question whether or not it was truly inadvertent). So if they show respect in good hospitality and staying loyal, then they will receive the same treatment. Odysseus is not famous for his great strength or bravery, but for his ability to deceive and trick. This man proved to be a radical. So Odysseus gets more than he bargained for, with many of his crewmates ending up inside the giant's hungry belly. Lines 276-277: Explain the irony of the gift the Cyclops says he will give to . Odysseus feels he is always the leader and no one can tell him otherwise. Most often asked questions related to bitcoin. Not only does Odysseus utilize lies to keep his identity a secret but also, through the use of specific language, he conveys unspoken points. He is favored by the gods and respected and admired by the mortals. Have you ever felt tempted to cheat on your homework or on a test? To get his men motivated, Odysseus did not tell his crew that only he will survive the journey. Odysseus epic struggle to return to Ithaca is told by Homer in The Odyssey, which is a sort of sequel to The Illiad. a. Calypso enchants Odysseus with her singing as she moves to and fro, weaving on her loom with a golden shuttle. Odysseus' resourcefulness and oratory skills were instrumental in the Greek victory in the Trojan War.After that conflict, Odysseus was the protagonist in many fantastic adventures on his Odyssey, the long voyage back home to Ithaca. Calypso is a nymph who is eager to please but can get easily angered; bitter selfish; lonely; falls in love. In Book 9, "The Cyclops," What trait of an epic hero does Odysseus revel when lying to the Cyclops about his ship?
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