Tuesday, February 26, 2008
BA #5
Odysseus shows again his heroic attributes when he returns home to Ithica, because of how he hides his identity to Telemachus when they are finally reunited. This is because he restrained himself from revealing his identity until he heard the condition of his house. That way, he wouldn't need to worry about the distractions of their rejoicing or catching up, once he finally did. This kept their task important, because he could think up a plan in advance, and stay coordinated with his son, rather than sloppy because details were left out in their celebration (catching up). The way he chose to reveal himself to Ithica proved that he is a true hero, because of the cleverness. He used his disguise to his advantage.
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6 comments:
I agree with what was said about Odysseus.Throughout the book so far he has shown many heroic attributes, especially by hiding his identity, but i would also like to point out that Athena was the one that changed his identity, as well as helped him with many other tasks."But I am the goddess, look, the very one who guards you in all your trials to the last." (20.50) Without Athena who has been very loyal to guarding Odysseus, what would happen to him. I think things would have turned out very differently. Athena could possibly could be considered Odysseus's hero.
I definitely agree that Odysseus is a hero due to his tactic ways and his cleverness. Throughout are reading he has out smart and out did many people to get where he is. In book 20, even though the suitors constantly pick on him and abuses him due to the fact he his dressed as a poor beggar he still sticks to the plan. He keeps the bigger goal in mind; get these men off my land.He just wants what is rightfully his,Ithaca.
BA 5
I do agree with most of what is being said but I like the thought that angelap had, that "Athena could be considered Odysseus's hero". Though Odysseus's cleverness is his own I almost begin to believe that without the aid of Athena, Odysseus wouldn't be much of a hero. She fought with him at Troy I think Homer mentions and if it weren't for her love of him and her going to Zeus telling her father to finally send him home I believe that Odysseus might actually still be with Calypso or what not. Where would he be without that clever disguise of hers? I don't think his cleverness would have gotten him out of a pickle like that if he didn't have that disguise.
Odysseus’ heroic characteristics are seen throughout the entire poem, though the qualities of revenge are made clearer towards the end of the epic. Revenge is the only thing on Odysseus’ mind. Being a hero consists of not only positive things like we discussed in class, but also getting back at those who have been disrespectful. Odysseus, disguised as the old man, sees first hand how the suitors are acting in his home. The disrespect that Odysseus witnesses not only comes from the suitors, but from women like Melantho as well. Odysseus keeps his cool, and keeps going back to the fact that each will all see blood soon enough. This mindset from Odysseus adds a heroic and revengeful side to his persona. He will make all who have been disrespectful to his family (and to himself while being gone for so long) pay the highest price possible.
I agree that Odysseus is showing us further examples of his heroic qualities with his beggar disguise. He has a very tactful plan to conquer the suitors, one which he must keep secret between himself and Telemachus. As a beggar, he is given much disrespected from the suitors and Melantho. Odysseus allows nothing to get in the way of his determination to execute this plan, and resists the urge to reveal his true self. He even keeps his disguise secret to his own wife. He states, in Penelope's presence, upon the assertion that he looks like Odysseus: "we bear a striking resemblance to each other"(19.435)". To put aside his emotions of anger and love for a greater purpose truly shows Odysseus's determination and heroic behavior.
Odyssseus should not be considered a hero becuase he is able to be in disguise and sneak into his own home. I do think it was clever of him to devise the plan he did with his son, but if he was not in disguise I believe he would have approached this situation very differently. I agree with Lindsay I that Athena is the real hero in this situation.
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