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My Father And Reputation In Homer's Odyssey

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“My father didn 't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it”. Every father wants their child to become better than themselves. A great father will make one’s life easier and worthful. Reputation falls after father 's whom determine one’s reputation. Homer uses literary devices such as patronymics, epithets, and similes in The Odyssey, to convey Greeks value their fathers and reputation. Patronymics are used at the beginning of the book, when the reader is first introduced to the main characters, to help the readers understand the relationship between Greeks and their fathers. At the beginning, Telemachus stands idle as the arrogant suitors, who try to wed his mother, slob away at his inheritance and resources. Moreover, Odysseus, …show more content…

The reader is given an explanation or prediction of how a character will act. Odysseus has a big reputation and is known for his loyalty and bravery. Odysseus also is the King of Ithaca and immediately is given respect with that name. After leaving for Troy and managing to leave the island, he takes shelter at a strangers house. Alcinous offers help and aid for Odysseus’ journey. “Odysseus, the godlike survivor, was glad, and he spoke in prayer: ‘Father Zeus, let Alcinous accomplish all that he says’”(Lombardo 105). Odysseus refers to Zeus, the god of lightning and men, as father for the reader to perceive Greeks think the Gods control everything that happens like fathers or father-figures take control of the household. Fathers are role models because they pre determine one’s reputation the moment they are born. Fathers represent respect and reputation itself. Odysseus is called godlike because of his good attributes and exhibits model behavior. Gods are strong and powerful and are known for choosing other’s fates. Odysseus has helped make a difference in other’s lives, such as saving Helen from Troy. Odysseus is valued because of his great reputation as godlike and ultimately a father to his people. Odysseus is referred to Zeus throughout The Odyssey. While Odysseus prepares for his departure from Phaeacia, Alcinous helps prepare the ships. “And Alcinous awake in all his sacred …show more content…

Homer uses similes in The Odyssey to help the reader to understand how one with good reputation acts and how they are father-figures to others. Odysseus returns home with the help of the gods and his perseverance. Odysseus and Telemachus kill the conceited suitors and bloodshed falls upon the godlike warrior’s household. Odysseus’ beloved wife in incredulity of Odysseus’ return doesn’t welcome him. “It would have warmed your heart to see him, spattered with blood and filth like a lion”(Lombardo 354). Lions are considered the king of the jungle and have ultimate power. Odysseus covered in blood because of fighting for his home demonstrates passion. Passion is one of the main factors of an amazing leader and a great reputation. Homer uses the comparison of Odysseus and lions because passion is also a father attribute. A father who has passion ultimately has a great reputation. If one’s father is godlike the child will try hard to follow their footsteps. Telemachus became a strong leader because he helped his father defeat the suitors and the bond to his father made him stronger. Seeing his father acting like a lion drives purpose to become a better person. Purity and cleanliness is also valued to Greeks. After Odysseus kills the suitors in order to satisfy his wife. “He came from the bath, like a god”(Lombardo 358). A god is pure and mighty. Odysseus returns and is seen as a god when he is

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