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Literary Devices Used In The Odyssey

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The Odyssey Language Analysis The Odyssey is an epic poem that makes the use of literary devices to create an impact on the reader and shape the meaning of the passage. Homer uses a variety of literary devices such as sentence structure, imagery, and elaboration of detail to shape the meaning of the passage by creating emphasis, foreshadow, tone and to impact the reader by building suspense, intensifying impressions, and aiding his/her comprehension of the passage. The scene in which Odysseus kills Antinoos contains sentence structure which highlights important points, creates tone, and suspense. Homer explains, “...the cup was in his [Antinoos’] fingers: the wine was even at his lips: and did he dream of death? How could he?...who would imagine a single foe...could dare bring death’s pain on him and darkness to his eyes?” (409). …show more content…

The questions make it seem as if Antinoos shouldn’t be dreadful of Odysseus because he has a large group of men on his side—unlike Odysseus—and it will be easy to defeat him. The point made by these questions brings an important element to the passage that was previously seen on the book. Odysseus is insecure about being able to fight all the suitors since he doesn’t have such a large group on his side. This sentence structure gives a tone of uncertainty to the passage, and it builds suspense because it suggests that something unexpected is about to

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The Odyssey is a composition of what used to be oral stories. In order to emphasize the dynamics of each scene, specific language was used in order to convey those feelings. As a whole, without these additions in the story some parts that are considered theatrical, fear inducing, and emotional would not have the same effect. In all, Homer uses figurative language throughout the Odyssey to bring attention to the important changes in tone that reflect the different situations the characters are in.

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In Book IX, lines 291-331 of The Odyssey, Homer's use of imagery, word choice, and figurative language. Is used to create Odysseus as the epic hero, which furthers the understanding of Odysseus’ true traits. In this passage the Cyclops who is the son of Poseidon shows hospitality to Odysseus and the other men at first, but soon devour two of Odysseus's men on the spot, and imprisons Odysseus/ putting him on the spot and causing him to make decisions very quickly. Throughout the whole epic poem and this passage as well imagery is used the most to create meaning. In lines 316-320 Homer says “Then he dismembered them and made his meal, gaping and crunching like a mountain lion, everything innards, flesh and marrow bones.

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What defines a champion? Homer tells the tales of a champion who is trying to get home to his family and does so using imagery in the story. Homer uses imagery to affect the umbrella concept of mood and characterization in The Odyssey. He does this when Odysseus fights Iros, Telémakhos finds young men drinking, and when Odysseus dodges a cow’s foot that was thrown at him. Homer uses visual imagery to set the exciting mood when Odysseus is fighting Iros.

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