Literary Devices Used In The Odyssey

The Odyssey Analysis Homer's epic poem The Odyssey, translated by Robert Fitzgerald, is a tale about the mythical gods and goddesses during the Trojan War. In Homer’s epic, he uses language devices in order to create a connection from the readers to the characters. In the passage about Odysseus cleaning himself to look presentable after landing on Skhería (lines 226-265, pages. 105-106), Homer demonstrates characterization among the Phaiákians. He supports the idea by first using imagery, then using characterization, and finally using descriptive diction. Homer uses imagery to characterize the maids in Skhería. Imagery helps display the generosity of the maids after they “led Odysseus under the river bank, as they were bidden, and there laid out a tunic, and a cloak, and gave him olive oil in the golden flask.” and “they said, go bathe in the flowing water” (105). Describing the maids actions assist the reader in picturing and imaging what is going on. By doing this, it makes it easier for the reader to understand and connect with the book.

Nausikaa is shown as kind and giving because her act of hospitality is emphasized when she “laid out a tunic and a cloak, and gave him olive oil in the golden flask...he put on the clothes the princess gave to him” (105). Athena is portrayed as a kind and helpful friend to Odysseus because she makes him look more approachable and god-like after she “lent a hand, making him seem taller, and massive too, with crisping hair in the petals of wind hyacinth, but all red-golden...she lavished beauty over Odysseus’ head and shoulders”