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Literary Devices Used In The Odyssey

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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. …show more content…

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”

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The Odyssey by Homer is an epic tale about the Greek hero Odysseus and his adventures back home to Ithaca. With the assumption that he had died, Odysseus’ wife Penelope and son Telemachus face off a group of suitors looking to court Penelope. A major theme found in The Odyssey is the notion of revenge. Additionally, a recurrent literary device—the epic simile—appears throughout the story, wherein comparisons are made in the form of similes, except on a grander scale. Homer utilizes a couple of epic similes in Book XXII to fully substantiate the formidability of Odysseus’ thirst for revenge against the suitors and his traitorous servants through the use of violent imagery.

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When Odysseus first appears to Nausikaa, despite his appearance, he makes himself appear civilized. He makes the decision to disregard the custom of wrapping his arms around her knees to ask for hospitality, and instead uses his sophisticated speech to convince her of his civilized nature. First, Odysseus proves to Nausikaa his knowledge of the gods. This represents one of the ideals of a civilized man. Odysseus represents his knowledge through flattery, and says, “If one of those who dwell in the wide heaven, you are most near to Artemis, I should say---great Zeus’s daughter---in your grace and presence.”

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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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The epic poem “The Odyssey” by homer is a long poem that uses imagery to show the details about calypso’s house as a mesmerizing place by using sensory details compared to where odysseus has been for the last 10 years. Sight is one of the sensory details homer uses in his poem to describe Calypso's home. Her home was a natural place not ruined by people “ sweetwood burning bright.” This type of fire gives a person a feeling of relaxation. “ soft meadows spreading round were starred with violets” odysseus would feel comfortable and be stress free in this type of environment.

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Many people lie or disguise themselves to stay away from the truth. However, in the Odyssey, lies and disguises are used for safety and the test of loyal. The theme of trickery plays a extensive role throughout the Odyssey, especially within Books 13 and 14, and is displayed through the concepts of lying and disguising. Throughout Homer’s Odyssey, the instances of Odysseus lying to Athena disguised as a young man and disguising himself when talking to his swineherd illustrate this theme of trickery. After being at sea for 20 years, Odysseus, the main character, doesn’t trust anyone or rush back to his house, when he gets back to his homeland, Ithaca.

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The Odyssey is an epic poem written by the blind, illiterate poet Homer. It takes place in ancient Greece and tells of a man’s journey home from war. The topic, intervention of the gods, is seen throughout the book numerous times as the gods who are in favor of Odysseus lend a helping hand. It is well-known that the gods are very important to the Greeks. In this epic poem, The Odyssey, Homer demonstrates the importance of the positive and encouraging intervention of the gods in Greek culture; the brave actions, encouraging words, and cunning strategies of Athena as she assists and guides Odysseus on his journey back home.

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