ipl-logo

Odysseus Loss Of Identity In Homer's Odyssey

956 Words4 Pages

The comment above demonstrates a story within telling stories, the adventure of Odyssey himself and the majority of main encounters from characters such as Kalypso and Polyphemos. Odyssey reveals his identity at the beginning of book nine. For this is the start of the storytelling through the eyes of Odyssey trip after the Trojan war. The statement above is true because the story revolves around Odyssey and Homer uses his character to share other stores before the and during his trip in returning home.

Q. #2:(Book V) When we first see Odysseus, he is crying. What is he crying about? What do we learn from this first view of him and from the dialogue with Kalypso (Calypso) that follows?
A. #2: Odysseus “heart aches” of his return to his home (Homer 235). As for this, he is crying because he is homesick, missing his family as well as his native land. From this view of Odysseus, one aspect of learning from his character is the weakest of being immortal, another aspect is hopelessness and slavery to an immortal. The dialogue with Kalypso is discovering more of their bond. Kalypso offers immortally, yet Odyssey denies the offer. He is kind to Kalypso and he also endures his time trapped in the island. The dialogue brought the understanding of where Odyssey heart truly lies on. Other views of hope, light in the darkest moment and strength of having a clear mind from all tragedy and what’s to come. …show more content…

#3: (Book V) Before Odysseus makes it to the land of the Phaiakians, he nearly drowns; yet he resists a goddess's offer to help. Why does he hesitate to accept help? What does this incident tell us about

Show More
Related
459 Words | 2 Pages

Homer shows that Odysseus has feelings too, though he went through his journey without heartache. When Odysseus reunites with his son, Telemachus, he begins to shed tears of sadness and joy because it has been forever since he has seen him. As well he shows anger towards the suitors and Penelope because the suitors disrespected his wife and his home by trashing the home, eating his food, and plotting to kill Telemachus who is heir to the throne. Odysseus was also mad at Penelope because she devised a test to see if Odysseus was the real Odysseus which made Odysseus furious because nobody except for a god could move his

Read More
1777 Words | 8 Pages

Odysseus is brave and strong, worthy of all the titles given to him. However, what makes him the hero he is is his ability to change and continuously gain new wisdom. He comes home to Penelope almost physically the same, but the things his eyes have seen have changed him mentally. Odysseus is slow, patient, and more appreciative than ever. Reading Odysseus’s change and struggle throughout The Odyssey makes this superhuman and godly man much more

Read More
889 Words | 4 Pages

Multiple times the protagonist is unable to resist his temptations towards women and is reminded of home only after no further interest in his lovers. This also shows his disloyalty not only to his crew but towards his wife. By his enemy- god’s will, he is held on Kalypso’s island. It takes Zeus’s messenger, Hermes, to convince her to let Odysseus go. But in the beginning of the book, he is not as sad when all the beautiful women on the island were surrounding him, as when Hermes arrived to rescue him.

Read More
861 Words | 4 Pages

Odysseus and his son are both crying and wailing like the two sea eagles who have lost their chicks, but also the chicks who were separated from each

Read More
469 Words | 2 Pages

"The Things They Carried" is a compelling novel by Tim O'Brien that dives into the experiences of soldiers during the Vietnam War. The book is a collection of interrelated short stories that provide a glimpse into the lives of American soldiers serving, exploring the burdens they carry mentally, physically, and emotionally. Through vivid storytelling, O'Brien paints a touching and thought-provoking picture of war and its impact on those who serve. The book follows the lives of several soldiers in the Alpha Company, primarily focusing on the character of Tim O'Brien, who shares the same name as the author.

Read More
966 Words | 4 Pages

This is most evident in the juxtaposition Homer gives between “the sweet days of his life” and “running out in anguish over his exile”. It is also evident in the phrase “tear on tear, Homer uses repetition to accentuate the distress that Odysseus is feeling. This is made more impactful because Odysseus is such a brave and powerful warrior so the act of him crying shows his discontent. Another example of this is when Odysseus tells Circe that he and his men want to leave, “Help me make sail for home. Day after day my longing quickens, and my company gives me no peace, but wear my heart away pleading when you are not at hand to hear” (Homer 180).

Read More
999 Words | 4 Pages

He has learned that he has to be a good leader to his crew. Part of being a good leader is not being selfish. If Odysseus is selfish than he and his crew might not get home safely. It’s within Odysseus’ own power that they get home safely. When and if they get home safely, Odysseus’ home will be in a wretched state.

Read More
720 Words | 3 Pages

He begs his men to untie him and allow him to see the sirens. His crew, bravely, denies his pleas and are subsequently threatened. This shows both Odysseus' arrogance and lack of leadership. Odysseus’ encounter with Calypso, specifically his reluctance to leave her cave, shows his inability to lead his people. Instead of returning to the duties of being king, Odysseus falls to his

Read More
1601 Words | 7 Pages

This sets off many emotions in Odysseus all at once, causing him to weep due to the euphoria of finally holding his wife once again. Odysseus’ persistence in returning home throughout a period of twenty years fulfilled his longing for love and to be reunified with his

Read More
469 Words | 2 Pages

He meets a herder who tells him that if he goes into his home like that he will be killed. Odysseus then is dressed as a poor looking person. While like this his son comes home and Odysseus doesn’t quite react like normal. He doesn’t tell his son that it’s him because he needs to earn is trust and loyalty before he knows him. It takes awhile before Odysseus and his son properly meet.

Read More
656 Words | 3 Pages

Homer shows how Odysseus feels the pain of the journey strongly when his men are being devoured by the deadly man eating whirlpool, Charybdis. “She ate them as they shrieked there, in her den, in the dire grapple, reaching still for me- and deathly pity ran through me at that sight- far the worst I have ever suffered…”(Lines 821-825). As his men were being consumed by Charybdis, Odysseus realized that the journey would be more painful than expected. Odysseus also felt the grieving emotional pain of the journey when he watched his men face their inevitable deaths. “ No sooner had I caught the sight of our black hull, than the savory of burnt fat eddied around me; grief took hold of me and I cried aloud…”(895-898).

Read More
557 Words | 3 Pages

In the story, Mercury travels to Calypso’s island to tell her that Odysseus must be released. However, during this meeting, Odysseus was on the beach with tears in his eyes. Moreover, he spent his days on the shore weeping for his dear wife, longing

Read More
1042 Words | 5 Pages

This character is brought to light using several incidents and events that help to analyze and interpret the ancient Greek world and the values surrounding them. Each episode supports and allows for the development of Odysseus’ character and acknowledges the effects of these features. Through these specific incidents, the reader uncovers the quality of Odysseus and how his characteristics relate to those praised by Greeks and those that were criticized. Persistent components of Odysseus’ character include cleverness and pride, while major themes that are reiterated are Greek ideals and the struggle to reach home. Conclusively, definitive occasions in “The Odyssey” establish and expand upon the character of Odysseus and how it impacts himself and

Read More
1056 Words | 5 Pages

Here, Odysseus tells Athena that she is all he has left and through her immortal powers, she is the only god still on his side who can help him in his time of need. Therefore, through Athena’s encouraging words, she is able to make Odysseus feel uplifted and more useful, especially as Odysseus is, at this point, very hopeless and miserably

Read More
846 Words | 4 Pages

During Odysseus’ journey home from Calypso’s island, he pleas for help from the immortals. “I throw myself on your mercy, on your current now- I have suffered greatly. Pity me, lord, your suppliant cries for help” (Homer 5.494-496). Odysseus has accepted his mortality, and is begging to higher beings for help. Through his suffering, Odysseus is recognizing the power the deathless gods possess and his need for their support, showcasing a newfound humility.

Read More

More about Odysseus Loss Of Identity In Homer's Odyssey

Related Topics

Open Document