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Odysseus Portrayal Of Women In Homer's Odyssey

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Tina Lau Ms. Jimenez CP English 1 HONORS 8 May 2024 Portrayal of Women in Odyssey The role of women is undermined yet crucial to the progression of Odysseus's journey in the epic, Odyssey. As representations of intelligence and care, Odysseus associates himself with these insightful, attentive women, those of whom aid or complete his journey. Nonetheless, complications arise when certain women are depicted as seductive temptations. The influence of women in Odyssey is significant to the storyline. To begin with, while Calypso is responsible for Odysseus’s captivity and halting his journey for 8 years, her decisions lie deeper than expected. Calypso expresses her frustration at the fact she cannot keep her lover to herself by Zeus’ command. “‘Oh you vile gods, in jealousy supernal You …show more content…

For instance, Athena uses her adeptness in disguise so Odysseus can receive help in town. “but the grey-eyed goddess Athena made her tarry, so that Odysseus might behold her beauty and win her guidance to the town”(6.121-123). Athena represents the brain and the brawn, excelling at the art of beauty and battle. Had Athena left Odysseus without enhancements, he would have been ashamed, frightening those who witnessed him. Athena understands the importance of beauty and grants Odysseus the entitlement to use it to his advantage. This shows her feminine impact as Odysseus needs her mastery of beauty to survive, just as much as her combativeness. Most importantly, to conclude the epic, Athena prevents a war from happening in Ithaca peacefully. “He yielded to her, and his heart was glad. Both parties later swore to terms of peace. set by their arbiter, Athena, daughter of Zeus, who bears the stormcloud as a shield, though she still kept the form and voice of Mentor” (24.610-614). She allows Odysseus to rightfully rule over his land, but does not stand for unnecessary

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