Oh Brother Where Art Thou Analysis

Homer’s Odyssey and the movie Oh Brother Where Art Thou are mirror images of each other. The characters in both stories go through events that display similar themes. For example, when Odysseus arrives at Helios island, his men show a lack of discipline and control within themselves. The crew were told by Odysseus not to hurt the cattle of the sun god when they were to arrive at the island. Odysseus, being as strict as he should be, wouldn’t allow anyone off the boat until they "vowed they'd never harm the herds" (Homer). This promise though was broken later on and the men had to pay for the mistake they had done. Rather than "die of hunger" (Homer), the crew "slaughtered and skinned the cattle" (Homer). By this act of theirs, choosing to disobey their leader instead of thinking of the ramification and wanting the benefits for killing

As they watch the congregation being immersed in the water and baptized one by one, both Delmar and Pete are overcome with emotion and rush into the water to do the same. Believing that the good Lord has "washed" all their sins away, Pete and Delmar emerge from the river with slightly soggy bottoms, but at their hearts at peace. Everett is derisive of the pair and tells them that the state of Mississippi will be "a bit more hard nosed" on the issue of forgiveness. The reference here, is to the Lotus-Eaters that Odysseus and his crew come upon during their travels. Once a few men from his crew have eaten from the white lotus blossom, a plant that grows with its roots in the water, they feel at peace and want to stay with The Lotus Eaters, forgetting about their journey. Odysseus has to force his men to return to their ship and continue the journey. Neither Everett or Odysseus partake of the sweet "salvation" of the river or the lotus blossom, and both must urge their crew members to on with their continue their