WEEK 8: THE ODYSSEY, BOOKS 1-8

I did not understand well the reading of the Odyssey, some parts which I did understood a little were how to describe the relationship between the gods and humans, they seen to be caring and protective to humans as it says, ” …We gods had warned him…” (p.2;55) , stating here that they advised him not to do something bad. They were also happy gods to humans, “…if it now please the blissful gods that wise Odysseus reach his home again…” (p.4;107).

The sea played an important role in this epic since it served as a divider and a barrier for Odysseus to reach his home since he was lost at sea, “…against the brave king till he came ashore at last on his own land”(p.2;31), we can conclude that he was at sea. “…the master mind of war, so long a castaway upon an island in the running sea; a wooded island, in the sea’s middle…”(p.3;68-70), here also says he was in lost in the middle of the sea.

Character analysis for Odysseus: He was pitied by the gods, “Yet all the gods had pitied Lord Odysseus…”(p.2;31). He was a kingly man as it says, “Could I forget that kingly man, Odysseus?”(p.3;87). Odysseus was wise, “…that wise Odysseus reach his home again”(p.4;108). Odysseus was a king, “No meeting has been held here since our king…” (p.20;27), he was a ruler in his land.

Telemachus: He was seen unhappy among the suitors, “…was sitting there unhappy among the suitors…”(p.5;144). He was seen as a stranger by their king, the gods, in their world, “Greetings, stranger!…”(p.5;154). He was seen by Athena as bitter as his father, Odysseus, “Ah, bitterly you need Odysseus, then!”(p.9;300).

Penelope: is the daughter of Ikarios, “…Ikarios’ daughter…”(p.11;380). She was also considered a beautiful lady, “this beautiful lady…”(p.11;382).

 

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