Similes In The Odyssey - 1760 Words

In Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus transitions into manhood after enduring a grueling journey back to Ithaka. One observes his valor and courageousness being put to the test and sees how he gains a new understanding of what it means to be a man after tragically losing what he values most. To illustrate this, Homer offers the following simile: â€Å"[†¦] as when a man, who well understands the lyre and singing, easily, holding it on either side, pulls the strongly twisted cord of sheep’s gut, so as to slip it over a new peg, so without any strain, Odysseus strung the great bow,† (21.406-9). Homer contradicts the graceful precision of the lyre with the barbaric twisting of the cord of a sheep’s gut in order to allude to Odysseus’s triumph over the†¦show more content†¦Ironically, both Eumaios and Philoitios are among the weakest physically, yet their strength appears more possessive than the suitors. In contrast to the ostentatiousness tha t fuels the suitors’ empty strength, Eumaios’ and Philoitios’ humble nature establishes a meaningful strength by remaining loyal to Odysseus, despite the circumstances. One understands through their devotion that having meaning behind one’s intentions contributes largely to achieving manhood, and consequently, how being meaningful elicits a more genuine strength. While Odysseus indeed embodies strength, it is plausible that his prevailing strength when finally stringing his bow is devoid of physicality, and instead centralizes around the artistry involved in stringing the bow. In some ways, because the word strength itself is not mentioned once during the entire process, Odysseus’ bow serves as a symbol for strength itself. Odysseus is enthralled by his bow when finally holding it; therefore, it is possible that he is in full possession of strength here because he is completely immersed in it. Homer describes him as having â€Å"had taken up the great bow and looked it all over [†¦]† (21.405).Show MoreRelatedTheme Of Similes In The Odyssey767 Words   |  4 PagesThe Odyssey of Homer presents a large variety of themes, and also reinforces them through several different techniques. One of the primary ways Homer strengthens the themes outlined in The Odyssey is through the use of literary devices, specifically similes. On e of the central themes in The Odyssey which is strengthened through the use of simile is Odysseus’ ability to use deception rather than sheer strength to escape perilous situations. Another central theme emphasized by similes is the longingRead MoreThe Birth of the Gods in Homers Odyssey1548 Words   |  7 PagesThe Odyssey   Ã‚  Ã‚   Prehistoric man did not question his existence and reality - he just lived as one with nature. When prehistoric man awakened from this simple existence into the world of intelligence, he began to question his existence and reality. Homer’s The Odyssey demonstrated man’s attempt to cope with their own nature through the illusion of the gods, by using them to carry their burdens of hopelessness, helplessness, and fallibility.   Ã‚  Ã‚   The characters of Homer’s The Odyssey struggledRead MoreThe Odyssey by Homer1316 Words   |  6 Pagesof the time’s culture appropriately. This has been a necessary course of action, to ensure their writing conveys the quest and its respective elements in a manner that will be understood by the responder in the relevant time period. The texts ‘The Odyssey (Homer 8th Century BC), In the Shadow of No Towers (Art Spiegelman 2004) and The Picture of Dorian Gray (Oscar Wilde 1890) have appropriated the archetypal quest in their respective time periods to reflect the values of their context. â€Å"The hero venturesRead MoreEssay on Odysseus as Pawn of the Gods in Homers Odyssey1663 Words   |  7 PagesOdysseus as Pawn of the Gods in The Odyssey   Ã‚   Throughout literature characters have relied upon entities greater then themselves to furnish them with aid as they meet the many challenges they must face. The Odyssey is a tale of Odysseus’ epic journey and the many obstacles that bar his return home. But Odysseus is not alone in this struggle and receives aid from many gods, especially the clear-eyed goddess Athena. There are times when Odysseus beseeches the gods for aid, but other times heRead MoreAnalysis Of Homer s The Odyssey 1175 Words   |  5 PagesThe Odyssey is known to be a one of the greatest epic poems written during the 8th century BC Homer’s epic poem contains stories about Odysseus journey of returning home. However, it is not just about Odysseus’s journey back home but, his son Telemachus who finds out that his father is alive and in order for Telemachus to find his father. He must develop himself to become like his father because his father is known for being a man who is cunning, strong, well crafted, and responsible. In book 2 ofRead MoreThe Epic Hero Faces Death !1348 Words   |  6 PagesKrishma Sohani Professor Stelzer Great Works Of Literature 2315-07 18 September 2015 The Epic Hero Faces Death! The Odyssey is known to be one of the most famous works of literature in history. The protagonist, Odysseus, has gone through many hardships and obstacles to reach his final destination and homeland, Ithaca. Throughout his journey, Odysseus encountered various trials and overcame each one with utmost courage and sportsmanship. One of his most famous encounters occurs at the Land of theRead MoreOdysseus : The Heroic Hero1605 Words   |  7 Pages In Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, the Greek poet uses the language devices of imagery, diction, and epic similes, to encompass Odysseus’ role as an audacious leader who also strives to maintain his crew’s best interest at heart. A hero is someone who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Homer created the character of Odysseus, the epic hero who possess the qualities of being hubris but in the long run makes a bold attempt to do the right thing. Read MoreAnalysis Of Homer s Odyssey 1710 Words   |  7 PagesOdysseus’ Divide Homer’s Odyssey provides a detailed account of the Greek hero Odysseus’ return home after the end of the Trojan War and the many obstacles and adventures he encounters along his journey. Depicting a non-traditional heroic character, this epic poem gives an insight into the intricate relationships between mortals and gods, commenting as well on societal norms and expectations in ancient Greece. Odysseus, though not developing as a character in Homer’s Odyssey, experiences dynamic shiftsRead MoreThe Age Of Homer s Iliad861 Words   |  4 Pagesrelevant to it. From a historical standpoint, the age of the Iliad is relevant as it allows us an insight into the lives of Greeks during a period about which little is known (Robson, 2014, p.238). It is commonly accepted that the Iliad and the later Odyssey were originally composed as part of an oral tradition (Ibid) and only written down at some point in the mid sixth century (Ibid, p.239). There are references to other orally composed epic poems from the same period that have not survived (Ibid, pRead MoreAnalysis Of Homer s The Odyssey 862 Words   |  4 PagesThe Odyssey is known to be one of the most famous works of literature in history. The protagonist, Odysseus, has gone through many hardships and obstacles to reach his final destination and homeland, Ithaca. Throughout his journey, Odysseus encountered various trials and overcame each one with utmost courage and sportsmanship. One of his most famous encounters is his journey to the Land of the Dead. The most important thing Odysseus learned in this episode is his prophecy from Tiresias, the blind