Post by nvanible on Sept 23, 2013 7:18:11 GMT -5
F. Athena’s loyalty to Odysseus, “Athena the one with lovely braids would not permit it, the awesome goddess poured an enchanted mist around him, harboring kindness for Odysseus,” is a very interesting relationship, as it is the closest relationship to being mutually personal. This is because I like how Homer made Athena represent this avid supporter of Odysseus, willing to do a lot for him, even if it is not entirely good. In addition, she seems to genuinely care for him, almost to the extent where you could say that she has some sort of attraction to him, which is already implied. Athena’s loyalty to Odysseus can be ironically compared to Odysseus’ loyalty to his wife, Penelope, who he chose over the eternally beautiful Calypso, showing that he had commitment to his wife.
E. When Odysseus begs for King Alcinous’ worth, “Pleading so, the man sank down in the ashes, just at the hearth beside the blazing fire, while all the rest stayed hushed, stock-still,” I found it understandable as he is in this unknown land with people and culture that he is not used to. However, I am amazed at how easily he makes friends with Alcinous, really making it seem like Odysseus has a natural talent for persuasion, albeit unintentionally trying to convince people, or at least for the wrong reasons. Odysseus also surprised me as he was begging for sympathy, showing that he is longing to go back home, but also trying to gain some sympathy points as he continues to emphasize on how bad his journey is.
C. When Queen Arete asked Odysseus, “Stranger, I’ll be the first to question you-myself. Who are you? Where are you from? Who gave you the clothes you’re wearing now? Didn’t you say you reached us roving on sea,” I wondered why she was so interested or at least interrogative as nobody else had been meaning to ask any questions. Although it makes sense to wonder, she was the only one, making me wonder if she initially didn’t trust or believe his pleas for worthiness.
E. When Odysseus begs for King Alcinous’ worth, “Pleading so, the man sank down in the ashes, just at the hearth beside the blazing fire, while all the rest stayed hushed, stock-still,” I found it understandable as he is in this unknown land with people and culture that he is not used to. However, I am amazed at how easily he makes friends with Alcinous, really making it seem like Odysseus has a natural talent for persuasion, albeit unintentionally trying to convince people, or at least for the wrong reasons. Odysseus also surprised me as he was begging for sympathy, showing that he is longing to go back home, but also trying to gain some sympathy points as he continues to emphasize on how bad his journey is.
C. When Queen Arete asked Odysseus, “Stranger, I’ll be the first to question you-myself. Who are you? Where are you from? Who gave you the clothes you’re wearing now? Didn’t you say you reached us roving on sea,” I wondered why she was so interested or at least interrogative as nobody else had been meaning to ask any questions. Although it makes sense to wonder, she was the only one, making me wonder if she initially didn’t trust or believe his pleas for worthiness.