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Post by Mr. Thomas on Sept 23, 2013 12:03:00 GMT -5
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Post by hankmichels on Sept 23, 2013 18:58:08 GMT -5
E. Wow. I did not know that king alcinous did not even know Odysseus’s name yet. When he came out and was like “I don’t even know this guys name yet. Lets build him a ship.” That was crazy. If anyone did not believe that the phaecians were devoted to good hospitality, they do now. Then he decides to give him an entire crew, and then he throws him a party. That’s just weird. I honestly don’t think that in the history of the world, nobody has ever shown that good of hospitality to any stranger.
G. if I was Odysseus, I would feel pretty special. First, after years of craziness, I finally wash up on the shore of an island. Then, magically I am taken in and treated like a god. Not only do they let me stay in my palace. But they give me a ship with a crew, throw me a party and offer me the princess for a wife. And Alcinous keeps doing these little things that just blow me away. He lets me sit in the chair of his favorite son, and he doesn’t even know my name or my story. But having the story secret is kind of fun but still very sad.
H. Odysseus sits on chair gazing gloomily into the distance. Alcinous and family are sitting at the royal table, feasting. Off to one side, phaecians throw discuses and balls for sport. The night is dark and the castle looms behind them.
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Post by richteri16 on Sept 23, 2013 19:06:48 GMT -5
A. On lines 165-175 I see a good response to this question. People are always trying to impress others. Here in the passage Laodamas tries to make himself a status by challenging Odysseus. He was probably insecure about a new person on the island. This is a very relatable example. This is because whenever we feel that we a re being threatened by somebody especially when it is our stature of reputation at risk, we tend to do things like what Laodamas did. However this wound up backfiring on him. Basically the lesson is to not be a cocky idiot.
D. I liked lines 266-287. Here Alcinous is telling Odysseus about what the people of his island are good at. The fact that he came up to Odysseus and told him that is really interesting to me. I feel that Alcinous has the guts to go up to big Odysseus and say “hey this is my house” but in a way that makes him sound polite. It’s kind of like sarcasm. Also he says that sure Odysseus has his talents he just wants to show us them. This makes him sound like a little kid. Basically I just like this bold verbal jab that Alcinous took at Odysseus.
E. On lines 216-229 I learned a bit more about Odysseus. He doesn’t take back talk or challenges from anyone. Laodamas comes up thinking that is all that and Odysseus just SHUTS HIM DOWN. Not only does he get angry and yell at Laodamas but he hurls a discus so far that it makes him look like an animal and Laodamas looked like a fool. Basically Odysseus is not to be messed with.
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Post by johnaviles on Sept 23, 2013 19:13:33 GMT -5
C. I’m not really sure why Alcinous in having such pride in Odysseus being his visitor. To me it seems more like Alcinous’ hope for marriage of Odysseus and his daughter. You can tell how hopeful he is by how highly he is speaking of Odysseus. “A new arrival! Here at our wise king’s palace now, he’s here from roving te ocean, driven far off coarse-he looks like a deathless god!” I am also not sure as to what trails Odysseus wants to win testing his strength. Are the trails of hospitality? “ and he might win through the many trials they’d pose to test the hero’s strength.”
E. I was a bit shocked when Odysseus sticks up for himself when being mocked and taunting by the king and Broadsea, “Come stranger, sir, won’t you try your hard at our contests now? If you have skill in any,” said the king. “I never took you for someone skilled in games, the kind that real men play throughout the world. Not a chance. You’re some skipper of profiteers,” I was surprised Odysseus would risk losing his help on getting his voyage home to prove he is no stranger to games and he is a real man.
G. If I were Odysseus I would be really scared towards the end of the book. It seems like he is risking his possible voyage home trying to stick up for himself. I would also be nervous too because other people are involved in it too so it kind of seems like he is being ganged-up on. Also more contest are in the process on being set up towards the end of this passage and maybe if the king or the others are embarrassed, they will not want to help Odysseus.
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Post by hessd16 on Sept 23, 2013 20:00:19 GMT -5
(dakota hess)
C. I noticed that the boat crew men were very teasing of Odysseus. Why were they like that? Were they jealous of the valor Odysseus portrayed? Were they envious of the praise the king had given to Odysseus? Did they want to prove him not worthy to the Phaecian people? What was the purpose of mocking Odysseus to a point of anger?
E. I was a bit surprised to see how Odysseus reacted to the mockery. He has not been such an outgoing and fierce character. He has definitely been wise and enduring but I have not really seen his anger portrayed at all. The mockery of the boat crew men got him to participate in throwing the heaviest of the discusses which he excelled in. Odysseus had seemed like a patient and enduring character from the passages read before but never an angry, warring, and steamed person. I was surprised to see this reaction to a bit of mockery.
D. One part that I noticed that has been a reoccurring pattern for this book is the Gods and goddesses interactions with the mortal world. Athena put upon Odysseus’ shoulders a look of strength and might so that the Phaecians may accept him easier. Athena had also cloaked Odysseus in a fog when he came into the city. She then later on in the reading tonight took the form of a record scorer for discuss and praised Odysseus for his amazing throw saying that even a blind man could have known his throw because it was so much further than the rest.
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Post by petergiglio on Sept 23, 2013 20:01:19 GMT -5
E. I was completely shocked to find out that Alicinous didn't even know Odysseus name yet and he was giving him a crew and free hospitality and a place to sleep. First off that is one of the first things i would ask a person if he or she were going to stay at my house and give him a shop loaded with a whole crew. Personally i think that the Phaecians are being a bit over generous and should look into more of a security system or census.
C. What i was confused about why the Phaecians are so nice to visitors where they could be a criminal or a murderer. They seem to just give you the benefit of the doubt and not judge you about your past but how you act towards them. It confuses me because the way you are in the past describes the person you are and how you are going to act to people in the future.
G. If i were Odysseus i would be extremely scare to go back on the sea knowing what happened to him the first couple of times and knowing that Poseidon has out or him. i would also being doing a lot of praying and repentance to Poseidon for whatever i had done wrong for forgiveness ans a safe journey home
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Post by rozzayhill007 on Sept 23, 2013 20:03:40 GMT -5
Jackson Hill
C. One thing that I am confused about is in the first couple of lines where it speaks of Odysseus being all “high and mighty.” If he is not a god why do the people still worship him as if he of some high stature, “When young Dawn with her rose-red fingers shone once more royal Alcinous, hallowed island king, rose from his bed and great Odysseus, raider of cities, rose too.” What does the term raider of cities mean? And why if Odysseus is a mortal do the people even give him a title such as “raider.” I another questions I have us why did herald strip the man of sight but give him the power of rapturous singing? Also what is the meaning of, “ She stripped him of sight but gave the man the power of stirring, rapturous singing.” Why would she do this to this man?
G. If I were Odysseus I would be quite satisfied with the way I am being treated by these people. These people think that I am a god and treat me well, and even when I expose the truth about myself not being a god and being a mortal human being, the people of the island still treat with high praise as if I were a god. These people treat me as if I were a god who also came down and sat with them to eat, however I am no god, I am just a mortal, who was lost, but now has found a good place to stay.
D. One quote that I liked was, “That was the song the famous harper sand but Odysseus, clutching his flaring sea-blue cape in both powerful hands, drew it over his head and buried his handsome face, ashamed his hosts might see him shedding tears.” The reason why I like this quote is because it shows the soft side of Odysseus, but it also shows that he has pride and does not want people to see him as a soft teddy bear, because then the people might not treat him as well.
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Post by michaelgenco on Sept 23, 2013 20:04:38 GMT -5
C.
One thing that I thought was weird was when Odysseus started to cry and get upset when famous harper sang. The passage said, “That was the song of the famous harper sang but Odysseus, clutching his flaring sea-blue cape in both powerful hands, drew it over his head and buried his handsome face, ashamed his hosts might see him shedding tears.”. Is this singer reminding Odysseus about his family, or is Odysseus crying of joy that he is finally going home? Why does Odysseus need 52 crew mate? Isn’t he ok to go on his own? Why does Broadsea and Laodamas want to pick a fight with Odysseus? Are they just jealous or do they want to prove that he really isn’t such a tough guy. Why does Athena make Odysseus taller and larger, isn’t he already this?
D.
I thought that this saying from Odysseus was very clever and smart: “In decent talk, my friend. You, you’re a reckless fool- I see that. So, the gods don’t hand out all their gifts at once, not build and brains and flowing speech to all. One man can crown his words with beauty, charm, and men look on with delight when he speaks out.” I think that Odysseus just owned Broadsea. Basically Odysseus said that he was and intelligent being or like a jock. Also, I think that Odysseus says that he really isn’t much of a sports guy, but he is really good with charming or persuading someone for his advantage.
I.
(Response to hankmichaels E) I agree with this also. Why would this man just build him a ship if he doesn’t even know his name! It is crazy.
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Post by stephenali16 on Sept 23, 2013 20:44:02 GMT -5
Stephen Ali
Mr. Thomas
English 10
September 23, 2013
C. I find it kind of strange how much Alcinous takes pride in having Odysseus in his town. He treats Odysseus like he is his son or someone that has lived in this village his entire life, event though he was founded by the water. The king has great hospitality towards Odysseus it has me thinking whether or not he is this kind to all his visitors. I wonder if he offers all the random people that come to his island his daughter as a wife. The king kind of wishes Odysseus was his own , because of the way he treats him while he is at the island from the start where he asked for a ride and until the end of line 299 where previously he offered Odysseus so much.
G. If I were Odysseus I would fill great about how things are going here and thinking about whether or not I can stay here for the rest of my life. Odysseus is being treated like a God here on the island that he just so happen to wander upon on. Also If I wanted to go home I would be kind or eerie on the boat ride back home, because the last one did not turn out too well. I will also know that nest time I go on the ocean Poseidon might be waiting for me.
E. I was shocked the king did not even know Odysseus name and he was willing enough to give him an entire crew and ship for his journey back home.
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Post by kkhurana70 on Sept 23, 2013 21:05:16 GMT -5
C- After reading book 8 some questions came to me; why did the Phaecians treat Odysseus so well, they don’t even know him? Why did the sailor crew tease Odysseus? Why did the king and the other Phaecians treat Odysseus like a god when he is not? What is a raider of cities? Why does the herald strip the man of sight and give him the power of rapturous singing? Why did Odysseus cry when the harper sang and played? Why does Alcinous the King make such a big deal about Odysseus being in Phaecia? Would the King offer his daughter to any random stranger that washed up on their lands like Odysseus? Were the sailor crew members angry or jealous of Odysseus?
G- If I were Odysseus I would not want to go back on a boat and sail on the seas when I know that there is a god out to get me and is willing to go through any means necessary to kill me or harm me some more. I would rather stay on the Phaecians land and start a new life instead of having to travel on such dangerous terrains and risk my life and deal with a psychotic god that just happens to be the god of the sea. I also would be a little nervous as to why the Phaecians are being so nice and generous with me, I would not be so relaxed instead I would be on high alert and constantly have my guard up.
D- A quote I enjoyed was “That was the song the famous harper sand but Odysseus, clutching his flaring sea-blue cape in both powerful hands, drew it over his head and buried his handsome face, ashamed his hosts might see him shedding tears.” I enjoyed this quote because it allowed me to see Odysseus in a more soft and non-soldier like setting. It also showed that Odysseus is still a human and has feelings and emotions making it clear he is not a god to the reader.
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Post by stephanoscocoves on Sept 23, 2013 21:26:21 GMT -5
E. I was really shocked that the king didn't even know Odysseus name. First he lets him sleep in his own house, stay in his favorite sons chair, gives him the opportunity to wed his daughter and live here as a king, builds him a ship and gives him a crew and the king still didn't know his name. Are you kidding. THe first thing I would have asked my guest what his name was. i just think it is a little odd.
H. They would all be seated in like an outdoor courtyard sort of place with all the kings, queens, princes, princesses, noblemen, and Odysseus all on the top part and the townspeople on the bottom part all having a feast where the upper-class people are eating and the townspeople are playing games and having a sort of barbecue.
D. I liked the parts where the sailors are trying to mock Odysseus but then Odysseus has this very wise remark that makes them just look stupid and not to be messed with. In decent talk, my friend. You, you’re a reckless fool- I see that. So, the gods don’t hand out all their gifts at once, not build and brains and flowing speech to all. One man can crown his words with beauty, charm, and men look on with delight when he speaks out.
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Post by vazquezm16 on Sept 23, 2013 21:41:17 GMT -5
C. I was confused when Laodamas taunted the other citizens to try and challenge Odysseus in sports. Laodamas went and asked Odysseus to partake and taunts and makes fun of Odysseus. He purposely tries to anger Odysseus so he will join and then Laodamas hopes to make fun of him. Odysseus refuses saying that he cannot partake because pains weigh his spirit. Laodamas then continues saying Odysseus is not a “real man” because he will not participate in the games. Odysseus retorts Laodamas and then throws the discus and beats all the people there. Alcinous was very polite and hospitable towards Odysseus, as were all the other citizens of the city. Why, all of a sudden, is Leodamas trying to anger Odysseus?
E. Athena played a part in Odysseus being challenged in this reading. Athena once again changed the way Odysseus looked “taller, massive to all eyes, so Phaecians might regard the man with kindness, awe, and respect” The reason stated for this is to aid him in the trials that the Phaecians will put him through. Athena also takes the form of a man and states that his throw was so much farther than the others that even a blind man could see it. Athena keeps inserting herself into Odysseus’ life and I am not sure that he knows about it.
D. I enjoyed the quote about Odysseus throwing the discus. “Up he sprang, cloak and all, and seized a discus, huge and heavy, more weight by far than those the Phaecians used to hurl and test each other.” This shows just how strong Odysseus even with the help of Athena. This also shows his determination to prove himself so he can get back home.
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Post by idelfonsoe16 on Sept 23, 2013 21:58:23 GMT -5
C. Why does Odysseus continue the Foreigner in Foreign Lands act although he already has the favor of king Alcinous? Does he want to gain the favor of the public as well? Also, why is Odysseus presented to a bunch of people like he was some sort of god or demigod? Has Athena worked her witch magic again? It seems as if she is having too much fun with Odysseus by making him much larger and pleasing to the eye. It is not helping him at all feel better about himself.
E. Alcinous treats Odysseus really oddly. Does he treat every foreigner like this? It is very weird to see this sense of hospitality for a stranger. Is it because he looks like a god? Why gain an interest in a foreigner, instead of the town’s best known man? It is almost as if Athena casted a spell on the people of Phaeacia to have them nice for until Odysseus leaves the land. Kings usually are very mean and strong and battle hardened, but this king seems to be a fake to me. He’s too nice!
F. Alcinous and Odysseus banter among each other as if they had known each other for years. They converse as if they were both together in the Trojan War fighting off Trojans in the front lines. Potentially they probably did, except Odysseus can’t remember or something! That could be a weird twist like a piece of Odysseus’ memory is gone and he’s in Phaeacia to get it back.
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Post by bakerm16 on Sept 23, 2013 23:45:39 GMT -5
I. I agree with richteri16 in his letter A response. People often act like Laodamas in that they are trying to impress others. People nowadays do that all the time. They strive to impress others to the point where they live their life always trying to impress others. If you ask me Laodamas' behavior is very teenaged. The typical teenager longs for attention and will do anything to keep up their image. This is basically what Laodamas is doing. Unfortunately however for Laodamas his plan does not prevail. Odysseus embarrasses him and Laodamas now feels dumb.
C. My main question is as to why King Alcinous is so generous to Odysseus. King Alcinous actually had a boat made for Odysseus to go back home on! But what could these kind gestures be rooted from? I think that these kin gestures are because King Alcinous might think that Odysseus is marrying his daughter and is therefore attempting to persuade him into marrying her with all these kind gestures. Odysseus is really living a great life considering where he was not to long ago. He's hit a luck streak after Calypso's island.
G. If I were Odysseus at this point of the odyssey I would feel on top of the world. I was trapped on Calypso's island then I had to face the wrath of Poseidon while crossing a sea. Now i'm having a boat made for me to go home. Ive met a beautiful woman on an island and Ive got Athena looking over me. Nothing could go wrong.
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Post by nvanible on Sept 24, 2013 5:10:13 GMT -5
D. When Broadsea provoked Odysseus, “You’re no athlete. I see that,” I felt like some real competition was going to go down. Odysseus obviously isn’t the most competitive person, but when provoked, is capable of pulling off feats that most mortals would call unnatural. It was expected for Broadsea to mock Odysseus, as this is common within the media to have some bully or opposing obstacle or conflict to taunt and or mock the hero into a situation where they reveal their true colors, in this case, how athletic, as well as physically fit Odysseus really is.
E. When Odysseus gives his speech, “Indecent talk, my friend. You, you’re a reckless fool—I see that. So, the gods don’t hand out all their gifts at once, not build and brains and flowing speech to all,” I felt was somewhat out of character of Odysseus as he had finally gotten out of that shell he was in. He finally stopped talking about his condition, giving a speech on about the characteristics and how others act, without judgment. It is also worthy to note that Odysseus seems to reveal who he is deep down whenever he is put into a situation of where he feels discomforted or “out of place” for some reason.
I. With what richteri16 said about Alcinous and how he went to talk to Odysseus, I personally feel that that wasn't his intention. Alcinous was simply explaining why Odysseus is good at the things he does, saying that his people are also gifted with things that they are especially unique in, as well as every other person in the world. Alcinous was just stating a fact in a friendly type manner.
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