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Post by Mr. Thomas on Sept 24, 2013 7:11:59 GMT -5
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Post by hankmichels on Sept 24, 2013 15:45:52 GMT -5
A. Reading the article was really cool. In fact it reminded me of a more recent article I read a couple days a go. In it, this guy, ed buckly gets in a horrible car accident. He is left with little memories of who he is. Then he starts listening to Coldplay music and slowly he regains his memory. Eventually he starts playing Coldplay on the piano. Now, he has gained about 60 percent of his memories back and he got to meet Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay. I found this very similar to how reading the odyssey helps you recover from mental illness you may have gotten in war. Except, the vets didn’t get meet homer.
C. Once again I find it kind of strange how generous King Alcinuos is. All Odysseus does is throw some rock, and alcinuos is like “Lets bathe him in riches!”. Im surprised that that his people don’t hate him for wasting all of their money. I guess he is a nice guy, though. “He placed the silver-studded sword in his hands” and also, that guy who made fun Odysseus gives him his sword (line 453) Why?
E. I have noticed some repetition in this chapter. It seems like the story is always rotating through these two things: Odysseus crying and King alcinuos giving him free stuff. “All assented… Each noble sent a page to fetch gifts” (lines 144-45) these people must have a bunch of junk lying around. Either that or they have a shipment of new stuff coming and they want to get rid of the old stuff
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Post by rozzayhill007 on Sept 24, 2013 17:49:52 GMT -5
Jackson Hill
E. One character’s actions that I was surprised by was Ares. She was kind of two faced because at the beginning she did a nice gesture, but then all of a sudden she was able to bring shame to a certain thing so quickly. “Ares had showered her with gifts and showered Hephaestus’ marriage bed with shame but a messenger ran to tell the god of fire—Helios, lord of the sun, who’d spied the couple lost in each other’s arms making love.” I was surprised on how she could be so mean as to air Hephaestus’ business like that. If I were Hephaestus I would be pretty embarrassed, but also very angry because of the fact that Ares just “aired my dirty laundry” so to speak. I was also surprised by the actions of the happy gods in lines 369. I was surprised that they would laugh at a fellow god even if they had done bad work, “The immortals, givers of all good things, stood at the gates, and uncontrollable laughter burst from the happy gods when they saw the god of fire’s subtle, cunning work.” Why even if the god had made a mistake would they laugh and not possibly try to help the god in fixing his mistake to make it better.
D. A line that I particularly enjoyed was lines 559-565. “Stirred now by the Muse, the bard launched out in a fine blaze of song, starting at just the point where the main Achaean force, setting their camps afire, had boarded the oarswept ships and sailed for home but famed Odysseus’ men already crouched in hiding—in the heart of Troy’s assembly—dark in that horse the Trojans dragged themselves to the city heights.” The reason why I like these lines are because I can imagine them in my mind, like I can picture this particular scene occurring right in front of me so detailed and very descriptive.
C. One thing that I am confused on is why Alcinous and the people are still praising Odysseus as if he were some high and mighty god. He has already told them that he is a regular mortal, so why do they continue this good treatment. He has used their money and kind of used them to gain many riches so why does this not upset them.
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Post by johnaviles on Sept 24, 2013 18:48:54 GMT -5
C. I was confused at the part where Broadsea acts like nothing really happened between him and Odysseus and gives him a nice silver-studded sword as a parting gift as well as an apology. I cannot tell how sincere Broadsea is being, if sincere at all. It is a trick situation because Odysseus is also being courteous in return by accepting the gift with an open heart or if he is just being tricky. “He placed the silver-studded sword in Odysseus’ hands with a burst of warm words: “Farewell stranger, sir-if any remark of mine gave you offense, may stormwinds snatch it up and sweep it off!” “And a warm farewell to you too my friend. May the gods grant you good fortune,” says Odysseus in return to Broadsea. D. I was interesting in the line, “The herald placed the gift in Demodocus’ hands and the famous blind bard received it, overjoyed.” I was interested in this because maybe it was another reference to homer himself and how he was blind. I. rozzayhill007 I was thinking the same thing, if anything they should like down to him. I think it’s because they know Odysseus has seen his rough days so for that they show him a deal of respect but to still treat him like a good doesn’t make all that much sense to me. Good observation though. |
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Post by richteri16 on Sept 24, 2013 19:27:46 GMT -5
A. The article and audio recording that is part of this assignment is very interesting. I never realized how PTSD really is until I heard the audio clip. The soldiers that return from the current war in Afghanistan who suffer from PTSD need our help. I know that there is not much I, an ordinary person, can do but some things can be done. If somebody tries to open up to me I will let him or her speak. I wont let my comments get I the way. This could be a critical moment for that solider and it has to be handled carefully. Allow it to happen the right way and the way to recovery may be accelerated. Get in the way of it and you may have disrupted a very important phase of that person finally coming out to somebody about his or her experiences.
E. I am quite interested by the character Demodocus. I like how Homer seemed to have added himself into the story here. The description of Demodocus closely matches that of Homer. Both of them are blind storytellers.
F. Lines 110-121 are quite interesting. Here I see that Alcinous is clearly concerned about Odysseus’s well being. He sees that Odysseus is having a hard time with the war stories being told. So instead of being a mean person, he tells the storyteller to stop. Then he begins the games. This seals the deal for me to deciding on whether or not Alcinous actually cares about Odysseus.
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Post by rayparkeng10 on Sept 24, 2013 19:54:58 GMT -5
E. This part of the book was hard to grab but seemed to make sense by the end. A character that I was surprised by was Ares. She was kind of two faced because at the beginning and she concieved many nice jestures, but then all of a sudden she was able to bring shame to a certain thing so quickly. “Ares had showered her with gifts and showered Hephaestus’ marriage bed with shame but a messenger ran to tell the god of fire—Helios, lord of the sun, who’d spied the couple lost in each other’s arms making love.” I was surprised on how she could be so mean as to air Hephaestus’ business like that. If I were Hephaestus I would be pretty embarrassed, but also very angry because of the fact that Ares just “aired my dirty laundry” so to speak. I am quite interested by the character Demodocus. I like how Homer seemed to have added himself into the story here. The description of Demodocus closely matches that of Homer. Both of them are blind storytellers.
C. I was very confused about the part when Broadsea acts as if nothing really happened between him and Odysseus, their relationship, and gives him a nice silver-studded sword as a parting gift as well as an apology. I dont know if Broadsea was being completely serious or trying to get him in some way shape or form. I cannot tell how sincere Broadsea is being. This is a trick situation because Odysseus is being courteous in return by accepting the gift with an nicely and proudly. I dont even know if he knows the true intentions of Broadsea.
J. I agree with jackson Hill that this quote was very enjoyable. “Stirred now by the Muse, the bard launched out in a fine blaze of song, starting at just the point where the main Achaean force, setting their camps afire, had boarded the oarswept ships and sailed for home but famed Odysseus’ men already crouched in hiding—in the heart of Troy’s assembly—dark in that horse the Trojans dragged themselves to the city heights.” The descriptions and details in this sentence is very clear and a movie is shown in my head when this sentence is read by me. I can clearly see how Odysseus feels and see the atmosphere.
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Post by kkhurana70 on Sept 24, 2013 20:08:56 GMT -5
C- As I continued reading Book 8, I found it strange how generous King Alcinious is to Odysseus. This makes me wonder if there is some sort of catch in his generosity. I also am puzzled as to why the people don’t mind Odysseus when he is basically mooching off the Phaecians lands and supplies for free. I also do not get why Odysseus is still treated like a god when he has shown his true identity and they know he is not a god or demi-god, so why does he get this special treatment. I also was confused as to why Ares wanted to cause trouble with Hephaestus. Another thing that was puzzling was when Broadsea gives Odysseus a gift to apologize but plays it off like there was nothing between the two. E- The character Demodocus is very interesting to me because I find it very cool that Homer added himself into his story and that the character is very alike to Homer in many ways. I think that it showed Homer was very cocky and proud of him and probably did not have many friends due to his large ego. I- rozzayhill007 I also found it strange and shocking how two faced and serpentine Ares was. I thought it was very wrong of her to do what she did to Hephaestus because it was uncalled for and very rude. |
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Post by idelfonsoe16 on Sept 24, 2013 20:12:43 GMT -5
C. Why would Poseidon stick up to war in the old folklore? Why did he choose to take the punishment when the lame crafter trapped war with the lust Aphrodite? Why didn’t he laugh with the rest of the gods? Is this why he hates Odysseus? Is it because Odysseus survived war? This could be the reason why Poseidon hates Odysseus! Because Odysseus bested war instead of paying the price FOR war! This could be the reason why Poseidon must hate mortals! It is all because of this small incident? I think this could be our ticket to finding out the truth of Poseidon’s hatred.
B. Without the little folklore about the lame crafter, I think the text would’ve been a bit vulgar without it. Since this little tale can be about the truths of Poseidon’s true nature being riddled away by a sacrifice, this piece of literature is very vital, especially right before Odysseus’ great journey back home to his wife and kids. This could help Odysseus understand Poseidon’s hatred towards him. I really don’t know but this could either help or burn Odysseus.
E. The bard or “Homer” seemed to be like the greatest being that ever lived. I laughed at the fact that Homer basically wrote himself in as the greatest poet in the history of mankind. It is almost like his ego is as big as Odysseus’! I could understand you wrote a good book while blind, I’ll give you that, but come on Homer! Take a chill pill with the fame.
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Post by petergiglio on Sept 24, 2013 20:13:04 GMT -5
A. The article was very interesting to read because i have a couple of family members who are also fighting in the war in Afghanistan and how they have the same types of struggles still today like they did back in ancient Greece. PSTD is very serious and would be something i would like to help out more with although i am only 15 and haven't really seen anything traumatic. I do have great empathy for the soldiers and what they are doing because war is an extremely traumatic thing now and back in ancient Greek times.
C. What confused me before and still confuses me now and makes me believe that the Phaecians are either stupid or just overly nice is why they keep worshiping Odysseus like he is a god when he SPECIFICALLY tells them that he is a mortal and he wants to get home not that he was sent here for any reason, just Poseidon being a jerk. Also why does Odysseus keep crying, he is getting so many gifts and praise, plus he starts crying when Laodoas begins singing a song he asked him to play.
G. If i were Odysseus i would be very thankful of all the gifts but i would also be a little suspicious that they are being this nice which hasnt been happening to him a lot lately maybe not even at all. He might be the unluckiest guy on the face of the earth so if i were him i would think 3 times before i make a decision.
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Post by alis16 on Sept 24, 2013 20:28:05 GMT -5
Stephen Ali
September 24, 2013
English 10
Mr. Thomas
I. richteri16- I am quite interested by the character Demodocus. I like how Homer seemed to have added himself into the story here. The description of Demodocus closely matches that of Homer. Both of them are blind storytellers.
I agree with Ian a lot I also find it a coincidence how both him and homer are blind story tellers. I think this is Homer and he did this to give himself fame for his work. Homer shows us what a great writer he is by including himself in his own book that should not really include him.
E. In my opinion Odysseus is acting like a baby he is always having an emotional breakdown. I know he hasn’t been home in 20 years and is extremely home sick, at least don’t cry in public about it. You’re a grown man, with a huge body and the emotional mind of a ten year old. I also find it funny how Odysseus is always crying and the king comes by and makes his day better. The king I feel is the true hero in this section of the book give a complete stranger he has never seen before, more than what Odysseus could ever imagine. The king is acting as a father to Odysseus I would say.
E. The article gives me the idea of how important your home is to you and what you’re life would be like if you grew up somewhere else. It helps me relate to Odysseus and how bad he really wants to get back home especially after so long.
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Post by hessd16 on Sept 24, 2013 21:31:33 GMT -5
(Dakota Hess) C. I was confused I the reading today as to why Odysseus requested the song about himself. Requesting this song would obviously bring up memories of home or war and would make him cry. Why does Odysseus do that to himself? He could have requested a song more about anything else but decides to get the one about him. Also he knows that he will have to tell the king and the Phaecians about who he is sooner or later and even tries hinting it by crying to a song about his life. E. while I was reading about how Odysseus was crying I had to look at the line number just to see if I was correct. The crying scene was exactly as the one in the lines before (1-299). The king was the only one who heard it again; the king handled it the same way by telling the Demodocus to stop singing again, and tells all to continue on the party. The only difference about this crying scene was that the king finally asked who Odysseus is. I predict that the next book will tell us why Poseidon hates Odysseus so much. I. As in response to rozzayhill007 Ares is a male and is the god of war. But I do agree that it was outrageous to see the gods laughing at their fellow god and goddess. I think that it was very wrong of Ares and Aphrodite to have an affair but, Hephaestus seems like a nasty and mean god. It was very wrong to make the affair a public display as well. |
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Post by michaelgenco on Sept 24, 2013 21:39:53 GMT -5
C.
I was really confused with the first two pages. It seemed like this just came out of nowhere. Going further into the reading it seems like even though Ares was caught trying to sleep with Aphrodite, he still wants to do it. Why, after getting caught by these mighty gods, why would you say to them that you want to do that? I thought that that idea is something that you are supposed to keep to yourself, not tell everyone about. Also, why were the gods happy and laughing. Did they find it funny that Ares is doing this, or are they laughing that Aphrodite and Ares are caught in another persons bed, not their own.
D.
When Odysseus sees the dancers of the island of Phaeacia he seems very happy. Odysseus says, “King Alcinous, shinning among your island people, you boasted Phaeacia’s dancers are the best- they prove your point-I watch and I’m amazed.” In this it either seems that Odysseus really does enjoy this dance, or that he is saying good things to the King so that he can go home with a boat and supplies. The king replied,
“Hear me, my lords and captains of Phaeacia, our guest is a man of real taste, I’d say. Come, let’s give him the parting gifts a guest deserves.” Therefore my guess that Odysseus just wanted a boat to go home and some supplies make perfect sense.
I.
(Response to petergiglio A) I also thought that the article was very interesting how present day war veterans go through the same as warriors in ancient Greece. I guess that war is war, everyone is deeply affected by it.
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Post by stephanoscocoves on Sept 24, 2013 21:41:38 GMT -5
D. One line that I really liked was “Stirred now by the Muse, the bard launched out in a fine blaze of song, starting at just the point where the main Achaean force, setting their camps afire, had boarded the oarswept ships and sailed for home but famed Odysseus’ men already crouched in hiding—in the heart of Troy’s assembly—dark in that horse the Trojans dragged themselves to the city heights.” (lines 559-565) I liked these lines a lot because they are so descriptive. You can perfectly picture and it gives all the detail. It like a perfectly painted picture just in words and you put each piece together in you head to bring about a piece of art. C. One thing that confuses me is why do the people keep praising Odysseus. we all know that he is mortal and there is nothing special about him. He is not a god and therefore should be treated like one yet he is. Is there a reason, do they think he is some sort of profit. I richteri16 I'm really interested in him to and am excited to see how he fits into the story later on. |
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Post by zaysofly on Sept 24, 2013 21:51:31 GMT -5
Isaiah Colon
D: First a congratulations to this amazing genius for finding a way to appease PTSD without the use of heavy medications. Even better that he uses the stories from Odysseus and other great Greek warriors. Some of his techniques make some sense. For example, when he says that the patients that he works with must be placed in the same unit so that they can know each other; it’s like he is making them comfortable to the way they used to live, which was army style. My grandpa is a Marine and he fought in the Vietnam War, one of the most brutal and high ranking PTSD patients in the world. He has to take meds and is very quick tempered. He is also jumpy to sounds and he has trouble sleeping so he sleeps during the day and is up very early. He is know a devout Jehovah witness and studies daily.
C: My only question is how on earth do you even think to try and test Greek war stories on a PTSD patient. This reminds me of the mystery of how someone even thought to think about the subconscious and made such rash but true decisions about it.
G: If I were looking into this like MacArthur was, I would kind of understand where he’s coming from. When you come across people that eat, sleep and think army and war, they develop these traits. For example, my step dad is also a marine and he is all about loyalty, responsibility and actually loves the odyssey. Its just the way they are fixed into. The Marines especially can have a huge impact on someone’s emotional stability and self conscious structure. My step dad is very intelligent but it seems as if sometimes Marines is in his blood.
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Post by jotirmoykundu on Sept 25, 2013 5:42:31 GMT -5
C. One thing that I am confused on is why Alcinous and the people highly praise Odysseus so much. He has told them that he’s normal but continues to give him good treatment. Is it because they this he’s being humble? He has even used their money to gain riches, but they are still not mad.
F. Lines 110-121 are quite interesting because you see that Alcinous is clearly concerned about Odysseus’s well-being. He saw that Oddyseus was having a hard time sinking the war story in. He tells the story teller to stop the story so he can begin the games. This tells me how much he actually cares about him.
J. I agree with jackson Hill that this quote was very enjoyable. “Stirred now by the Muse, the bard launched out in a fine blaze of song, starting at just the point where the main Achaean force, setting their camps afire, had boarded the oarswept ships and sailed for home but famed Odysseus’ men already crouched in hiding—in the heart of Troy’s assembly—dark in that horse the Trojans dragged themselves to the city heights.” I can picture this when I read this and see clearly how Odysseus feels and see the atmosphere.
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