It is interesting how the writing style has changed in the second half of the book. It seems Homer has put more emphasis on actions and petty conversations (think Achilles and Agamemnon) than useful dialogue. Homer explained the slaughter of the suitors in more detail than he did with any other reaction. Like when Odysseus' crew was killed by Scylla and was explained in less than three lines, but with the killing of Melanthius, it was explained in 2-3 paragraphs. It seems that the book itself diluted into pointless conversations and actions, there was no real clever statements or ideas. To me, the writing changed completely. It seems to me either no one recorded the accurate 2nd half of the book from Homer. Not to mention Athena just waves her hand and the suitors parents forget they practically exist, i get the idea of wanting to stop violence, but to end a book on that note seems completely cheap.To me, this was a sad, and corny way to end an epic that has lasted hundreds of years.
It is apparent that although many gods such as Hermes, Zeus, and Poseidon play an important role in the odyssey, Athena's role is the most influential and crucial. By taking on many roles and helping both Odysseus and Telemachus, she keeps them safe and creates this pleasing ending. In the last book, Athena once again intervenes and changes the outcome of the imminent battle. By helping Laertes, stopping the bloodshed and many other things, Athena shows once again that she is essential in the Odyssey.
As we finish up the tale of the Odyssey, I found it interesting how Athena sticks with Odysseus throughout the entire story. No matter how many duties Athena has to tend to, she continues to go out of her way to help Odysseus and his family and make sure he can get home safely. In all the instances throughout the story up until now, Athena only subtly guides Odysseus on his way to success. However, in this book, she blatantly changes Odysseus' fate by making all of the suitors' relatives forget how Odysseus killed them all. I think she continues to help Odysseus not because she thinks he is more special than other men, but because he is a more modest and honest human than others. This whole story is an example of karma, Odysseus does good things to others, so Athena has decided to repay him by making sure that he gets home and can take revenge on the suitors.
Athena's demand for peace in Ithaca was a nice closure for the book, but I agree with Alec that the style of writing changed a bit. Also, I wasn't suspecting a "happy" ending- I thought it would end with a huge cliffhanger. Instead of tying up every loose end and resolving every conflict, Homer cleverly ends the story with Athena handing down her pacts that will enforce peace in Ithaca, indicating that there will never be any turmoil again. With this ending, the reader is able to have his or her own ideas of what is next in store for the characters. In all, The Odyssey has closure but is still somewhat open-ended. Also, I just noticed some significance with Athena when she takes Mentor's form- when she does this, she is usually intervening and giving advice. The word mentor describes someone who is a teacher or counselor, that provides guidance and instructions. The connection is not a coincidence though, for I did some research, and found that we get the english word mentor from Athena's role in the Odyssey. I feel that this is evidence that the Odyssey is a timeless tale.
Athena not only cares about Odysseus, but she is also very entertained by his struggles and his adventure. Throughout the entire book, Athena has helped Odysseus, sometimes he needs the help, other times he does not. If it were not for Athena, Odysseus would most likely be dead by now, but fortunately for Odysseus, Athena thoroughly enjoys manipulating his life. Athena's habits can almost be compared to someone watching or playing a television show or a video game. She watches his adventures, and changes them to make them last longer, and entertain her more.
Throughout this book, Peace, Athena's role has been a big part of it. Since book one Athena has been by Odysseus and Telemachus' side ready to step in to guide the the two father and son characters. In this book Athena continues to help the two. She continues to take the role of Mentor and tries to restore peace throughout Ithaca between the townspeople and the royalty. The idea of peace in Ithaca is what Athena has wanted all along for Odysseus, his family, and for the island of Ithaca. Finally, at the end of the book her wishes have come true and it has come to an "happily ever after" story.
Without Athena's help, Odysseus would be nothing. He would have died long ago on the ocean or have been killed by the suitors on Ithaca. Her intervention saved Odysseus multiple times throughout the book, but she finally orders a stop to the violence. While the relatives of dead suitors attack Odysseus, Teleamchus, and the rest of the palace, Athena uses her unmatched power to stop the fighting. After years and years of fighting off others and having to watch his back at all times, Odysseus will not have to worry because the violence has stopped. He owes a great amount of gratitude to Athena because of all of her work to save him. Penelope and Odysseus will live safely together until their deaths because of one goddess: Athena.
This last book probably has the greatest and most powerful example of divine intervention. Athena has done many things to help Odysseus throughout his journey, but she is now deciding to put a complete end to the struggle. After many small interventions, Athena used her power to bring this story to an end. She made all the families of the suitors forget about the massacre and become loyal to Odysseus again. Athena had to intervene with a lot of people. She finally said enough is enough, and ended this long and difficult journey.
It is interesting how the writing style has changed in the second half of the book. It seems Homer has put more emphasis on actions and petty conversations (think Achilles and Agamemnon) than useful dialogue. Homer explained the slaughter of the suitors in more detail than he did with any other reaction. Like when Odysseus' crew was killed by Scylla and was explained in less than three lines, but with the killing of Melanthius, it was explained in 2-3 paragraphs. It seems that the book itself diluted into pointless conversations and actions, there was no real clever statements or ideas. To me, the writing changed completely. It seems to me either no one recorded the accurate 2nd half of the book from Homer. Not to mention Athena just waves her hand and the suitors parents forget they practically exist, i get the idea of wanting to stop violence, but to end a book on that note seems completely cheap.To me, this was a sad, and corny way to end an epic that has lasted hundreds of years.
ReplyDeleteIt is apparent that although many gods such as Hermes, Zeus, and Poseidon play an important role in the odyssey, Athena's role is the most influential and crucial. By taking on many roles and helping both Odysseus and Telemachus, she keeps them safe and creates this pleasing ending. In the last book, Athena once again intervenes and changes the outcome of the imminent battle. By helping Laertes, stopping the bloodshed and many other things, Athena shows once again that she is essential in the Odyssey.
ReplyDeleteAs we finish up the tale of the Odyssey, I found it interesting how Athena sticks with Odysseus throughout the entire story. No matter how many duties Athena has to tend to, she continues to go out of her way to help Odysseus and his family and make sure he can get home safely. In all the instances throughout the story up until now, Athena only subtly guides Odysseus on his way to success. However, in this book, she blatantly changes Odysseus' fate by making all of the suitors' relatives forget how Odysseus killed them all. I think she continues to help Odysseus not because she thinks he is more special than other men, but because he is a more modest and honest human than others. This whole story is an example of karma, Odysseus does good things to others, so Athena has decided to repay him by making sure that he gets home and can take revenge on the suitors.
ReplyDeleteAthena's demand for peace in Ithaca was a nice closure for the book, but I agree with Alec that the style of writing changed a bit. Also, I wasn't suspecting a "happy" ending- I thought it would end with a huge cliffhanger. Instead of tying up every loose end and resolving every conflict, Homer cleverly ends the story with Athena handing down her pacts that will enforce peace in Ithaca, indicating that there will never be any turmoil again. With this ending, the reader is able to have his or her own ideas of what is next in store for the characters. In all, The Odyssey has closure but is still somewhat open-ended. Also, I just noticed some significance with Athena when she takes Mentor's form- when she does this, she is usually intervening and giving advice. The word mentor describes someone who is a teacher or counselor, that provides guidance and instructions. The connection is not a coincidence though, for I did some research, and found that we get the english word mentor from Athena's role in the Odyssey. I feel that this is evidence that the Odyssey is a timeless tale.
ReplyDeleteAthena not only cares about Odysseus, but she is also very entertained by his struggles and his adventure. Throughout the entire book, Athena has helped Odysseus, sometimes he needs the help, other times he does not. If it were not for Athena, Odysseus would most likely be dead by now, but fortunately for Odysseus, Athena thoroughly enjoys manipulating his life. Athena's habits can almost be compared to someone watching or playing a television show or a video game. She watches his adventures, and changes them to make them last longer, and entertain her more.
ReplyDeleteThroughout this book, Peace, Athena's role has been a big part of it. Since book one Athena has been by Odysseus and Telemachus' side ready to step in to guide the the two father and son characters. In this book Athena continues to help the two. She continues to take the role of Mentor and tries to restore peace throughout Ithaca between the townspeople and the royalty. The idea of peace in Ithaca is what Athena has wanted all along for Odysseus, his family, and for the island of Ithaca. Finally, at the end of the book her wishes have come true and it has come to an "happily ever after" story.
ReplyDeleteWithout Athena's help, Odysseus would be nothing. He would have died long ago on the ocean or have been killed by the suitors on Ithaca. Her intervention saved Odysseus multiple times throughout the book, but she finally orders a stop to the violence. While the relatives of dead suitors attack Odysseus, Teleamchus, and the rest of the palace, Athena uses her unmatched power to stop the fighting. After years and years of fighting off others and having to watch his back at all times, Odysseus will not have to worry because the violence has stopped. He owes a great amount of gratitude to Athena because of all of her work to save him. Penelope and Odysseus will live safely together until their deaths because of one goddess: Athena.
ReplyDeleteThis last book probably has the greatest and most powerful example of divine intervention. Athena has done many things to help Odysseus throughout his journey, but she is now deciding to put a complete end to the struggle. After many small interventions, Athena used her power to bring this story to an end. She made all the families of the suitors forget about the massacre and become loyal to Odysseus again. Athena had to intervene with a lot of people. She finally said enough is enough, and ended this long and difficult journey.
ReplyDelete