Analysis Of The Poem The Odyssey - 978 Words

Penelope is identified by relatively few epithets within the last six books of the Odyssey, and indeed, throughout the poem. Her most common epithet is ‘circumspect,’ although she is also referred to as the ‘respected wife of Odysseus’ and the ‘daughter of Ikarios’ with relative frequency as well. It is not until the end of the poem, specifically Book Twenty-Four, that Penelope gains a broader spectrum of identifying epithets, including ‘blameless’ and ‘prudent’ (Homer, Odyssey 24.194, 198). Her identification as ‘circumspect’ is important to the overall theme of ÃŽ ½ÃÅ'ÏÆ'Ï„Î ¿Ãâ€š (homecoming) in the Odyssey. In addition, the manner in which she is described within the poem stays relatively stable until the last two books, wherein Penelope gains greater depth as a female character when she is reunited with her husband. Penelope, like most women, is identified through her male relatives, in this case through her husband Odysseus and her father Ikarios. This is not an uncommon style of epithets, even amongst the suitors. This is therefore not meant to diminish her role as regent of Ithaka while Odysseus is away at war. However, it should be noted that Penelope feels that her identity is controlled entirely by Odysseus (Homer, Od. 18.251-255). Despite this, Penelope is very much her own independent character, as is shown by her adept ability at stalling the suitors and ruling as regent over Ithaka for the duration of Odysseus’ absence. The most common epithet of Penelope isShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of The Poem The Odyssey 991 Words   |  4 Pages1. Penelope In the epic poem of â€Å"The Odyssey† Penelope plays Odysseus’ wife. Though â€Å"The Odyssey† relates the events and triumphs of Odysseus, the poem also tells one of Penelope who, too, is fighting a battle of her own. â€Å"Grieving and breaking her heart, and doing nothing but weep, both night and day continually† (Book 16, page 15) Penelope sulks not only for her husband who has not returned from battle, but also for her son who set sail in search for his father, Odysseus. Poor Penelope is now leftRead MoreAnalysis Of The Poem Angelica Kauffman Painted Prolifically And The Odyssey Essay2354 Words   |  10 Pagespainted prolifically and was one of the most famous female painters of not only her time but of all time, depending of course on who one asks. Her work in historical genre often depicted scenes or characters from Homer’s epics, the Iliad and The Odyssey. In her position in 18th century Europe, primarily in England, the context of this paper is to argue why she would use Homer’s epics and characters as those through which she painted images of the virtuous female. The intention of this essay is toRead MoreAthena, The Goddess Of Wisdom And Strategy965 Words   |  4 PagesAthena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy, plays an intriguing role throughout The Odyssey. An example of this role is specifically shown in Book 19, as she is present with Odysseus and Telemachus in the halls. In this scene, Athena is shown holding a golden lamp in front of Telemachus and Odysseus as they walk the halls. Odysseus is able to see Athena is holding the lamp. However, Telemachus cannot see her and is bedazzled by the golden radiance and glow. As Homer states, Odysseus and his princelyRead MoreAeneid Analysis789 Words   |  4 PagesAeneid By Virgil Written 19 B.C.E Translated by John Dryden Analysis Jazymn Talley SNHU Analysis The intention of Virgil s poem, Aeneid, is to romanticize the origins of the Roman Empire. Aeneid shares many characteristic to Grecian writer Homer s Epic poems the Iliad and the Odyssey. Much of Roman culture is modeled after or inspired by the Greeks, especially the arts. Roman art, writings, religion, and celebrations were on the rise as they experienced a time of rest, enabling themRead MoreThe Truth Behind The Myth1471 Words   |  6 Pagesas the poems of Homer. They were told orally, passed on like a campfire story. Homer authored both The Iliad and The Odyssey. The Iliad is the story of the Trojan war, while The Odyssey is about Odysseus’ ten year adventure home from the war. â€Å"The story of the Trojan War, the Bronze Age conflict between the kingdoms of Troy and Mycenaean Greece, straddles the history and mythology of ancient Greece and inspired the greatest writers of antiquity† (Trojan War, history.com). Homer’s poem paintsRead MoreComparati ve Analysis of the Aeneid, Odyssey, and Iliad Essay962 Words   |  4 PagesComparative Analysis of the Aeneid, Odyssey, and Iliad The Iliad and the Odyssey are two of the best Greek epics written by Homer. Despite their popularity, almost nothing is known about the author beyond the existence of his masterpieces. Surprisingly enough no concrete evidence of his existence is available; not even to confirm the same person created the two works. The authorship of the Iliad and the Odyssey were debated even in the times of the ancient Greeks. Many scholars have arguedRead MoreLeda And The Swan Poem Analysis1260 Words   |  6 Pagesthat depict the cynical dehumanization and assault of women, and as well as the scenic mountains of Vermont, where an incident and the death of a young man is symbolic to the constant warfare that the soldiers endure daily. Likewise, allusion in the poems â€Å"Leda and the Swanâ€Å" by W. B. Yeats, â€Å"Out, Out---† by Robert Frost, and â€Å"Siren Songâ€Å" by Margaret Atwood reveals the historical conflicts that occurred within Greek mythology and World War I. To begin with, in â€Å"Leda and the Swan† by W. B. Yeats, heRead MoreAn Analysis of Loyalty in Homer’s Odyssey1555 Words   |  7 PagesAn Analysis of Loyalty in Homer’s Odyssey In short, The Odyssey is a story of the war hero Odysseus’ pain and suffering caused by the extensive separation from his family and home during the chronicle of events after the fall of Troy. In the unraveling of these adventures, the reader is immersed in a world of heroic feats, strange creatures and lustful gods. However, behind all the myths and legends, there are a wide variety of underlying themes and concepts, which not only develop the plot andRead More Descent to the Underworld in the Aeneid by Virgil and the Odyssey by Homer1534 Words   |  7 Pagesand the Odyssey I chose to compare the Odyssey written by the Greek poet Homer and the Aeneid by the Roman poet Virgil. I will focus my interest on Book 11 of the Odyssey and Book 6 of the Aeneid, since that is when both of the main characters make an educational visit to the underworld. The description of the underworld created by Homers wild imagination, inspired Virgil eight centuries later. Virgils masterpiece was planned as an imitation of Homers poems, so oneRead MoreEssay about Analysis of Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s Epic Poem Ulysses1191 Words   |  5 PagesLord Tennyson’s epic poem Ulysses is composed as a dramatic monologue, consisting of four stanzas each of which frankly discuss the speakers current situation and yearning for adventure. The use of iambic pentameter provides a sense of fluidity to the speaker’s voice. The speaker reveals himself to be the protagonist of the poem with the opening line â€Å"It little profits that an idle king† (1). The use of the word â€Å"idle† offers the first clue as to one of the main themes of the poem. Tennyson much like