Part One
Book nine begins with Odysseus introducing his story to King Alcinous, the king of Phaeacia. As he begins his story, he first compliments Alcinous by telling him that his palace “is the best that life can offer” (9.11). After this, Odysseus continues with the rest of his journey and finally confesses his name to the people of Phaeacia. But, while sharing his journey, he mentions Calypso and Circe before anything else. He told them this before even saying why he was with them or all the events that happened before the two women. Why? Throughout Odysseus’ story he tells the Phaeacians about all the traps people had set for them and how people had tried to convince Odysseus and his crew to stay. After Odysseus and his crew traveled and escaped Ismarus and the land of the Lotus-eaters, they arrived on the Cyclops’ land. The Cyclops, Polyphemus, is Poseidon’s son and Odysseus blinded Polyphemus. This helped Odysseus and his crew escape, but only for Odysseus to taunt the Cyclops and almost getting crushed by a giant rock. This, I believe, really showed Odysseus’ character because his actions were irrational and but everyone’s lives in danger. Odysseus yelled back to Polyphemus only to make himself feel better and to prove he was smarter than him. But at the end, Odysseus and his crew finally escape the Cyclops’ island.
Q: To what extent is Odysseus to blame for the trouble he and his crew find themselves in? Does he redeem himself at all by being the one to help them eventually escape?
A: I do not believe that Odysseus is entirely the one to blame, but a lot of their misfortunes are because of him. When Odysseus and his crew arrive on the island of the Cyclops, they explored the island to see what kind of people live there. But, once they come upon a cave, Odysseus walks inside. When the Cyclops returned, he was not happy to see them in his house and continued to kill members of Odysseus’ crew two at a time. Eventually Odysseus manages to escape, but he did not fully redeem himself. He put his crew in danger and continued to taunt the Cyclops once they had left and telling the Cyclops his name put him in even more danger.
Q: Why is it easier to attribute Odysseus’ troubles at sea to one single cause—Poseidon avenging his son—than to acknowledge that it might just be a series of unrelated events (bad weather, inept navigation, etc.)? Is it possible that our own modern religions serve a similar purpose in our lives?
A: It is easier to attribute Odysseus’ troubles to Poseidon because it might have been what they believed in at the time. In Ancient Greece, all of the people believed that the Gods controlled everything and that Zeus created paths for everyone. This was the easiest thing to do because no one would have questioned it. Our own religions have the same purpose because many people believe that God is responsible for a lot of things that happen in our lifetimes. There are also others that believe in something other than a god. This serves the same purpose, but if something bad were to happen to someone, they might blame it on something like karma, not necessarily God punishing them.
Guiding Question #1: If you had witnessed someone kill people that were close to you, like what the Cyclops had done, would you seek revenge? How would you react? Would you be hotheaded like Odysseus or respond calmly and sail away without a word?
Part Two
Literary Devices:
Simile- “Here was a piece of work, by god, a monster built like no mortal who ever supped on bread, no, like a shaggy peak, I’d say—a man-mountain rearing head and shoulders over the world” (9.211-214). Homer uses similes to show what is going on without being able to show it. By comparing objects and people to things we actually know, it is easier to picture what is happening.
Foreshadowing- The Cyclops says, about Odysseus, at the end of book nine, “…let him come home late and come a broken man—all shipmates lost, alone in a stranger’s ship—and let him find a world of pain at home!” (9.592-595) This is foreshadowing because almost everything the Cyclops had said has come true. Odysseus is already coming home late and a broken man, so maybe before he returns home he will lose all of his crew and be alone the rest of the journey.
Epic Machinery:
Epithets- “When young Dawn with her rose-red fingers shone once more…” is used throughout every book in The Odyssey. This line is used when the characters are expressing a new day and it is almost described as a beautiful woman that is responsible for bringing about the new day. But, I feel like this line is only said when the character telling the story is about to explain or share something that is really important. In book nine, the first time it is used is to show that Odysseus was approaching the Cyclops’ shore. The second time is when they meet the Cyclops, the third is when they blinded the Cyclops, the fourth is when the Cyclops threatens Odysseus, and the fifth is when Odysseus and his men finally escape.
Translator’s Notes:
In book nine, Odysseus says, “But I would not let our rolling ships set sail until the crews had raised the triple cry, saluting each poor comrade cut down by the fierce Cicones on that plain” (9.74).
Translation- the triple cry: A funeral rite, presumably a farewell to the dead; three times presumably to make sure the dead hear the cry.
I thought this was very interesting because I was wondering why everything happened in combinations of three, and reading about this made some sense. This was significant because in order to honor his men, Odysseus made sure they could hear their farewell. Although everyone probably did this for their loved ones, I think it showed Odysseus really did care about his crew and was sorry that they were gone.
Guiding Question #2: Do you think what the Cyclops said will come true? Do you believe that if Odysseus never revealed his name to the Cyclops, none of this would have ever happened? Why or why not?
Part Three
One of the themes that I noticed while reading book nine is pride. Odysseus has the problem of excessive pride when he shouts his name back to Polyphemus and says, “Cyclops—if any man on the face of the earth should ask you who blinded you, shamed you so—say Odysseus, raider of cities, he gouged out your eye…” (9.558-561). Odysseus has too much pride to stop himself from making a huge mistake. He is furious with the Cyclops for killing his men and not being hospitable towards him on his journey and he tries to say something to upset the Cyclops, while in return it ends up hurting him. Fate is another theme because, as I stated earlier, the Cyclops cursed Odysseus and that curse has become Odysseus’ fate. He will not be able to prevent it until he reaches home because Poseidon has control over Odysseus’ fate while he is out at sea. The movie The Patriot reminds me of Odysseus’ problem with pride. This movie is about war, and a certain character wants to avenge his brother’s death. His pride overwhelms him and he believes he can seek revenge on his own, but ends up getting killed by the same man who killed his brother. Fate is also a theme that is found in many love stories. There is one novel, The Notebook, that shows how after many obstacles in ones life, fate will always find them. In book nine, Homer shows that Odysseus’ fate might eventually catch up with him.
Guiding Question #3: Do you think Odysseus’ pride will continue to be a problem? Will his fate continue to stay the same or will he be able to return home safely?
#1: I feel at first, I would want to seek revenge because of the initial shock. I would most likely feel that revenge would be the only way to feel better and to make the killer suffer as much as my close friend. After some time though, I believe I would try to move on and forget about the idea. In the end, I would realize that revenge would only make the situation worse.
ReplyDelete#2: I feel the predictions made by the Cyclops will come true. So far, Odysseus is trying to return to Ithaca, after 10 years, and most of his men are being killed off after every destination they reach. I believe there will also be trouble at home because of the suitors that are courting Penelope, trying to take over the life that once belonged to Odysseus.
#3: In my opinion, I believe Odysseus and his shipmates continue to run into trouble on each piece of land because of the amount of pride Odysseus possesses. His fate is determined by the amount of pride he shows and how he presents himself. I feel he will make it home safely, but he will eventually learn how to control some of that pride, making it a safer journey home.
Part One: Witnessing my loved ones being killed by someone would upset me very much. I would have every inclination to have revenge on the killer, but I would not follow through. For me, it is important to turn the other cheek and try to forgive the person who had committed the crime no matter how hard that might be. So in Odysseus’s situation, I would sail away calmly, possibly holding a grudge in my heart.
ReplyDeletePart 2: I believe what the Cyclops said about Odysseus’s future will come true because the same prophecy has been spoken numerous times by others. Actually, in book 12 we find out that Zeus eventually destroys the last of Odysseus’s crew and ship. I think it was quite pointless for Odysseus to shout his name to the Cyclops upon leaving the island. I feel like it was a sign of immaturity for Odysseus to do that because he felt invincible, but in reality he was prone to being destroyed. Being the son of an almighty god, it is unlikely for Poseidon not to know who blinded his son. No matter if Odysseus said his name or not, Poseidon would have still known it was him who committed the crime.
Part 3: I think it is very interesting how you brought up pride as a theme. I think in this book Odysseus has become more satisfied with what he has accomplished, and he expects many things to be given to him. For example, when they reach the island, Odysseus asks the Cyclops for a “warm welcome, even a guest-gift” (9.301) no matter how scary the Cyclops may seem. I think some of this pride that Odysseus posseses will tone down a little.
#1. I agree with Raya. I think that at first in the heat of the moment, I would seek revenge right away and I would have a rush of emotions. I would never want someone I love to be hurt or die. I would eventually cool down though and probably in the end, I wouldn't have the courage or mentality to actually seek physical revenge (yet I would still be extremely hurt by their death). At first I would probably act hotheaded like Odysseus did but then eventually I would calmly sail away and handle the situation independently.
ReplyDelete#2. I believe the Cyclops' prediction will come true. Like Katherine said, it has been 10 years and I also agree that there might be trouble at home after Odysseus arrives. But I definitely think that there is a good chance for the Cyclops's to be correct.
#3. I also like that you mentioned pride as a theme. I think that Odysseus definitely starts to take more pride in himself in this book. Like Raya quoted from the book, he is starting to expect things to be directly given to him and if he continues with that expectation, that can slow him down drastically. If his attitude changes (as well as his luck), he still has a chance to return home safely but his personality has to change back first.
Odysseus is obviously a little arrogant and may lead himself and his men into unneeded trouble. In the end his entire crew ends up dying which has to show either weakness on his part or just a vengeance by the gods. If it is vengence then he is not to blame, but the sailors are getting punished aswell.
ReplyDeleteI think that the focus of the story is not really on why Odysseus must suffer through every one of these events, but the knowledge and leadership he gains after each obstacle. The story is exaggerated with so many unfortunate events so that we, as readers, can truly believe in Odysseus’ might, intelligence, and cunningness. The gods are an overarching theme that connect each series of events.
I would do the something similar to Odysseus, but without endangering the lives of my crew.
I think the Gods are all knowing and seeing, so Poseidon would have found out that it was Odysseus who blinded his son.
I think his pride is what has brought him this far. He has won over the hearts of the most famous mortals and even some of the God’s because of his pride. Like the prophecy said, he will go home a broken man. I guess we will find out if he loses his pride in the coming events.
#1 I learned in Psychology class that it's natural to want to revenge against someone who has harmed a loved one. I would definitely want revenge, but I don't think I would have given the Cyclops time like Odysseus did. I think I would have gone after him right then and there. When sailing off I would not be ast stupid to call out my real name. Lines 308-309 clearly state that the Cyclops "never blink at Zeus and Zeus's shield..." and that they have "more force by far". That would tell me that if I do cause pain for Polyphemus, he has the power to revenge against me.
ReplyDelete#2 I think what the Cyclps said will come true because he has connections to gods that have control over the waters that I would need to travel on. When Odysseus revealed his real name, the father, Lord Poseidon, could help his son, Polyphemus, revenge against his and my crew. Had he not revealed his name, I believe Polyphemus would still be confused and calling his attacker 'nobody' and Poseidon would not know who exactly to go after.
#3 If the good gods continue to help Odysseus out on his journey, then I think he will make it no matter what. But, I believe there will be some trouble and hardship at home because of what has happened. I think his pride will be an issue for him because he thinks he can get away with a lot because the gods back him up and want to help him get back.
I really like how it was easy to read and follow along and the questions were obvious and in different colors :)
I agree with what you said about Odysseus in the first part. He was known to be a man of pride, but how he taunted the Cyclops and shouted his own name was very uncalled for. By doing this Odysseus put his men in a situation where their lives were at stake because the Cyclops was throwing large boulders at the crew’s boat. I also agree that this reveals an aspect to Odysseus’ character. He does not know when to draw the line. He should have just cut their losses but continued to taunt the Cyclops and bring upon more danger. This is a quality that may bring Odysseus troubles later in his journey.
ReplyDeleteThe question about witnessing a death is a tough one. It is obvious that I would feel great pain and agony, but also trying to cope with all types of emotions mixing together. For the revenge part, I know I would want to seek revenge against whoever killed the people that were close to me. If I was in the situation with the Cyclops I would have to take revenge for my own protection because who knows who the next victim would be. While sailing away I would not have taunted the beast and angered him even more. That was a mistake on Odysseus’ part. Also I would not yell out what my name was.
I liked that you pointed out the possible foreshadowing with the Cyclops and I am going to have to agree. Reading the first 12 books we have been getting the drift that once Odysseus returns home, his journey will end, but the misfortunes will continue. I can imagine that Odysseus could come home as a broken man and face even more pain in his own household. I think even without Odysseus yelling his name he would still end up on the same path. I think this because in this story rumors and stories are discussed by the Gods and Poseidon would hear about and still be angry. I feel some how in the end it would still bring the same result.
I am not sure if Odysseus’ pride will be as much as a problem then as a barrier that can set him back. I agree that pride is going to continue and be a key theme in the journey. Odysseus may find himself in some trouble because of his pride, but I feel he will always get out of each tricky situation. I think he will have a similar fate throughout the rest of his journey, but in the end still make it back to his home, because it is the possible issues at home that could finally break him.
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ReplyDelete#1: I cannot say that if I had witnessed what Odysseus and his men had that I would try to seek out revenge because honestly, I have no idea what being in their position feels like. It would be hard to imagine the feeling of being there at all, let alone how I would respond to it. I guess I would just grieve and be angry for the rest of my life. I definitely would not be hotheaded and react in the way that Odysseus did simply because I would be focusing on getting out of that position as fast as I could. I think I would be happy just to be alive and have the men that survived there with me as well.
ReplyDelete#2 I think that what Cyclops declared to Odysseus about his future will definitely come true because as you pointed out, everything that the creature has said has come true so far. Also, I agree that if Odysseus had kept his mouth shut and just left the island when he was awarded his life and the lives of several other comrades, he would not be in as much trouble as he is in now with his future. Cyclops was unaware of his identity at the point when Odysseus decides to tell him his name and gloat of his victory, so there would have been no way for the creature to know who he was if he had not told him. I feel there are some really intense stories that will detail Odysseus' misfortunes coming our way with the next books.
#3 I see Odysseus returning home to Ithaca safely, but learning some harsh lessons on the way there. His pride will get him into some serious issues, as it did in his encounter with Cyclops. However, with the following books we will read, most likely detailing the misfortunes Odysseus runs into, we will hopefully see him learning from the consequences of his actions and making a change in his attitude.
1)I believe that Odysseus mentioned the two women first because those were the two most difficult challenges he faced since they alone delayed Odysseus 8 years. Odysseus is definitely responsible for the start of the crews’ troubles because had he not acted so cocky they would never have pissed off Poseidon. It’s easier to attribute their troubles to Poseidon because they say in the beginning of the book “Ah how shameless- the way these mortals blame the goes” (Homer 78). I believe the gods have a lot influence on the fate of mortals, especially Odysseus. I don’t think I would have been able to keep my cool and would definitely seek revenge. Overall, I thought Odysseus handled the situation ok. He was able to think clearly and come up with a plan to save his comrades, but became arrogant and taunted the Cyclops excessively.
ReplyDelete2)Yes, I know for a fact that what the Cyclops said will come true because the story would be boring if Odysseus sailed home without any problems. I honestly believe that he and his crew could have returned safely had he not revealed his name and sealed his fate to suffer at the hands of Poseidon.
3)I don’t think Odysseus’ pride will be a problem anymore because he is the hero of the story and must act accordingly. I’m also pretty sure that there is a lot more troubles he must face before he can return home since it would be boring if he just made it home safely.
Like most people I would respond with hostility and not stop until I had exacted revenge upon those that had taken away from me people that I care about. It is an old belief but “an eye for an eye” is something I believe in. I let small things go but if someone does something that really pisses me off I will most likely do what they did back to me because it teaches them that what they did wasn’t right and hopefully they will think before they do the same thing again.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Poseidon would not have known as soon as he did but the gods are omniscient and they will eventually know everything that happened and Odysseus would have suffered sooner or later for his rash actions and for blinding the son of Poseidon.
Odysseus’ pride is always getting in the way and it will continue to be a problem. Similar to the situation with Polyphemus he wants people to know who bested them. While he was in Alcinous’ Palace when his name was slandered or his strength was question he jumped to action, he could not help himself, he hates when others think less of him and therefore he must prove them wrong. Until oddyseus learns boasting brings no peace he will continue to run into problems.