Examples Of Nausikaa In The Odyssey

At this point in Homer’s, The Odyssey, Odysseus approaches Nausikaa with only an olive branch to cover his nakedness. He begins to use his speech in order to convince the Phaikian princess of his civilization. This passage is significant because it shows qualities of Odysseus’ character and infers the Greek theme of hospitality This passage reveals that Odysseus is a civilized and well-spoken character. When Odysseus first appears to Nausikaa, despite his appearance, he makes himself appear civilized. He makes the decision to disregard the custom of wrapping his arms around her knees to ask for hospitality, and instead uses his sophisticated speech to convince her of his civilized nature. First, Odysseus proves to Nausikaa his knowledge of the gods. This represents one of the ideals of a civilized man. Odysseus represents his knowledge through flattery, and says, “If one of those who dwell in the wide heaven, you are most near to Artemis, I should say---great Zeus’s daughter---in your grace and presence.” Second, he mentions the ideas of family and marriage, saying, “If you are one of earth’s inhabitants, how blest your father, and your gentle mother, blest all your kin. I know what happiness must send the warm tears to their eyes, each time they see their

But one man’s destiny is more than blest---he who prevails, and takes you as his bride.” Last in this passage, Odysseus recalls to Nausikaa hospitality, asking of her, “Mistress, do me a kindness! After much weary toil, I