Odysseus Use Of Similes In Homer's Odyssey

In this passage from The Odyssey, Homer uses an epic simile comparing Odysseus’ crew to calves and Odysseus to a cow and a second simile comparing Odysseus to Ithaca in order to portray the sense of reliance and loyalty the men have for their leader. In the book, Odysseus has just returned from Circe’s palace where some of the crew had disappeared. Since the men chosen to venture into Circe’s home did not return, the rest of the crew thought Odysseus would also not make it back to the ship. When Homer writes that the men are, “bucking out of their pens, lowing nonstop, jostling, rushing round their mothers (455-456),” he conveys the men’s desparation to get to Odysseus. The phrase, “bucking out of their pens (455),” refers to the fact that Odysseus’ crew is trapped and helpless without him.

This epic simile compares Odysseus, who is the tenor, to a grief-stricken woman, who is the vehicle. The simile describes the manner in which Odysseus wept as the bard sang the story of the Trojan horse. The simile reveals an emotional connection that Odysseus holds deep in his heart to his fallen comrades during the Trojan War. As he remembers the successes of the Trojan horse, thoughts of his war-stricken friends cross his mind as well. Odysseus always honored his fallen companions, with a particular instance being when Odysseus saluted each killed comrade before setting sail from Troy after the Cicones’ counterattack (Homer 213).

Katrina Mayer once said, “A book is a magical thing that lets you travel to faraway places without you ever leaving your chair.” This quote clearly applies to The Odyssey; this ancient greek epic (The Odyssey by Homer) follows the story of Odysseus of Ithaca and his lengthy voyage home following the Trojan war. The book itself is an ageless classic, however it wouldn't be the same without Homer’s unique use of figurative language to depict this story. His two most effective literary tools were his epic similes and personification. His epic similes gave a romantic description of critical, emotion filled scenes.

Although Odysseus proved to have guile on the Island of the Cyclops, he made crucial mistakes. Odysseus’ first mistake was taking his men into the Cyclops cave. This brought upon a dreadful chain of events, for even Odysseus knew. In fact he said “I knew some towering brute would be upon us soon-- all outward power, a wild man, ignorant of Civility” (Homer 8). This quote states how Odysseus had already predicted that the presentence of him and his men would come down on them; but his selfishness made the lives of his men expendable.

T. S. Eliot, a publisher and playwright, has said, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” Courage has many ways of presenting itself to people. Whether it is through physical ways or moral ways depends on the situation. Most people see courage as physical, like a small dog saving a helpless kitten from a fire or a man jumping in front of a bullet for a loved one or complete stranger. There is also the moral side of courage.

Odysseus is not only courageous, but he’s also very determined like myself. When we set our sights on something we go and get it. Meanwhile, Odysseus is trying to return home he says to the Cyclops “... though [my] land lies far” (896). His meaning to that indicates that he’s determined to get home and see his love one at all costs. That’s just one of the ways he shows that he’s set his sights on getting home.

Indicate a person, character in fiction, an historical figure, or a creative work that has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence. The paths our lives take are filled with uncertainty and are controlled by far more than our own will. From conception to death, our lives are impacted by countless influences. Whether parents, friends, teachers, or media, the vast myriad of entities that people interact with create a lasting impact on the individual.

Symbolism is prevalent in the plot for the epic poem The Odyssey, written by Homer, and is found in a variety of objects as well as characters throughout the story. This composition takes place in ancient Greece, with Odysseus, a Greek hero, taking the lead role. The epic consists of him trying to go home after The Trojan War, and event that happened in the prequel to this epic, called The Iliad. Each of the variety of characters in The Odyssey symbolizes a quality that can be discovered in humans, with the author applying social commentary to highlight the outcomes of having said trait.

1. What does Telemachus tell Penelope in regards to the news he heard from Menelaus and Nestor in regards to Odysseus? He tells her the little news he received about Odysseus, but doesn’t tell her he meet Odysseus at the swineherd’s hut. 2. How are Eumaeus and Odysseus (disguised as an old beggar) treated upon their entrance to the palace?

The fight between Odysseus and the archetypes is a continuous struggle; a struggle that occurred for ten years. This epic is known to all as The Odyssey. It originated orally from Homer, the most famous epic writer known to man, yet translated by Robert Fitzgerald. The Odyssey is about this mortal named Odysseus whom is trying to find his way home. He has to overcome many different challenges, along with archetypes.