In the current universe we know, numbers are everything and everywhere. They govern everything from how the universe formed to how a plant arranges its petals. There is nothing that escapes the reach of numbers, not even something as abstract and fantastical as literature. A prime example of that is The Odyssey by Homer, one of the first Greek literary works. Although Homer probably preceded the in-depth study of numbers, he lived in a very superstitious time. Anything and everything in nature was regarded as an act of the gods, so it would only make sense that Homer associated numbers with something more divine. Homer, in his renowned epic, The Odyssey, associates numbers with various themes, so readers can use that association to predict …show more content…
For example, twenty is often used in The Odyssey to represent nautical experience. Throughout the epic, Odysseus is frequently mentioned alongside the number twenty. He was gone for twenty years, Telemachus searches for Odysseus on twenty-oar craft, Odysseus drifts for twenty days before landing at Phaeacia, he fashions a raft from twenty trees, and Eumaios compares Odysseus’s wealth to that of twenty men (Homer 1.325; 5.32-47; 5.252-254; 14.120-121). From all the times Homer uses the number twenty in correlation with Odysseus, readers can infer that Odysseus was a master mariner, and his feats throughout his journey only prove that inference. Another example of numbers showing a character’s traits is with Odysseus again and the number seven. The number seven typically denotes discipline and restraint in the epic, and it is frequently mentioned with Odysseus. When his crew land on Helios’s island, they find seven herds of cattle (Homer 12.152-153). Only Odysseus does not eat the cattle, showing his own discipline and restraint. Then Odysseus lands on Calypso’s island after his entire crew was killed in a storm and has to stay there for seven years. He also is continually forced to have intercourse with Calypso despite his best efforts (Homer 7.77-78). During his stay, Odysseus continuously longs for Penolope and shows remarkable restraint by still wanting to leave Ogygia despite Calypso having everything on the island. Odysseus’s character is represented in this case by the number seven because he stays on the island for seven years and shows remarkable discipline and restraint throughout the
The Odyssey, one of the world’s most famous stories, has been under debate on whether on whether or not it conforms to be a hero’s journey, a type of pattern theorized to be at the core of many myths. To understand its potential monomyth-hood, the story has be understood, as well as the different phases of a hero’s journey. A hero’s journey, by definition, must include a few characteristics: a phase where the hero leaves their home and decides on a quest, a period marked by a discovered conflict, an all-out struggle, the development of the hero, and the hero bettering the lives of those back at home. In The Odyssey, Odysseus, the protagonist, journeys to his home, in Ithaca, from Troy, where he waged and won a war. Along the way, Odysseus
At the time the Greeks didn’t have the technology we have to explain these occurrences the earth was making so they had to explain it through corresponding with the gods. Each natural phenomenon that occurred was an act from a deity, it was either to show their eager to help or to just make him suffer even. Our perspective on natural phenomenons is much different compared to the Greeks religion and culture, how they explain a storm is by an action describing Poseidon’s anger contrast to how scientists would explain it as a disturbance in the atmosphere with strong winds and rain. The Odyssey took us back in time to see through the eyes of Greeks of how they explained natural
Throughout the story, Odysseus demonstrates his courage that ultimately allows him to survive. One of these moments was during his journey back to Ithaca, where he faces a race of man eating giants called the Cyclops. Odysseus originally stops his ship there to relish a feast while on his journey back to Ithaca, but while doing so, out of curiosity explores the island. Soon, he finds a deserted house and decides to wait of the owner. The owner was unknowingly one the Cyclops, named Polyphemus.
A Man of Loyalty, Patience, and Determination In the epic poem The Odyssey, written by Homer, Odysseus’ heroic deeds are recounted through a narrative that describes his arduous journey from the Trojan War to his homeland of Ithaka. This journey makes Odysseus an epic hero. An epic hero is a brave and noble character who is admired for his achievements. Traits of an epic hero are necessary for the journey Odysseus goes on to reach his homeland.
Homer, by presenting multiple heroes in aristéia, demonstrates nature as both inferior and superior to culture, with the
The odyssey, an epic told by Homer in ancient greece, has many major themes following odysseus’s adventures. While Odysseus is sentenced to never return home after the Trojan War. He is overcoming challenges to return home to his wife penelope and his son Telemachus. Throughout the story major themes of loyalty, hospitality and vengeance are hidden within the plot. The story continues to show his heroic side with three major traits.
Being Determined The Odyssey, by Homer, is an epic poem that is about a hero's journey to come home. In The Odyssey, Odysseus has many obstacles he has to face to find his way home, like Polyphemus the cyclops or Scylla and Charybdis. He finally makes it home and has to prove to his wife that he is truly Odysseus. Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus has important traits that help him survive resulting in his successful trip back home.
Finally, he develops the character our hero of this epic, Odysseus. Homer illustrates using character, symbolism and irony to reiterate that legerdemain or trickery isn’t always used for bad. The Odyssey illustrates the necessity to use deception to get out of life threatening situations. Polyphemus, is eating Odysseus’s companions. Odysseus quickly devises a trick, to escape Polyphemus.
From the onset of the book, death is a recurring event, persistent throughout the entire poem. In many ways, the Odyssey is the story of the death of all of Odysseus’ friends and fellow fighters during their return home from conquering Troy. These deaths are particularly heartbreaking to Odysseus because, normally, one would expect that all dying would conclude with the end of the war against Troy. In this case, however, the anticipation of his return to his family at home became a series of tragedies. This sequence of events changes his view and molds Odysseus’ character in regard to his surviving friends and family.
Homer delivers very universal themes, such as loyalty is respected, but the epic also provides meaningful themes that are not as recognizable. The Odyssey is very focused on leadership and courage, as it centers on a hero's journey. There are many parts in the epic where Homer explains the actions of an admirable leader. In the Odyssey, Odysseus exemplifies the true meaning of being a leader through courage in the face of danger, which is shown by Circe, the Sirens, and the suitors. One might wonder why it takes Odysseus ten years to return to his homeland after he has achieved victory for Ithaca in the Trojan War.
The Odyssey by Homer is a book that involves the Journey of Odysseus and his men and the Obstacles they come across. The Odyssey portrays many themes including vengeance, hospitality, courage, bravery and more. Odysseus experiences some good and bad during his journey. He comes across people who help him, but also comes across creatures who hold him back. Odysseus is an Epic hero because of his quick thinking skills, bravery, and confidence for himself and his men.
The relationships between the Greek gods and mortals have always been complicated. The gods can be generous and supportive, but also harsh and destructive towards the humans. They claim to be all powerful beings with unlimited power and influence, but in truth, they are far more human than they are perceived. They meddle with human lives, not because they are wise, but because of their own selfish reasons. In Homer’s
He is so loyal and goal oriented to getting home that he rejected the offer and wants to leave the island to find home. Odysseus breaks news to Calypso, “Yet, it is true, each day / I long for home. Long for the sight of home…. “(5. 85-86).
In the book The Odyssey, the main character, Odysseus, is a man who is loved and respected by many. In the beginning of the book, we learn that Odysseus has left on a journey and, since it has been many years since his departure, many people assume that he has passed. On his journey, he portrays his many traits, not all of them being good ones either. Some of his good traits include his cunning, bravery, and hard work ethic. On the other hand, his negative traits are his excessive pride, immense curiosity, and rather large temper.
Odysseus is a warrior who has been through struggle after struggle, so the idea of a having an easy-out, a life of complete relaxation, is extremely tempting. Calypso is the cage that is trapping