A New Hero Quest

Just as John Grady sets out on his journey, we have begun our journey through the text. The reading schedule is as follows:

The date indicates the assigned date for the reading selection. Be prepared for discussion or a quiz.

October 30: pp. 3-29
October 31: pp. 30-60
Nov. 3: pp. 61-96
Nov. 5: pp. 97-124
Nov. 6: pp. 125-151
Nov. 7: pp. 154-180
Nov. 10: pp. 181-217
Nov. 11: pp. 219-251
Nov. 12: pp. 251 – 276
Nov. 13: pp. 277-302

Even if you are absent, you should be keeping up on the reading schedule.

So here's the skinny...

After our discussion about the rest of the week in 4th hour, I realized that my plans for tomorrow were a bit too ambitious. So, tomorrow, after you submit your revised explications, you will complete just the in-class explication. Although the vocabulary quiz is short, I don't want to take time for it tomorrow--I want to be sure that you have enough time to complete the in-class explication. Therefore, extra credit vocab. cards will be due Thursday, at which time you will take the poetry vocab quiz. Here's the rest of the week at a glance:

Wednesday, 10/29
Revised explications due
In-class poetry explication--yes, you must write the whole explication during the class hour.
**Don't forget your notebook since you may use it as you complete the explication.

Thursday, 10/30
Vocabulary Quiz
Extra credit vocabulary cards due!
Begin All the Pretty Horses
**Notebooks will be collected

Friday, 10/31
All the Pretty Horses

Explicating the week ahead...

Tomorrow we will share the "Best of" your explications. Then, you will have some time to work on revising your explication before we do a final poetry analysis as a class. For Wednesday, you are to revise your explications, focusing on improving the following:
1. Format/ requirements of explication essay
2. Theme statement
3. Paragraph-level transitions

I planned to collect notebooks tomorrow, but that's not going to work--you may want your notebooks to study poetry terms for Wednesday. So, I will collect them on Wednesday or Thursday; be prepared to turn them in either day.

On Wednesday, you will take a quiz on poetry terms (extra credit if you complete the vocab. assignment per the directions on the pink vocab. sheet). Then, you will complete an in-class explication as a final assessment for our poetry study.

Soon we will enter the literary world of Cormac McCarthy...

Explicating Baca

A typed explication of Baca's, "Fall," is due on Monday. Your explication should follow the outline provided in this document. The document also has a sample explication of "Richard Cory." Do your best to analyze the poem and its meaning.

NOTE: I'm not really sure how to answer the question of whether this is a rough or a final draft. I think it will be our final draft; you should do enough planning so that it is not too rough. I expect you to follow the directions on the poem sheet (completed in class), plan (on the yellow sheet), then type a thoughtful explication. What you bring in Monday should reflect your best effort to complete an explication.

Explicating a Poem

Please click here to read about explicating a poem. Take notes, copying down the sample Roman numeral outline of a poetry explication. Also, click here to read Edgar Arlington Robsinson's poem, Richard Cory. Then, skim the sample explication at the first link to give you a more complete understanding of the explication essay.

Tomorrow you will start working on your own explication!

Read your poetry!

The end of the hour seemed to happen abruptly--let me clarify your homework. Complete the "10 Steps to 'Getting It,'" from the cream-colored "Reading Poetry" packet as you read "An Ancient Gesture," by Edna St. Vincent Millay. Annotate (write on it like we did in class!) the poem as you identify figurative language and other poetic elements. After going through the 10 steps, write out the poem's theme statement below the poem.

**Don't forget the extra credit option: complete the vocabulary work as described on the pink handout; if you don't care for extra points, at least begin to review the terms.

Vocabulary Study

In class we began our study of the language of poetry. Outside of class you should be studying your Odyssey vocabulary; you will be quizzed tomorrow.

...and of course, don't forget to blog this evening.

The Master of Both Worlds

Penny dumped Vernon Waldrip (he's a suitor!) and is back with Everett who, after succeeding(?) in the criminal world, now seems ready to live among the law-abiding. Your review of the film, following the specific format below, is due on Tuesday:

Task: Respond thoughtfully and carefully to the film, O Brother, Where Art Thou, which you recently viewed in class.

Discuss critically each of the following aspects of the film (one paragraph each – at least 6 paragraphs):

1) Discuss your opinion of the film in general. Was it effective? Why or why not?


2) Discuss the literary aspects of the film. Aspects that film shares with literature include, but are not limited to:
Plot
Characters
Setting
Themes
Point-of-view
Symbols


3) Discuss the dramatic aspects of the film. For example, consider the casting (the actors chosen to play the parts of different characters) and the acting (how well did the actors perform their parts?). Were the casting choices good? Did the actors look and act the parts as you had imagined them? Discuss at least three (3) actors and their performances. Also consider at least one other element from the list below:

Elements that film shares with live drama
Actors
Costume and make-up
Set design (includes props)
Lighting

4) Discuss the cinematic aspects of the film. For example, consider elements from the list below (cinematography, music, direction, etc.). For instance, were the costumes appropriate? The music?
Aspects unique to film (note: these are just a few)
Photography (distance and angle of shots)
Camera movement
Duration of shots
Editing
Sound

5) How can you compare/contrast Everett’s journey with Odysseus’s journey.

6) End with a recommendation. (Should people go to see this particular film or not? Summarize your reasons, paying close attention to the film as literature aspects we discussed in class.)

Also, consider studying your vocab--there will be a quiz on Wednesday.
**BRING BORROWED ODYSSEY BOOKS TO RETURN ON MONDAY!!

Vocab, Vocab, Vocab

Vocabulary work is due Wednesday. Here is the assignment:

1. Find and write a dictionary definition of the word. Include part of speech.
2. Write your own definition - paraphrase the definition from the dictionary.
3. Create a mnemonic device.
4. Create and write your own sentence using the word, demonstrating your understanding of the
word.

archaic
ardor
artful
brazen
compliance
conciliate
demur
elucidate
forsake
guile
haughty
heed
heralded
incessant
indignation
piety
ravenous
revere
revile
tempestuous
vexation
ascendancy
begrudge
communal
covert
staid
blithe
brackish
elucidate
insolence
archaic
ardor
artful
brazen
compliance
conciliate
demur
elucidate
forsake
guile
haughty
heed
heralded
incessant
indignation
piety
ravenous
revere
revile
tempestuous
vexation
ascendancy
begrudge
communal
covert
staid
blithe
brackish
elucidate
insolence
archaic
ardor
artful
brazen
compliance
conciliate
demur
elucidate
forsake
guile
haughty
heed
heralded
incessant
indignation
piety
ravenous
revere
revile
tempestuous
vexation
ascendancy
begrudge
communal
covert
staid
blithe
brackish
elucidate
insolence

O, Brother

...that's an entertaining film we're watching in English class! Reflect on the observations (literary, dramatic, and cinematic) you are making as you watch the film so that you have plenty of evidence with which to complete your review.

Discussion today showed that you are understanding the film well. We've now met Odysseus, Tiresias, Menelaus, Polyphemus, the sirens, the lotus eaters, and the Coen brothers threw in Robert Johnson for good measure.

Farewell, Homer

We're on to visual literacy. Today we began a discussion about how to read a film. Tomorrow we'll finish our discussion before beginning O Brother, Where Art Thou. I think you're going to enjoy it.

Iliad essay revisions are due tomorrow--NO EXCEPTIONS. If you are absent, email me your revision, although I will still need a highlighted hard copy--and the graded draft--when you return from your absence.

Our Odyssey Ends

Tomorrow will be the exam on The Odyssey, books 13-24, and the monomyth. You will also be quizzed on vocabulary.

Review the work that your classmates submitted by clicking on the links for the appropriate book(s) on the sidebar.

Don't forget to post to your own blog this evening!

The Odyssey: Book 13

Book 13 (Kshitij & Andre)

Significant Passages: Book 14 Passage 1 “You must be a fool, stranger, or come from nowhere, if you really have to ask what land this is. Trust me, it’s not so nameless after all. It’s known the world around, to all who live to the east and rising sun and to all who face the western mists and darkness. It’s a rugged land, too cramped for driving horses, but though it’s far from broad, it’s hardly poor. There’s plenty of grain for bread, grapes for wine, the rains never fail and the dewfall’s healthy. Good country for goats, good for cattle too— there’s stand on stand of timber and water runs in streambeds through the year” (14.269-81) Significance 1 Poor Odysseus has been away from Ithaca for so long, that he doesn’t even remember the land he loved the most and governed. This, I believe, is a significant passage because it provides an insight into Odysseus’s character. Although all Odysseus has been thinking of is Ithaca, when he is finally home, he doesn’t recognize it. This shows that he has been so preoccupied that he might have almost forgotten where he’s going, and just is doing what his brain is telling him to do, without going over it again. Passage 2 “King of the dark cloud,: the earthquake god agreed, “I’d like to avenge myself at once, as you advise, But I’ve always feared your wrath and shield away. But now I’ll crush that fine Phaeacian cutter” Significance 2 This passage was significant because it represented a change from The Iliad. In The Iliad Poseidon threatens to defy Zeus’s command to cease helping the Achaeans, but now, however, Poseidon is openly expressing his fear of his own brother, even though they are almost equal in power. This passage is also significant, because it shows that prophecies are never wrong. A few lines later, after the destruction of the ship, Alcinous says, “Oh no—my father’s prophecy years ago” (14.195) has come true. This passage also very well expresses Homer’s writing (speaking) style, because in this short passage there are two epithets: “earthquake god” and “Phaeacian cutter”. Passage 3 “Those men who court your wife and waste your goods? Ihave a feeling some will splatter your ample floors with all their blood and brains.” (14.452-53) Significance 3 This passage creates a topic that the reader can ponder over for a few moments. This passage makes you wonder if Odysseus will be betrayed by his wife and her new lover, like Agamemonon, or she will embrace her long lost husband with love and warmth. It also makes you wonder what Athena will do to help Odysseus to find a plot against his life, upon his return. Monomyth This chapter of the book pertains to the return home element of the Monomyth Hero Quest Pattern. In this chapter Odysseus finally returns to the land of Ithaca, his home land, which is basically the return home element. “Ithaca… Heart racing, Odysseus that great exile/ filled with joy to hear Athena…” (13. 285-286). This quote tells of how Athena had told Odysseus that he finally returned home.

(Book 13: Katherine C.)

Quotes
“His tale was over now. The Phaeacians all fell silent, hushed, / his story holding them spellbound down the shadowed halls / until Alcinous found the poise to say, ‘Odysseus, / now that you have come to my bronze-floored house, my vaulted roofs, I know you won’t be driven / off your course, nothing can hold you back – / however much you’ve suffered, you’ll sail home’” (13. 1-7).

I chose this quote because it is signifying the end of Odysseus’ troubles. This passage shows the reader that Odysseus will get home and back to his family. Alcinous says that he will finally sail home and will not be held back. Odysseus has been held back by endless troubles and has only wanted to get home, so when Alcinous says this, Odysseus finally has hope to get back to Ithaca.

“And then, that hour the star rose up, / the clearest, brightest star, that always heralds / the newborn light of day, the deep-sea-going ship / made landfall on the island . . . Ithaca, at last” (13. 105-108).

I think this quote is significant because it is when Odysseus’ ship finally arrives at Ithaca. He battled giants and cyclops for years at sea after sailing away from Troy, and he has finally gotten back home. This event is one of the major ones in the whole book leading up to the climax.
“But the bright-eyed goddess reassured him firmly: / ‘No need for anguish, trust me, not for him- / I escorted your son myself / so he might make his name by sailing there’” (13. 479-483).

This quote is when Athena is talking about Telemachus being away looking for clues about his father’s fate. Before this, Odysseus is wondering what has happened to Telemachus and where he is, Athena tells him that he has gone to search for Odysseus. Finding out about this tells Odysseus that his family has just been waiting for him to get home and they haven’t completely forgotten about him.

Monomyth
The part of the hero quest pattern that book 13 fits into is when the hero loses their supernatural guide. At the end of the book, Athena, who has been Odysseus’ guide, turns him into a beggar to disguise him. After that they go their separate ways. The last few lines are, “All plans made, / they went their separate ways – Athena setting off / to bring Telemachus home from hallowed Lacedaemon” (13. 502-504). This tells you that Athena is going to bring back Telemachus while Odysseus stays in Ithaca. So, Odysseus must keep going without the help of Athena until she gets back with Telemachus.

The Odyssey: Book 14

Book 14 (Mattie & Leah)

Important Quotes
“It’s wrong, my friend, to send any stranger packing— / even one who arrives in worse shape than you. / Every stranger and beggar comes from Zeus / and whatever scrap they get from the likes of us / they’ll find it welcome” (14.64-68).

This quote is significant to the epic because hospitality is a prevalent theme in The Odyssey. Because of the kindness of strangers, Odysseus survived his many years of wandering. Without the food, shelter, and generous gifts given to him, Odysseus would have starved or even have been killed by inhospitable people. This quote exemplifies the kindness and generosity of the people at that time, showing that even those with the least, such as a swineherd, are willing to share everything they have.

“Why, any tramp washed up on Ithaca’s shores / scurries right to my mistress, babbling lies, / and she ushers him in, kindly, pressing for details, / and the warm tears of grief come trickling down her cheeks, / the loyal wife’s way when her husband’s died abroad. / Even you, old codger, could rig up some fine tale— / and soon enough I’d say, / if they gave you shirt and clothing for your pains” (14.145-154).

This quote is important because it demonstrates how desperate Penelope is for her husband’s return. It also shows the toll Odysseus’ absence has taken on her and her son, Telemachus, along with how it has affected vagabonds, who make up stories in hope that they will be taken care of by Penelope.

“And now those gallant suitors lie in wait for him, / sailing home, to tear the royal line of Arcesius / out of Ithaca, root and branch, good name and all!” (14.208-210).

This quote is significant to the poem as a whole because it gives Odysseus the final obstacle in his Hero Quest. Penelope’s prevailing suitors plan to kill Telemachus and take over his household, which causes Odysseus to have the need to defeat them to save his name and his family.

Elements of a Monomyth

Book 14 of the Odyssey fits into the Hero Quest Pattern in a couple ways. The first element of a monomyth is the Return from Without. At this stage in the Hero Quest Pattern, the hero faces his/her final obstacle in getting home. When Odysseus finally lands at Ithaca he goes to his swineherds house disguised as a beggar. “It’s wrong, my friend, to send any stranger packing- even one who arrives in worse shape then you. Every stranger comes from Zeus and whatever scrap they get from the likes of us, they’ll find it welcome” (14. 64-68). He swineherd has no idea that the beggar he took in is actually his long lost master. The swineherd and Odysseus talked for a long time and Odysseus tells the swineherd his story without revealing to the swineherd that he is Odysseus. It is at this point in the story that the swineherd gives Odysseus a final piece of information. This is also part of the Rescue from Without, but it helps Odysseus complete his journey. The swineherd tells Odysseus about the suitors and their plan to kill Telemachus. “And now those suitors lie in wait for him, sailing home, to tear the royal line of Arcesius out of Ithaca, root and branch, good name and all! (14. 207-210). The swineherd did not know it, but he gave Odysseus the final piece of information he needed to complete his journey home and become master of both worlds.


Book 14 (Gabbie)

Quotes:1) "My host- may Zeus and the other gods give you your heart's desire for the royal welcome you have shown me here!" P. 303 (60)

This quote is spoken by Odysseus, he is speaking to Swineherd. I thought that this quote was important because it is showing how welcoming and friendly that Swineherd was to Odysseus when he went to his home.
2) " Eat up now, my friend, it's all we slaves have got, scrawny pork, while the suitors eat the fatted hogs- no fear of the gods in their hard hearts, no mercy! Trust me, the blessed gods have no love for crime. They honor justice, honor the decent acts of me." P.304 (91)

This quote is spoken by Swineherd, he is speaking to Odysseus. I thought that it was important because it shows how Swineherd looks at his life, and about the Suitors, and the other gods.
3) " I hail from Crete's broad land. I'm proud to say it, and I am a rich man's son. And many other sons he brought up in his palace, born in Wedlock, sprung of his lawful wife. Unlike my mother. She was a slave, a concubine he'd purchased, yes, but he treated me on a par with all his true-born sons- Castor, Hylax's son. I'm proud to boast his blood, that man revered like a god throughout all Crete those days, for wealth, power and all his glorious offspring." P.308 (230)

This quote it spoken to Swineherd. I think that this quote is very important because it is Swineherd telling about his life. His true story, all of it that is is proud to tell. It helps us understand and know him better as a character. He wants people to know the truth, all the truth.

Monomyth:
I think that my book, book 14 from The Odyssey is at the Hero Partners stage of the hero quest pattern. Odysseus goes and sees Swineherd, who I think kind of acts like a mentor. Telling him about his life, and telling him the truth and other good traits to have. For example, " I hail from Crete's broad land. I'm proud to say it, and I am a rich man's son. And many other sons he brought up in his palace, born in Wedlock, sprung of his lawful wife. Unlike my mother. She was a slave, a concubine he'd purchased, yes, but he treated me on a par with all his true-born sons- Castor, Hylax's son. I'm proud to boast his blood, that man revered like a god throughout all Crete those days, for wealth, power and all his glorious offspring." P.308 (230) This shows Swineherd telling his story of his life and being proud of his past and wanting Odysseus to know the thruth. He acts like a father in a way, so I said it would be at the Hero Partners part of the hero quest.

The Odyssey: Book 15

Book 15 (Julie & Michaela)

Part I
“Laertes is still alive, but night and day / he prays to Zeus, waiting there in his house, / for the life breath to slip away and leave his body. / His heart’s so racked for his son, lost and gone these years, / for his wife so fine, so wise—her death is the worst blow / he’s had to suffer—” (15.393-398)

This quote is spoken by Eumaeus to Odysseus, telling him about his father. This quote is very important to the epic because it shows how tired and worried everyone is about Odysseus. Laertes is so worried about Odysseus that all he does is wait around everyday all day in his house for Odysseus or until he dies. Odysseus’s absence has had a brutal effect on everyone. This is just one example of an effect on someone in the epic.

“And royal King Odysseus answered warmly, / ‘Eumaeus, so much misery! You’ve moved my heart, / deeply, with your long tale—such pain, such sorrow.” (15.542-544)

This passage is part of a conversation between Odysseus and Eumaeus, and Eumaeus was telling Odysseus of his journey to Ithaca. This passage also displays Homeric style. Homer refers to Odysseus as “royal King Odysseus”. When Homer refers to people he usually adds in something about the person he is talking about. In this case, Homer added in the word “royal”. Also, when a character speaks to another, they refer to the person they are speaking to by their name. In this passage Homer does just that. This quote is also significant because it shows the Eumaeus’s journey was a very rough journey.

“Take it to heart, I tell you. / Picked men of the suitors lie in ambush, grim set /in the straits between Ithaca and rocky Same, / poised to kill you before you can reach home, / but I have my doubts they will.” (15.30-34)

This quote is spoken by the Goddess Athena. She is visiting Telemachus in a dream, and is warning him of what is coming ahead, and also informing the reader of what is to come. This dream happens at the beginning of the book and gives the reader a roadmap of what to expect next. The whole book is about Telemachus’ journey back to Ithaca after seeking Menelaus and Nestor. In this quote, we are shown Athena’s dedication to Telemachus. It is important to her to keep him alive, and the way she can do this is by warning him of upcoming danger and giving him ways to avoid that danger. Through the line, “I doubt they will” (15.34), Athena gives Telemachus confidence. It is a way to give him the assurance that she is on his side, and that she is looking out for him.

Part III
Book 15 is very hard to classify in the monomyth form because it is mostly about the main character’s son, Telemachus. If we were to put this book in the order of mythological events, it would best fit under the “return” and “magic flight” categories. At the end of the book, Odysseus is finally home (or at the swine herder’s house anyhow). This takes the part of “return”. Also, it could be seen as the “magic flight” stage of the myth because Odysseus is in the form of a beggar, and Athena transformed him into this disguise. The only reason this wouldn’t be one hundred percent perfect is because the actual transformation took place in an earlier book than 15.

Book 15 (Greta & Ellen)

Important Quotes

"'But you-you make your way to the swineherd first, / in charge of your pigs, and true to you as always. / Sleep the night there, send him to town at once / to tell the news to your mother, wise Penelope- / you've made it back from Pylos safe and sound'" (320. 44-48).

This quote shows foreshadowing from Athena showing that Telemachus and Odysseus will soon meet and that he is, indeed, still alive and trying to make it back home to his family and throne. Its also important that Athena tells him to do this so that he does end up meeting up with Odysseus instead of going straight home and not discovering him.

"' Menelaus, / royal son of Atreus, captain of armies, / Let me go back to my own country now. / the heart inside me longs for home at last'" (321. 69-72).

This quote shows that Telemachus longs for his homeland and his mother. He may miss his father a lot but he missed his home more and all he wanted was to go home. This also showed his love for his mother and her love for him because naturally he wanted to go back to the ones he loves and that love him back and his crew did not love him like his own mother did. It’s also important because it shows his readiness to follow Athena’s advice, which was to head home right away. If he hadn’t obeyed her at once, the story could have ended up way differently, so this is essential to the overall plot.

“When Dawn with her rose-red fingers shone once more / they yoked their pair again, mounted the blazoned car / and out through the gates and echoing colonnade / they whipped the team to a run and on they flew, / holding nothing back, approaching Pylos soon, / the craggy citadel” (325. 211-216).

This quote shows Homer's way of writing. He adds amazing adjectives and illustration so that we can actually visualize it ourselves and it helps us better understand what he's trying to explain. This also show’s his common use of epithets, in this case rose-red fingered Dawn, which is a common one throughout the epic.

Elements of the Monomyth

As Telemachus’ quest to find news of his father is coming to a close, the part of the monomyth that appears is Magic Flight. Magic Flight refers to a supernatural force that helps the hero return home. This is exactly what happens throughout this book, first with Athena urging Telemachus to leave as soon as he can and advising him on precisely how to do so, and then giving his ship the proper winds they need to sail to Ithaca. They wouldn’t have nearly as a successful journey home if it hadn’t been for her. Here are some of Athena’s wise words of advice to Telemachus, acting as the supernatural guide helping the hero return home: “Just give the channel islands a wide berth, / push on in your trim ship, sail night and day, / and the deathless god who guards and pulls you through / will send you a fresh fair wind from hard astern. / At your first landfall, Ithaca’s outer banks, / speed ship and shipmates round to the city side. / But you – you make your way to the swineherd first” (15.38-44).

The Odyssey: Book 16

Book 16 (Scott & Colin)

Three Important Quotes
"As a father, brimming with love, welcomes home \ his darling only son in a warm embrace-- \ what pain he's borne for him and him along!-- \ home now, in the tenth year from far abroad, \ so the loyal swineherd hugged the beaming prince, \ he clung for dear life, covering him with kisses, yes, \ like one escaped from death." (16. 19-25).

These lines are significant to the epic because they show that Homer like to use epic similes. These similes can do different things like advance the plot or show people how the characters are feeling. The similes help the reader connect with the characters but they are also an important part of Homer's style of writing.

"'Then let some foreigner lop my head off if I failed \ to march right into Odysseus' royal halls \ and kill them all.'" (16. 114-116).

This quote is significant to the epic because it is foreshadowing the deaths of all of the suitors. This shows that another part of Homer's style of writing is foreshadowing. This quote advances the plot of the epic because it is showing that Odysseus is getting closer to his final battle where he has to kill all of the suitors.

"'Friends, what a fine piece of work he's carried off! \ Telemachus--what insolence-- and we thought his little jaunt \ would come to grief! Up now, launch a black ship \ the best we can find--muster a crew of oarsmen, \ row the news to out friends in ambush, fast, \ bring them back at once.'" (16. 382-387).

This quote shows what I think is Homer's most visible style of writing. He liked to use dashes while characters are speaking in conversation. This means that he likes the characters to take dramatic pauses before continuing their speech.


Elements of a Monomyth
This book in the epic represents the return of the hero Telemachus. In this book he has finished his main quest which was finding his father and bringing him home safely. This can be represented by this quote, "Eumaeus, \ good old friend, go, quickly, to wise Penelope. \ tell her I'm home from Pylos safe and sound." (16. 146-148). As you can see in this passage Telemachus is back from his journey. This is also the part of the epic where Odysseus' and Telemachus' journeys meet. They are finally in the same place and they get to talk.

Book 16 (Nick & Austin)

Important Quotes
The first of our important quotes was said by Homer, “At that Odysseus sat down again, and Telemachus threw his arms around his great father, sobbing uncontrollably as the deep desire for tears welled up in both. They cried out, shilling cries, pulsing sharper than birds of prey –eagles, vultures with hooked claws” (16, 243-248).

This is an important quote because it is when Odysseus and Telemachus first meet each other. This is an experience where the two first meet and it’s a kind of bonding experience, it’s the first time they meet. This also represents Homeric’s style of using similes, that are very similar to the ones throughout The Odyssey.

Our next quote was said by Homer again, “But Athena had approached Laertes’ son Odysseus, tapped him with her wand and made him old again. She dressed him in filthy rags too, for fear Eumaeus, recognizes his master face-to-face, might hurtle back to shrewd Penelope…” (16, 505-509).

This is a significant quote because it’s when Odysseus receives help from Athena. It’s when she changes him from the young man to the old beggar. This is important because if Odysseus hadn’t been hanged to the old man he wouldn’t have been able to continue his plan with the suitors.

Our last quote was said by Penelope, “Don’t you know how your father fled here once? A fugitive, terrified of the people, up in arms against him because he’d joined some Taphian pirates out to attack Thesprotians, sworn allies of ours. The mobs were set to destroy him, rip his life out, devour his vast wealth to their heart’s content, but Odysseus held them back, kept their fury down. And this is the man whose house you waste, scot-free, whose wife you court, whose son you mean to kill-you make my life an agony! Stop I tell you, (16, 470-479).

This is a very important quote because is shows Penelope is still loyal to Odysseus. It shows that she will not give into the suitors, she’ll be patient and wait for Odysseus to come home.

Elements of Monomyth
In book sixteen there are two examples of Monomyth characteristics. IN the beginning of book sixteen, Apotheosis Deification is shown when Odysseus comes to Ithica as a beggar. This is Apotheosis Deification because he is re-born, not from a new person, just to a different identity, a beggar. It’s kind of like he’s starting a new life just for a short period of time because no one knows him and he supposed to be new to the city. This is a very key point in the book because as a beggar no one notices him and he can continue his plan about killing the suitors.
Towards the end of book sixteen the element that we see is called magical flight. It’s where someone receives outside help from an external force. This is called magical flight because we see Odysseus receive help from Athena. Athena helps Odysseus by changing him from a young man to the old beggar again. This is a very essential point in his and Telemachus’s plan, because they wouldn’t have been able to sneak Odysseus into his city without drawing attention to themselves. Without the disguise the suitors would have seen Odysseus coming to kill them all and they all would’ve been able to escape. Without the element of surprise the plan was worthless and that’s why this is a major event in the sixteenth book.

The Odyssey: Book 17

Book 17 (Marcella & Reed)

Important Quotes
“If the brazen suitors cut me down in the palace— / off guard—and carve apart my father’s whole estate, / I’d rather you yourself, or one of his friends here, / keep those gifts and get some pleasure from them. / But if I can bring down slaughter on that crew, / you send the gifts to my house—we’ll share the joy” (17.83-88).

This quote is important because it shows Telemachus’ way of thinking things out before he acts. This is a trait he got from his father, the great tactician, and it has helped him squeeze his way out of many sticky situations. The quote also shows examples of several Homeric traits, such as the use of writer’s dashes (—) to add flavor to the story, and foreshadowing to hint at what’s coming.

“No, there is no man like Odysseus in command / to drive this curse from the house. Dear god, / if only Odysseus came back home to native soil now, / he and his son would avenge the outrage of these men-like that!” (17.558-601).

This quote comes form Penelope and she is declaring how she wishes that Odysseus were back home to ward off the suitors. This passage contains the Homeric style of foreshadowing, because in the end of the poem, this is exactly what happens; Odysseus and Telemachus join together to kill the suitors. Se describes, coincidentally, almost exactly what actually occurs later on.

“Give me a morsel friend. You’re hardly the worst / Achean here, it seems. The noblest one, in fact. / You look like a king to me! / So you should give a bigger crust than the rest / and I will sing your praises all across the earth” (17.458-462).

This quote is spoken by Odysseus and it is when he is asking for food from the suitor, Antinous. It is an important quote because it is a key moment when Odysseus interacts with Antinous. The wording of the quote shows Odysseus’ respect and kindness toward the suitors, or at least his skill in pretending to be caring. This quote escalates into the fight between Antinous and Odysseus, which also makes it very important. After being asked this, Antinous is pushed over the edge and he ends up spewing cruel words at Odysseus and eventually throwing a stool at his back.

Elements of the Monomyth
Test/ Ordeal
In Book 17, Odysseus spends his time disguised as a beggar. This is an ordeal because he has to keep his disguise and pretend that he isn’t a king. One example of Odysseus’ disguise causing him difficulty when he is walking into town. A swineherd starts insulting him, and Odysseus is furious. He thinks to himself, “Should he wheel with is staff and beat the scoundrel senseless?—/or hoist him by the midriff, split his skull on the rocks? /He steeled himself instead, his mind in full control” (17.258-60). Odysseus is proving his strength by not speaking up when provoked. Another time Odysseus chooses not to stand up for himself is when he is in the palace, begging food from the suitors, and Antinous throws a stool at his back. “With that/ he seized the stool and hurled it—Square in the back/ it struck Odysseus, just under the right shoulder/ but he stood up against it—steady as a rock” (17.509-12). It must have hurt Odysseus a lot, but he didn’t say anything because he didn’t want to provoke Antinous any more than he already had. Luckily, the rest of the suitors were ashamed that Antinous would harm an innocent beggar, and reprimanded him. Despite his disguise being disdained by many people throughout the book, Odysseus stays strong and doesn’t fight back, which was a great ordeal that he survived through.

Sacrifice/ Betrayal
In book 17, Odysseus returns home to Ithaca, dressed as a beggar. None of the townspeople recognize him due to the disguise, but his old dog does. The narrator explains, “But the moment he sensed Odysseus standing by / he thumped his tail, nuzzling low, and his ears dropped, / though he had no strength to drag himself an inch / toward his master” (17.330-333). Odysseus recognizes his old pal too, but he is unwilling to give up his disguise, so he doesn’t express emotion. The narrator describes, “Odysseus glanced to the side / and flicked away a tear, hiding it from Eumaeus, / diverting his friend in a hasty, offhand way…” (17.333-335). Sadly, after recognizing his master the weak, old dog dies. The narrator tells, “But the dark shadow of death closed down on Argos’ eyes / the instant he saw Odysseus, twenty years away” (17.359-360). This section of the book resembles the sacrifice stage in the hero quest. Odysseus must sacrifice his beloved friend to continue his quest, because after crossing paths with his old dog, he had to continue on and pay no attention to him, in order to keep his disguise.

Book 17 (Jenni & Maggie)

Oooops!!

The Odyssey: Book 18

Book 18 (Linnea, Emily & Rohini)

Quotes

“How this pot-bellied pig runs off at the mouth—
like an old crone at her oven!
Well I’ve got a knock-out blow in store for him—
I’ll batter the tramp with both fists, crack every tooth
from his jaws, I’ll little the ground with teeth
like a rogue sow’s, punished for rooting corn!
Belt up—so the lords can see us fight it out (18. 31-37).”

This quote represents an example of Homeric style. He often uses epic similes throughout The Odyssey and this is a good representation of one. There are two similes included in this one passage and it’s drawn out to explain thoroughly what Homer is talking about. This is significant in The Odyssey because with all of these epic similes, Homer paints us vivid pictures of what he’s describing, making it easier to understand the book.

“True/ but here I see you suitors plotting your reckless work/ carving away at the wealth, affronting the loyal wife/ of a man who won’t be gone from kin and country long. (13.165-170)” This quote is foreshadowing that Odysseus is not far; in fact he is actually at Ithaca. It is important because it is almost telling the suitors that he is there. “But now Prince Telemachus dressed them down:/ ‘ Fools, you’re out of your minds! No hiding it,/ food and wine have gone to your heads. Some god/ has got your blood up. Come, now you’ve eaten well/ go home to bed-when the spirit moves, that is./ I, for one, I’ll drive no quest away’”When Telemachus says this to the suitors, they are all very surprised. It is very brave of him, and it is one of the first time we see Telemachus not trying to get rid of the suitors. The suitors in the end let go of the beggar and leave the house.


Monomyth

Book 18 is part of Section Four of the Elements of a Monomyth. More specifically, it’s a “Rescue from Without” which means help given to a hero to overcome a final fight. Odysseus has returned to Ithaca and has one more obstacle to surpass before he’s dubbed as a hero, but he needs some help.
Three examples of this Monomyth is that Athena gave Odysseus direction of what to do, she disguised him as a beggar to hide his identity, and then she also stood beside him in the rift with Irus (the other beggar). Odysseus won the battle with the help of Athena as she showcased his strength. This quote below is an example of the Monomyth and it shows Athena’s help.
As Odysseus belted up, roping his rags around his loins,
baring his big rippling thighs—his boxer’s broad shoulders,
his massive chest and burly arms on full display
as Athena stood beside him,
fleshing out the limbs of a great commander…(18. 77-81).

Book 18 (Molly)

Significant Quotes (book 18)

1. “’Of all that breathes and crawls across the earth / Our mother earth breeds nothing feebler than man / So long as the gods grant him power, spring in the knees / He thinks he will never suffer affliction down the years / But then, when the happy gods bring on the long hard times / Bear them he must, against his will, and steel his heart / Our lives, our mood and mind as we pass across the earth / Turn as the days turn’” (18.150-157).

a. Here, Odysseus is speaking to Antinous before sharing a cup of wine. The significance in this quote is shown as Odysseus shares wisdom that he’s learned from his many perilous experiences. For example, Odysseus says, “Mother Earth Breeds nothing feebler than man.” Him and his crew are often shown as weak and feeble compared to the enemies they meet and danger they face, which is how Odysseus is able to say that man is the most feeble and weak thing on earth. Also, He says that “our lives, our mood and mind… turn as the days turn” implying that because of his sporadic luck, he has learned that nothing stays the same forever- one’s luck , attitude, and situation very from day to day. This passage is significant because it demonstrates how much Odysseus has learned, and how much his wisdom has matured because of his experiences. It overall portrays Odysseus as a thoughtful, fully matured man.

2. “But now prince Telemachus dressed them down: / ‘Fools, you’re out of your minds! No hiding it, / food and wine have gone to your heads. Some god / has got your blood up. Come, now you’ve eaten well / Go home to bed- when the spirit moves, that is / I, for one, I’ll drive no guest away.’ / So he declared, and they all bit their lips / amazed the prince could speak with so much daring” (18. 457-464).

a. This passage, where Telemachus scolds his mother’s suitors, is significant for two reasons. First of all, there’s a strong tone of authority in the young prince’s words when he says, “fools, you’re out of your minds!” and also when he demands that they go home. Like Odysseus, the young prince is shown as a matured man. Now, he is also a respected authority since the suitors are silent and terrified of his words. This speech is also significant because it shows how Telemachus is very similar to Odysseus in that has matured, he’s a man, and he is a respected voice in his house. This passage also shows how he has grown while his father was away at Troy. Overall, This quote is significant because of what it tells us about Telemachus’s new position in his household, and his newfound maturity.

3. “’If Only Odysseus came back home and stood right here / In a flash you’d fine those doors-broad as they are- / Too cramped for your race to safety through the porch!’” (18. 434-436).

4. “Athena’s mission accomplished, off the bright one went / as bare-armed maids came in from their own quarters” (18. 224-225).

a. These quotes are significant because they both show one of Homer’s famed styles of writing. The first quote, where Odysseus, still disguised as a beggar, insults the suitors, is a clear example of foreshadowing. Homer, through Odysseus, is telling us what is in store for the greedy suitors in the near future. The second passage is taken from a description of Penelope’s radiant beauty that Athena gives her. Homer uses another one of his style traits, epithets, to describe the situation. He specifically says “bare-armed maids,” so he uses his famed epithets to give the audience an image of the scene.

The Monomyth Stage
In book 18 of the Odyssey, Odysseus is in stage four, or the “return” stage, of the hero quest cycle. For example, part of stage four is the character officially becoming a hero. The fact that Odysseus made it safely back home and completed his hero quest is enough evidence to consider him a hero. Another part of the stage four is supernatural forces helping the character get home. Athena happened to be that magical force that helped Odysseus to reach his home. For example, when he fights Irus, and when he’s alone in his room, Athena is standing by his side. And as he pretends to be a beggar in his own house, Athena stands by him. The supernatural goddess was the force that helped Odysseus get home, and she keeps him safe at his home. A third characteristic of the fourth stage is the newfound hero receiving a gift of some type. In a way, Odysseus receives a gift when he fights Irus. As Antonius says, “’These goat sausages sizzling here in the fire / We packed them with fat and blood to have for supper / Now, whoever wins this bout and proves the stronger / Let that man step up and take his pick of the lot!’” (18. 52-55). This passage says that the winner will receive a prize, which is the best goat sausage for dinner. Since Odysseus wins, he also receives the delicious prize. All of these examples follow traits of the Monomyth, proving that in book 18, Odysseus is in the fourth stage of his hero quest.

The Odyssey: Book 19

Book 19 (Sam & Emma)

Important Quotes
The first important quote we chose was “That left the great Odysseus waiting in his hall/as Athena helped him plot the slaughter of the suitors/ he turned at once to Telemachus, brisk with orders:/ ‘Now we must stow the weapons out of reach, my boy/ and ask you questions, put them off with a winning story: / ‘I stowed them away, clear of the smoke. A far cry/from the arms Odysseus left when he went to Troy/ fire damaged equipment, black with reeking fumes/ and a god reminded me of something darker too. / When you’re in your cups a quarrel might break out/ you’d wound each other, shame your feasting here/ and cast a pall on your courting. / Iron has powers to draw a man to ruin.’ ’ ” [page 390, 1-14]

This quote is significant because it not only shows Odysseus’ plan against the suitors, but has a great bit of dramatic irony wove it; Telemachus tells the suitors he is worried about a fight breaking out between the guests, when Telemachus and Odysseus are really the ones who will start the battling. The sentence ‘iron has powers to draw a man to ruin’ is very beautiful, and could be implied as a theme surrounding the Odyssey; seeing as war was the reason why Odysseus was twenty years late coming home.

Our second quote was “And so the man is safe / as you can see and he’s coming home, soon, / he’s close, close at hand—/ he won’t be severed long from kin and country/ no not now. I give you my solemn, binding oath. / I swear by Zeus, the first greatest god—/by Odysseus’ hearth, where I have come for help/ all will come to pass, I swear exactly as I say/ true, this very month—just as the old moon dies/ and the new moon rises into life—Odysseus will return!” [page 400, 344-354]

At this point in the book, Odysseus is disguised and talking to his wife, Penelope, telling her Odysseus is fine and will be home soon. This is another example of dramatic irony, or when the audience knows more than a character does; we all know it’s Odysseus but Penelope believes he is just a beggar. It is a crucial quote to this book, because it not only shows that Odysseus still loves Penelope and wants to comfort her, it foreshadows Odysseus’ return home.

The final quote we chose was “Oh my queen”/ Odysseus, man of exploits, urged her on/ “royal wife of Laertes’ son, Odysseus, now, / don’t put off this test in the halls a moment/ before that crew can handle the polished bow/ string it taught and shoot through all those axes—/Odysseus, man of exploits, will be home with you!”/ “If only, my friend,” the wise Penelope replied.” [page 409, 655-662]

This quote may seem similar to the previous quote we selected, but if you inspect it closely, you realize the quote is really about Odysseus begging Penelope to put off the tests. Odysseus is worried that Penelope will be forced to marry the winner which doesn’t seem like such a problem, given he’s going to slay all the suitors, but it will make things either messier or more emotional for Penelope. The last line in this quote also illustrates Penelope’s attitude; she has given up.

The Elements of Monomyth
The element of the monomyth that felt the most prominent in Book 19 was “rescue from without”; help given to hero to overcome final obstacle. Rescue from without is the point in the Hero Quest when the hero is very close to finishing his mission and must complete one last task. The basic plot of book nineteen follows this pattern closely; Odysseus must return home and infiltrate his own home so he get close enough to the suitors to slaughter them. “…now I’m home at last/after bearing twenty years of brutal hardship/home on native ground. But you know/ now that a god has flashed it in your mind/ quiet! Not a word to anyone in the house/ or else I warn you—and I mean business too—/if a god beats down these brazen suitors at my hands…” The quote displays Odysseus’ desperate feeling, trying to rush to finish off the suitors so he can finally fully go home. Odysseus is quite exhausted of his unpleasant twenty year voyage, and the quote shows how worn he is; Odysseus simply wants to be home. The only thing preventing him from fulfilling that dream is the twenty suitors who would very willing to kill him; so Odysseus must murder them before they discover who he is.

Book 19 (Nellie & Elizabeth)

Important Quotes:
Odysseus and his princely son, / and began to carry off the helmets, studded shields / and pointed spears, and Pallas Athena strode before them, / lifting a golden lamp that cast a dazzling radiance round about. / “Father,” Telemachus suddenly burst out to Odysseus, / “oh, what a marvel fills my eyes! Look, look there- / all the sides of the hall, the handsome crossbeams, / pinewood rafters, tall columns towering- / all glow in my eyes like flaming fire! / Surely a god is here- / one of those who rule the vaulting skies!” (19.33-43)

To begin with, the quote shows how breathtaking the presence of a god can be. Odysseus is easily used to such things. He witnesses gods throughout the Trojan War, his journey home, and he talks with gods regularly. Telemachus may never have seen a god, and didn’t realize till now how powerful they are. This passage shows how young and full of wonder Telemachus is at heart. Odysseus may take such events for granted nowadays, but=2 0that makes them no less majestic.

“But please, / read this dream for me, won’t you? Listen closely… / I keep twenty geese in the house, from the water trough, / they come and peck their wheat-I love to watch them all. / But down from a mountain swooped this great hook-beaked eagle, / yes, and he snapped their necks and killed them one and all / and they lay in heaps throughout the halls while he, / back to the clear blue sky he soared at once. / But I wept and wailed-only a dream, of course- / and our well-groomed ladies came and clustered round me, / sobbing stricken: the eagle killed my geese. But down / he swooped again and settling onto a jutting rafter / called out in a human voice that dried my tears, / ‘Courage, daughter of famous King Icarius! / This is no dream but a happy waking vision, / real as day, that will come true for you. / The geese are your suitors-I was once he eagle / but now I am you husband, back again at last, / about to launch a terrible fate against them all!’” (19. 603-620)

First, this passage is about a dream Penelope has. In the dream it foreshadows Odysseus killing the suitors, which is significant, because it is his final obstacle to face. It is curious that Penelope does not believe the dream is true. The eagle is Zeus’ symbol, and all earlier omens with the eagle came true. Perhaps Penelope had been hoping so much, that being so close to seeing her husband again was too much to depend on. Whatever the reason for Penelope to have doubt, the dream does come true and is one of the last steps in Odysseus’ journey home.

“My good woman,” Odysseus, the master of craft, replied, / “no man on the face of the earth could find fault with you. / Your fame, believe me, has reached the vaulting skies. / Fame like a king’s who dreads the gods, / and who governs a kingdom vast, proud and strong- / who upholds justice, true, and the black earth / bears wheat and barley, trees bow down with fruit / and the sheep drop lambs and never fail and the sea / teems with fish- thanks to his decent, upright rule, / and under his sovereign sway the people flourish.”

This quote is from when Odysseus begins to speak to Penelope. It is an epic simile, and an example of Homeric style. The epic simile reflects how much Odysseus believes his wife is influential. His comparison of her to a famous and powerful king shows his admiration for her. The quote is significant, because it is an example of an epic simile. Epic similes compare things in the epic to events that are easier to picture and/or relate to. The help the reader, and in this case the character spoken to, understand what the character is describing.

Elements of the Monomyth
The first element that applies the Book 19 is Magic Flight. Odysseus is helped by Athena as they together plan to defeat the suitors. As Odysseus and Telemachus are taking the suitors’ weapons, Telemachus notices how a god is making their surroundings look dazzling. Athena is leading the way and the golden lamp she carries lights the way. There are various times when the text says “Athena helped him plot the slaughter of the suitors.” Throughout his journey, Odysseus is assisted by Athena, especially as he is returning to his old life.
The second aspect of the monomyth is Rescue from Without. Odysseus’ final obstacle is to overcome the suitors. Though he is home, he still needs to restore order. This book shows him giving hope to Penelope, Telemachus, and the nurse. Odysseus is busy plotting how he is to kill the suitors while he is disguised and telling Penelope he is alive and what happened while he was away.

The Odyssey: Book 20

Book 20 (Hailey & Katie)

Significant Quotes
“Others are quick to trust a weaker comrade, / some poor mortal, far less cunning than I. / But I am a goddess, look, the very one who / guards you in all your trials to the last. / … What a misery, / keeping watch through the night, wide awake- / you’ll soon come up from under all your troubles.” (20. 48-58).

This quote was said by Athena to Odysseus when he is very angry with the suitors. Athena comes to him and tells him how she will be there for him, like it says in the quote. She has stuck with him through the whole quest and won’t give up on him now. She is his protector. This quote is significant to the book as a whole because it shows how Athena sticks with Odysseus through the thick and the thin. Any gods are usually willing to do so for the mortal that they are fighting for, but this is a good example because is has come towards the end of the journey and Athena is still with him.

Another significant quote that we thought was important was spoken by Odysseus. “Father Zeus, if you really willed it so- to bring me / home over land and sea- lanes, home to native ground / after all the pain you once brought me- show me a sign, / a good omen voiced by someone awake indoors, / another sign, outside, from Zeus himself!” (20. 109- 113).

This is important because Odysseus wants a sign that his life as he knew it will turn back to normal after everything that he has been through. He really doubts it at the time because the suitors are still in his home and it doesn’t really feel like home yet. He also thinks that Zeus might not give him a break so he asks for a sign of confidence. This is important to the book because Zeus has given Odysseus a hard time the entire book and he wants to know if Zeus will finally let him conquer his quest and he asks Zeus so that he knows what is ahead of him.

“The heart inside him growled low with rage, / as a bitch mounting over her weak, defenseless puppies / growls, facing a stranger, bristling for a showdown- / so he growled from his depths, hackles rising at their outrage.” (20. 15- 18).

This quote is a very accurate representation of the rage that Odysseus is feeling as he watches the suitors parade around his house as if it were their own. The intensity of his feelings are portrayed by the epic simile Homer uses to describe him, and this helps us understand what Odysseus is going through in this particular section. The anger that Odysseus feels toward the suitors is to strong for him to ignore, and this quote definitely foreshadows what Odysseus will inevitably do later in the epic.

Elements of the Monomyth
Rescue from without is when the hero gets help to overcome their final battle. This occurs in Book 20 of The Odyssey when Odysseus gets mad about seeing all the suitors that have taken over his house. Athena gives him some wise words and says, “What a misery, / keeping watch through the night, wide awake- / you’ll soon come up from under all your troubles.” (20.56-58). This is Athena’s clue to Odysseus that everything will be alright in the end, and to just keep holding on. Another example is when Odysseus prays to Zeus that he will give him a sign that his life will turn back to normal. He shows him everything will be alright when he says, “And Zeus with all his wisdom heard that prayer. / He thundered at once, out of his clear blue heavens / high above the clouds, and Odysseus’ spirit lifted.” (20. 115- 116). Throughout the novel there are many times that characters get help on their quests by gods, especially when they are completing their final battles. Athena and Zeus are always there for people who need them and this shows when they help Odysseus during the last obstacles of his final quest.

Book 20 (Claire & Lexa)

Quote 1: "He must wear such rags, I know it, / knocking about, drifting through the world / if he's still alive and sees the light of day. / If he's dead already, lost in the House of Death, / my heart aches for Odysseus, my great lord and master" (20. 226-230).

Explanation: Odysseus has such powerful individual qualities about himself that make him a respected person. Even though he is gone for several years, people in his home city of Ithaca remember him in a strong image. They think of Odysseus as a kind, determined and cunning man. Due to this fact, the people in Ithaca never give up hope for him to return. There is always something in the hearts of the people, that allows them to believe Odysseus could still possibly be alive. With this in mind, when Odysseus returns to Ithaca, it won't be hard for the people to believe it's truly him.

Quote 2: "Don't let me see more offenses in my house, / not from anyone! I'm alive to it all, now, / the good and the bad – the boy you knew is gone" (20. 128-143).

Explanation: Telemachus is becoming a man. He is following his father's footsteps which will allow him to one day become a great ruler. Telemachus is maturing by taking charge of the household, as a man should do. He is standing his ground against the suitors, so they know he is a higher rank than them. This is important because it shows the growth in his character, and the amount of time Odysseus has been gone from home.

Quote 3: "Oh I can see it now – / the disaster closing in on you all! There's no escaping it, / no way out – not for a single one of you suitors, / wild reckless fools, plotting outrage here, / the halls of Odysseus , great and strong as a god!" (20. 410-414)

Explanation: The suitors are invading Odysseus's home and to defend it, Eurymachus yells at them. This is significant because it is starting to foreshadow the future. Homer enjoys using the style of foreshadowing to grab the reader's attention. In this specific quote, Eurymachus, the wise prophet, hints to the suitors that they will meet their death.

The Monomyth
Book 20 takes part in the end of stage 3 and the beginning of stage 4. Odysseus has already returned to Ithaca, but only Telemachus and Eurycliea know that it is actually him. Others think that he is a strange beggar staying in the house. Since the final battle hasn't quite started yet, You could say Odysseus is in the return stage of the Hero quest pattern. Also Odysseus gets help from Zeus and Athena, which is considered help from the supernatural world. "And Zeus in all his wisdon heard that prayer. / He thundered at once, out of his clear blue heavens / high above the clouds, and Odysseus' spirit lifted" (20. 114-116). Zeus anwsers Odysseus' prayers. This would also be called the "magic flight" stage, although Zeus and Athena also help him, not only when returning home, but in Ithaca as well.

The Odyssey: Book 21

Book 21 (Margaret & Hannah)

Quote 1:
…he leapt to his feet and dropped his bright-red cloak, / slipping the sword and sword-belt off his shoulders. / First he planted the axes, digging a long trench, / one for all, and trued all to a line / then tamped the earth to bed them. Wonder took / the revelers looking on: his work so firm, precise, / though he’s never seen the axes ranged before. (21. 135-141)

Homer’s style includes epic similes, perfect word choice, and various sentence types. We thought this passage did a good job presenting his extensive thought process. The author of The Odyssey takes the simplest scenarios and twists them with intricate language for a further more interesting reading. His word choice is very descriptive as well. It gives the reader a better idea of what to picture while reading. One by one he takes you through the events that take place. In this quote, Homer portrays Telemachus attempting to use Odysseus’s bow and arrow. He looked as though he had done this a thousand times. It’s significant for Telemachus was thought to be like his father. With all his might he tried to prove to everyone that he was the warrior they thought, except it was a great disappointment.

Quote 2:
“And stopped his short despite his tensing zeal. / “”God help me,”” the inspired prince cried out, / “must I be a weakling, a failure all my life?” / Unless I’m just too young to trust my hands / to fight off any man who rises up against me.” (21. 148-153)

Telemachus, Odysseus’s son, is thought to be just as tough as his father. In book 21, Telemachus shows a great amount of character and this quote tells a lot about who he is as a person. It’s evident that Telemachus looks up to his father and wants to be like him. He’s admitting though that he is not as great in strength as his dad. The prince is not a failure, but instead has qualities he has not yet discovered. Odysseus was born with great prudence and power which his son might not inquire, at least though Telemachus can acknowledge it which shows a big step forward for his character.

Quote 3:
“ So they mocked, but Odysseus…once he’d handled the great bow…like an expert singer skilled at lyre and song- / …with virtuous ease Odysseus strung his mighty bow” (21. 451-456).
The significance of this quote is Odysseus’ whole persona throughout this scene. An image is created of this beggar looking so poor, but on the inside a man so intellectually wealthy. Odysseus will always be a king at heart. A bow so tight that not any man in the room could string it, and Odysseus does so with eloquent ease. This passage says yet more about what a strong man- physically and mentally- he is.

Elements of Monomyth
This book of The Odyssey, “Odysseus Strings his Bow”, is the Rescue from Without portion of the monomyth hero quest. Odysseus comes home at last, just to overcome the final obstacle to get rid of the suitors in his house. When he arrives he is a total stranger and must prove his identity to the two king’s men outside of his house. He does so by revealing a scar he has on his foot. “The men gazed at it, scanned it, knew it well, / broke into tears and threw their arms around their master- ” (21. 249-250). Now that Odysseus has overcome the challenge of proving he is the king of their house, he now continues in his Rescue from Without portion of his hero quest. He receives help from a close servant of the household, Eumaeus, along the way. With the aid of Eumaeus he is given the chance to shoot an arrow through the twelve rings and win Penelope’s hand in marriage, which of course, he had all along.

Book 21 (Charlie & Greer)

Important quotes:
“Friends, / I can’t bend it. Take it, someone-try. / Here is a bow to rob our best of life and breath, / all our best contenders! Still, better to be dead / than live on here, never winning the prize/ that tempts us all-forever in pursuit, / burning with expectation every day.” (21, 172-178).

This quote is significant because it foreshadows the death of the suitors at the hand of Odysseus and his bow. The seer prophesizes this after attempting and failing to bend back Odysseus’ bow in order to win Penelope as a wife. The other suitors mock this prophesy openly but it seems as though they are slightly worried that it will come to pass. This prophesy gives the contest an air of uncertainty and intrigue, which is shown when Antinous refuses to allow the disguised Odysseus to attempt to bend the bow. This also shows Homeric style in the form of prophesies used for foreshadowing and setting moods in scenes.

“I’m right here, / here in the flesh-myself-home at last, / after bearing twenty years of brutal hardship. / Now I know that of all my men you two alone / longed for my return. From the rest I’ve heard / not one real prayer that I come back again. / So now I’ll tell you what’s in store for you. / If a god beats down the lofty suitors at my hands, / I’ll find you wives, both of you, grant you property, / sturdy houses beside my own, and in my eyes you’ll be/ comrades to Prince Telemachus, brothers from then on. / Come, I’ll show you something-living proof-/ know me for certain put your minds at rest. /
This scar, / look, where a boar’s white tusk gored me, years ago, / hunting on Parnassus, Autolycus’ sons and I.” (21, 233-246).

This quote is the return of Odysseus to those faithful to him, he chose these two as the only loyal men who had been living in his house, and courting his wife. This quote also shows the beginning of his plan to eliminate all the suitors who had been gorging themselves on his possessions. The passage contrasts between Odysseus and Achilles that we saw, Achilles rage was blind and he would allow others to suffer like the Achaean men that died because he didn’t fight. Odysseus is different. He wasn’t going to kill those who had truly been faithful to him even if they had been with the suitors. His rage is only at those who offended him and he didn’t want to hurt anybody else.

“Not a shred of sense in your head, you filthy drifter! / Not content to feast at your ease with us, the island’s pride? / Never denied your full share of the banquet, never, / you can listen in on our secrets. No one else/ can eavesdrop on our talk, no tramp, no beggar.” (21, 321-326).

This is an ironic passage because Antinous is not allowing Odysseus to use his bow and partake in the games to win his own wife as a bride. Antinous is actually proposing that the suitors are being kind by allowing him to eat his own food. This also shows that Antinous is frightened to allow this lowly beggar to try his hand with the bow, showing that somewhere within Antinous he isn’t entirely self confident if he is taking a drifter as a threat to him.

Elements of the Monomyth:
Our chapter of the Odyssey fulfils two parts of the Monomyth.
First it gives Odysseus the “Ultimate Boon”. In this book Odysseus is give back his trusty bow. This bow is taken out by Penelope and given to the suitors to try their hand with it, they had to string the bow and shoot it through axes. When it is finally Odysseus’ turn to handle the bow, it signifies his ultimate boon. An ultimate boon is a special gift that helps the hero achieve their task and currently, in this book, Odysseus is trying to clear the suitors from his home. This bow allows Odysseus to kill the suitors and find peace at home.
Secondly it is a test which falls into the “Test/Ordeals/ Hero Deeds” category. In this book Odysseus has to string his bow in a competition to see if any are as strong as Odysseus (himself). This is a test to prove his strength over the other suitors and he wins the competition over all of them. Proving that after twenty years he is still the same man. Even though Odysseus is weary from his journey home he is still able to string his old bow which awes and frightens the suitors and then he shoots. His aim perfect. Odysseus passes this test flawlessly which helps him in the next part of his quest, slaying the suitors.

The Odyssey: Book 22

Book 22 (John & Lars)

Important Quotes
“But Odysseus aimed and shot Antinus square in the throat / and the point went stabbing clean through the soft neck and out— / and off to the side he pinched, the cup dropped from his grasp / as the shaft sank home, and the man’s life-blood came spurting / from his nostrils—“ (22; 15-20)

This passage is a classic example of Homeric style. The lengthy, detailed description of death is a constant throughout both The Iliad and The Odyssey. This over-the-top, gruesome description is not limited only to death, but is present in all of Homer’s writing. If only for a second, these passages seem to stop time as the world looks on.

“… four at the sill confronting a larger, stronger force / arrayed inside the hall—now Zeus’s daughter Athena, / taking the build and voice of Mentor, swept in / and Odysseus, thrilled to see her, cried out, ‘Rescue us, Mentor, now it’s life or death! / Remember your old comrade—all the service / I offered you! We were boys together!’” (22; 213-219)

This passage is important because it is describing a specific point in Odysseus’s hero quest. It also shows the importance of fate, not only in the novel, but in all of Homer’s works we have looked at. We know that Odysseus is fated to slay the suitors that plagued his halls, and without Athena’s help, this would have been nearly impossible. By helping Odysseus, Athena is preserving his fate.

“Then back through the royal house the old nurse went / to tell the women the news and bring them in at once. / They came crowding out of their quarters, torch in hand, / flung their arms around Odysseus, hugged him, home at last, / and kissed his head and shoulders, seized his hands, and he, / overcome by a lovely longing, broke down and wept… / deep in his heart he knew them one and all.” (22; 523-529)

This passage describes the first time that Odysseus truly returns home. He has returned from his twenty-year-long journey through many trials and hardships culminating with his return to Ithaca. For countless hours, he dreamed of this moment. And at last, he has defeated all of his foes and is finally home.

Hero Quest
Stage 4: The Return
Rescue from Without:
“At his command, / concentrating their shots, all six hurled as one / but Athena sent the whole salvo wide of the mark— / one of them hit the jamb of the great hall’s doors, / another the massive door itself, and the heavy bronze / point of a third ashen javelin crashed against the wall.” (22; 268-271) In this passage, Athena can be seen aiding Odysseus and his men. Athena turns the tide of the battle in Odysseus favor. Without her aid, it is quite possible that Odysseus and his men would have been killed.

Master of Both Worlds
“Odysseus scanned his house to see if any man / still skulked alive, still hoped to avoid black death. / But he found them one and all in blood and dust… / so the suitors lay in heaps, corpse covering corpse. / At last the seasoned fighter turned to his son: / ‘Telemachus, go, call the old nurse here— / I must tell her all that’s on my mind.’” (22; 406-417)
By returning home, Odysseus has conquered the outside world. He has slain his foes abroad, the foes of Odysseus the Warrior. When he returns home, he is faced with new foes. These men are enemies of Odysseus the Father, enemies from his world at home. And when Odysseus kills all the suitors that plague his halls, he is now truly master of two worlds.

Freedom to Live
“Then back through the royal house the old nurse went / to tell the women the news and bring them in at once. / They came crowding out of their quarters, torch in hand, / flung their arms around Odysseus, hugged him, home at last, / and kissed his head and shoulders, seized his hands, and he, / overcome by a lovely longing, broke down and wept… / deep in his heart he knew them one and all.” (22; 523-529)
Now that Odysseus has overcome his final challenge, and is master of two worlds, no longer is he burdened. He is free to live out the rest of his days in peace with his family.

Book 22 (James & Connor & Max)

Quotes

“Where’s it gone, Odysseus- your power, your fighting heart? / The great soldier who fought who fought for famous white-armed Helen,/ battling Trojans nine long years-nonstop, no mercy,/ mowing the armies down in grueling battle-/ you who seized the broad streets of Troy/(446.)”

As Odysseus cuts down all the suitors, his morale is shot down. Athena, who has been cheering Odysseus along all the way, gives him a huge boost of energy that helps him to kill off the suitors. We believe that this quote is important, because it just confirms that Odysseus is Athena’s favorite, and she will do anything to make sure he wins.


“Stop, don’t cut him down! This one’s innocent. / So is the Herald Medon- the one who always/ tended me in the house when I was little-/(450.)”

When Odysseus arrived home and took his revenge on the suitors who had plagued his house, Telemachus protected one of them from his father’s wrath. We believe this quote is important, because it show’s that even though the suitors made Telemachus life a living hell, he could forgive one of them because of the goodness in that one’s heart. That suitor had been so good to Telemachus that he was not even as horrible as all the rest. It is also important, because it show’s that his taste for blood was not as large as it would be.

“You dogs! You never imagined I’d return from troy-/ so cocksure that you bled my house to death, / ravishing my serving-woman-wooed my wife / behind my back while was still alive! No fear of the Gods who rule the skies up there / no fear that men’s revenge might arrive someday- now all your necks are in the noose-your doom is sealed!(440)”

Odysseus returns triumphant to his house and seeks revenge on all the suitors. We believe that this quote is important, because it shows that nothing will stop Odysseus. It also is the fulfillment of the prophecy that tells of the doom of the suitors. This quote shows how Homer’s hints about the end of the book have come true. It attaches the first page of the Odyssey to the end.

Monomyth

Book 22
In book 22 of The Iliad, Odysseus begins by killing the suitors. This part of the monomyth is known as the “final battle” of stage three (land of fulfillment). The “final battle” is described as the last battle that must be accomplished to fulfill the quest, which is when Odysseus, Telemachus, the cowherd, and the goatherd slaughter all of the suitors. Although Odysseus has returned home, he is not yet in stage 4 (the return) of the monomyth because he has one last battle with suitors before he can actually return to his normal life in Ithaca.
Also in book 22, the return of the hero helped by a supernatural force occurs, which is the first part of stage 4 (the return) of the monomyth. Odysseus is slightly aided by Athena in the slaughtering of the suitors. This event is the last time that Odysseus is assisted by a god in The Iliad.

The Odyssey: Book 23

Book 23 (Alli & Makeena)

Important Quotes:
“The more she spoke, the more a deep desire for tears welled up inside his breast- he wept as he held the wife he loved, the soul of loyalty, in his arms at last (463. 259-261).”

This is the happy part of The Odyssey. Odysseus and Penelope are finally reunited, for real. Penelope knows that it is her husband, and she is happy to have him home. You can feel how much they missed each other. They have been telling each other their stories about what has happened over the past 20 years. It is sweet to know how Odysseus was feeling at this time, he felt so sad that his wife had to go through all of those hard times; he wanted to cry for her. They both felt whole again with each other, their missing piece had finally become whole.

“Dear woman… We have still not reached the end of all our trails. One more labor lies in store- boundless, laden with danger, great and long, and I must brave it out from start to finish (463.282-285).

This is a major turn in the plot. We finally thought that Odysseus and Penelope were done with all of their troubles. We thought that they could finally live happily ever after together. Now Odysseus has to leave once again, leaving Penelope alone again.

“Penelope’s heart burst in joy, she leapt from bed, her eyes streaming tears, she hugged the old nurse and cried out with eager, winging word, “Please dear one, give me the whole story (456.35-37).”

This shows good Homeric style, he describes the feelings of Penelope in great detail. This was we can connect with her emotions, and really feel what she is feeling. This quote is important because this is when Penelope finds out that Odysseus may be home finally. Her hopes arise and she is excited to see her husband after 20 years of separation.

Elements of a Monomyth:
This book is the last stage, stage 4, the return home, Odysseus has already had his magical flight home and he has also overcome his last obstacle, the suitors. His Elixir was his wife and son, his palace and his status was given back to him after many years with out it. He has become the master of two worlds, his real life, and his life as a warrior. Although, Odysseus is at the fourth stage of the monomyth, he has not yet started living at peace, because he still has a task to complete, he will have to go back to the “Land of Fulfillment”.

Book 23 (Sarah & Linnea)

Important Quotes

"A long while she sat in silence... numbing wonder/ filled her heart as her eyes explored his face./ One moment he seemed... Odysseus, to the life-/ the next, no, hew was not the man she knew,/ a huddled mass of rags was all she saw" (23.106-110).

This quote shows Penelope's internal struggle with accepting Odysseus. It shows the reader how lost she is because she doesn't know what to make of the man before her. She wants him to be Odysseus, her husband, the man she loves, but she doesn't want to get her hopes up to find that it was never him.

"There's our secret sign, I tell you , our life story!/ Does the bed, my lady, still stand planted firm?-/ I don't know- or has someone chopped away/ that olive trunk and hauled our edstead off?" (23.226-229).

In this quote, Odysseus gives Penelope the secret sign that confirms to her that she is talking to her husband and not another man. The secret sign is the story of the olive tree that Odysseus built his bed and room around. No one but Penelope and Odysseus know that story, so when Odysseus tells it to her, she knows that it is really him.

"Joy, warm as the joy shipwrecked sailors feel/ when they catch sight of land- Poseidon has struck/ their well-rigged ship on the ocean sea with gale winds/ and crushing walls of waves, and only a few escape, swimming/ struggling out of the frothing surf to the shore,/ their bodies crusted with salt but buoyed up with joy/ as they plant their feet on solid land again,/ spared a deadly fate. So joyous now for her/ the sight of her husband, vivid in her gaze,/ that in her white arms, embracing hi neck/ would never for a moment let him go..." (23.262-272).

This is an example of Homer's style. He uses an epic simile. It is significant because this is when Penelope finally accepts Odysseus back home. When Penelope realizes that it is him. It is Odysseus's return to his family. Penelope had not believed he was Odysseus, but in the passage, she believes it is him and she is filled with joy. Her hoy is so great that it is compared to a sailor seeing land for the first time after a long and rough travel on the sea.


Elements of the Monomyth
In this book, Odysseus is in the "return" stage of his hero quest. He is back to his "real world" life with his wife. Specifically, this is his "rescue from without" where he gets help to overcome a final obstacle. The obstacle he has to overcome is Penelope not believing that he is Odysseus. Penelope helps him overcome this obstacle by prompting him to give their secret sign. She says, "Come, Eurycleia,/ move the sturdy bedstead out of our bridal chamber" (23.197-198). She knows that the real Odysseus would know that the bed can't be moved and that he would object to moving it. After she prompts him, he gives the sign and Penelope welcomes him home at last.

The Odyssey: Book 24

Book 24 (Rebecca/Olivia)
Quotes
1. “So she commanded. He obeyed her, glad at heart. / And Athena handed down her pacts of peace / between both sides for all the years to come- / the daughter of Zeus whose shield is storm and thunder, / yes, but the goddess still kept Mentor’s build and voice,” (24.598-602).

This quote is important because it brings peace between the Achaeans and the Trojans after years of war. The gods finally finish what they started. Also, this quote includes an important element of Homeric style, an epithet. It says “the daughter of Zeus whose shield is storm and thunder,” describing Athena. The quote really just finishes the whole tale of war that was followed through The Iliad and The Odyssey.

2. “Do as your heart desires— / but let me tell you how it should be done. / Now that royal Odysseus has taken his revenge, / let both sides seal their pacts that he shall reign for life” (24. 531-534).This quote is significant because Zeus is giving Athena advice that is not based on something to either amuse himself or to mess with the mortals (as it’s known to all that messing with mortals is something gods enjoy very much so).

In the quote, Zeus is giving into only justice and is urging an end to this long time conflict. He isn’t calling for more slaughter, and he isn’t favoring one side over the other on a whim, but he is hoping that Athena heeds to his advice. Because of this call for an end to violence, Athena begins to feel the same way as Zeus about the issue and does as he says, not because she was forced, but she does so freely and on her own accord.

“‘My friends, what a mortal blow this man has dealt to all our people! …Quick, after him! Before he flees to Pylos or holy Elis, where Epeans rule in power--up, attack!’ ” (24.471-478).

This quote solidifies the fact that its all too easy for a war to erupt so suddenly--especially with the help from gods (Athena in this case). This is important because is shows how the gods can bring about violence (since Athena killed the suitors along side Odysseus). Also, it connects to the first part of the story that was written in the Iliad. That conflict too was caused and intensified by the gods actions, making battles all too easy to produce.

Book 24 (Aimee/Katherine)
Important Quotes
“‘The fame of her great virtue will never die. / The immortal gods will lift a song for all mankind, / a glorious song in praise of self possessed Penelope’” (24. 216-218).

This quote is important to the epic because it shows how Penelope’s choice to remain faithful to Odysseus will be rewarded. With many suitors invading her home she could easily ran off with one of them. Instead she chooses to wait twenty years for the return of Odysseus. This was a respectable decision and the gods will recognize her for her wisdom and virtue.

“‘Father, son of Cronus, our high and mighty kind, / now let me ask you a question…/ tell me the secrets hidden in your mind. / Will you prolong the pain, the cruel fighting her / or hand down pacts of peace between both sides?’” (24. 563-566).

This quote is significant because it shows how the gods control the mortal’s fate. Throughout the whole epic Athena aids Odysseus and Telemachus. Athena is asking Zeus whether he thinks she should prolong the fighting between the suitors’ families and Odysseus or end it quickly. Zeus replies that since it was her plan, she is now in charge of the outcome. She chooses to stop the war and restore the peace.

“‘Now you’ll see, if you care to watch, father, / now I’m fired up. Disgrace, you say? / I won’t disgrace you line!’” (24. 563-566).

This quote shows how thanks to Telemachus’ hero quest he now understands the concept of glory. He is prepared to fight valiantly for his father if need be. His grandfather and father have both received glory during their lifetime and now it is his turn. The war is stopped before Telemachus can prove himself, but he is young and will have more opportunities to receive glory like his father and make his family proud.

Elements of the Monomyth
One element of the monomyth that is present in book twenty-four is step four, the master of two worlds, “‘Odysseus! You-you’re truly my son. Odysseus home at last? / Give me a sign, some proof-I must be sure’” (24. 365-366). After Odysseus greets his son, wife, and friends, he lastly goes to visit his father. Laeters has been depressed for many years because Odysseus has been away. After Odysseus greeted him, his father was lifted from his grief. Laeters at first does not truly believe it is Odysseus until he shows him the scar he received as a child. Odysseus is now officially welcomed home from his voyage and accepted back into Ithaca. The very last phase of the monomyth, the freedom to live, is present in book twenty-four when Athena stops another war from breaking out; “‘Hold back, you men of Ithaca, back from brutal war! / Break off-shed no more blood-make peace at once!’” (24. 584-585). The families of the suitors are very upset when they hear about the death of their sons. One wise man suggests that since Odysseus succeeded in killing so many men at once, he must have had help from the gods. He recommends that no one challenge Odysseus. The other families refuse to listen and attack Odysseus’ home anyways. Athena steps in and prevents the start of yet another war. Peace is finally restored to Ithaca and Odysseus now has the freedom to live with his family.

12 Hours, 14 minutes

That's how much time you have before your Odyssey group work is due to me. So, get it done, get it emailed to your partner, and get it sent off to me!

Tomorrow you'll start presenting what you've done. First up: Book 13. I've received work from Julie, Michaela, Gabbie, Mattie, Leah, and Katherine C. I've already reviewed the work from these 6 ladies and it is excellent work! So, keep it coming...

Type it up...

I suggest you type at least some of your Odyssey work tonight so you don't leave it all for tomorrow. You'll have another full class period tomorrow to work on completing the entire assignment which must be emailed to me by 8:00am, Friday.

**I posted the Monomyth powerpoint to Edline today for your reference.