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.
Friday, October 3, 2008
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.
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).
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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