The first twelve books of The Odyssey deal with Odysseus journeys as he strives to return to Ithaca. These books deal with strange, far-away lands and have a dream-like quality which is unlike the everyday, realistic quality of the last twelve books, which deal with Odysseus homecoming. It has been suggested that the first twelve books of The Odyssey describe dream, or a myth that evokes the attempt of man to live among the gods. Read in this manner, the exploits of Odysseus and his men among the gods is disastrous, and it is only when Odysseus returns to the land of men that he can resume a normal, if somewhat tumultuous, life as a relatively ordinary Greek man.
You can also think of the first 12 books as Odysseus reflecting on his life thus far and realizing that his return home will begin a dramatic transition from a life of glory and fame and towards ordinary domestic life. In some ways, this transition will be the most dangerous period in his life. After 20 years away from Ithaca, he will return home a stranger to his son and wife. There are also 108 unscrupulous suitors in his household who have good reason to keep Odysseus from returning, which means his first task is to get rid them and he is desperately outnumbered.
Finally, for a man like Odysseus, who has lived a life of intensity and action, the domestic realm could turn out to be boring and mundane. After all, he tried domesticity with Calypso, and he wasnt exactly happy.
For this journal, write an essay of at least 700 words in which you explain how you view the differences between the first 12 books of The Odyssey and the second 12 books. Address the following questions. Be sure to use quotes from the text to illustrate your claims in clear and direct ways. The journal needs a clear and specific thesis statement and it should be organized as an essay with distinct introductory and concluding paragraphs. There should also be body paragraphs in which you support the thesis statement using textual evidence. Transitional words and phrases should be used throughout the journal to illustrate connections among your points and to help create a sense of cohesion.
1. Does Odysseus seem anxious about the possibility of returning home to his wife and son? Why do you think he might feel anxious to return to the people and the place he loves so much?
2. What do you make of the final element of prophesy given to him by Tiresias, when Odysseus is instructed to go inland and bury his oar? Why do you think this action is necessary?
3. Do you think Odysseus will be content as an ordinary and relatively anonymous man? Why or why not? Use textual evidence to illustrate your claims.
Last Completed Projects
| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|