The Contest
The passage I have chosen to analyze is a mixture of scenes on page 414-416 I’ve Titled this passed analysis “The Contest” that is my main focus but first I will like to discuss the events that lead up to the contest. On page 414, line 92 – 107, the people of Phaeacia and Odysseus are feasting while a singer sings a songs that touches the emotional side of Odysseus. Odysseus comes from a town (Ithaca) where grieving was respected, appreciated and public. In this passage Odysseus is trying to hide his tears from the Phaeacians. On line 95 it reads “He was ashamed to let the Phaeacians see his tears falling down”. As strong minded Odysseus has been portrayed in these Books, since when he has ever felt ashamed to cry. When Odysseus was stranded Ogygia he wept constantly. The Phaeacians are not crying possibly because they have not experienced similar things Odysseus has experienced. While Odysseus continued to cover his face and hide his tears, on line 105 Alcinous notices and quickly tries to change to settings. Alcinous see’s more of Odysseus and that this stranger (Odysseus) probably had a more hard life than expected. Some other words that was used in this passage “Cover” and “Conceal”. The story told by Helen in previous passages, she mentioned how Odysseus hid his identity as he is now, but also covering him self up in clothes to look like a beggar. Odysseus is not a liar but he will hide the truth for his own benefit. So even in these moments where he is saddened, he knows if he reveals his tear it may open a door of questions on who is he really? Odysseus has yet to tell Alcinous and the Phaeacians his name.
Moving forward in other parts of the passage, after Alcinous noticed Odysseus crying as I’ve stated earlier he quickly tries to change the settings by proposing a contest. An Athletic contest that consist of boxing, wrestling, jumping and footraces. Now based on the stories we have been told we know that Odysseus is strong, cunning, hero and also in previous stories that he will kill all the suitors, so he is a great fighter. In Line 146 Alcinous son suggested that they should invite “the stranger” (Odysseus) into the contest. The passages states “We should ask the stranger whether he is skilled in any sport.” Then they started complimenting his body, the Phaeacians are fascinated by Odysseus physical features. In line 153 Euryalus tells Laodamas to challenge him in Public. They know this stranger has been through hardship and is down on his luck, as sympathetic the Phaeacians have been towards this stranger, now during the contest Euryalus is ready to pull his collar with possibilities of Odysseus loosing the contest. In line 167 to 172 surprisingly Odysseus denies the invitation. Based on all the stories we have heard of Odysseus, to me him turning down a challenge has been unlikely, especially with all the trials and tribulations he has been facing so far, what’s one more challenge. But clearly Odysseus was not up for it. Possibly because he knew he will win and if he win people may not pity him any more and they may not feel the need to help him. Odysseus is still being mindful of his main goal and that’s to get home.
In line 174 Euryalus states “I’ve seen a lot of sportsmen and you don’t look like one to me at all” What an insult to Odysseus (the stranger). Euryalus is taunting and provoking Odysseus. Euryalus must love competing and winning, and its possible he always win any competitions because a known loser will not be looking for any challenges. From line 180 to 204 you can feel Odysseus fury, subtle anger and he is boiling up inside from the way Euryalus spoke to him. When reading this passage the feelings of thoughts in Odysseus mind is “HOW DARE HE!” In line 183 Odysseus states ” the Sad truth is that the Gods don’t give anyone all their gifts whether its looks or intelligence or eloquence”. Here Odysseus is basically telling Euryalus you’re not perfect, and subtly throwing Jabs at Euryalus like you may have a quality but you lack THIS QUALITY. In line 186 Odysseus seems to be describing himself it reads “But the Gods crown his words with beauty”, Odysseus cunning tongue. Skipping a few lines to 189 ” And stands out in any crowd. When he walks through town, men look upon him as a God” the words of GOD-LIKE ODYSSEUS. Towards the end of the Passage Odysseus accepts this challenge.
The lines I have bought to attention from page 414 – 416 an Overview; It begins with the town feasting, celebrating and during the celebration there is a singer, who sings a song that makes Odysseus very sad and emotional, Odysseus not wanting anyone to see his tears. Alcinous notices his tears and try to change the setting by proposing a Contest, something that we now know is enjoyment for the Phaeacians. Odysseus was offered to compete in the contest but refused possibly because he just wants to focus on getting home or because he does not want to reveal his true strength and the people will not pity him. With Pity comes help. But Odysseus was provoked by Laodamas and Euryalus, not accepting no for an answer Euryalus insults Odysseus which causing a rage in Odysseus to finally accept the challenge.
Hi Kristina,
This response is brimming with ideas about the text–well-done. I think you are on to something really important about the nature of performing in public in Homer’s world. Public displays of athletic ability and public displays of tears both ‘define’ Odysseus to the Phaeacians before he reveals his name, though the two actions add up to a complicated figure–one who is both strong and vulnerable.
Two major areas to work on:
1) NARROWING DOWN: For the purposes of this class, a passage subject to analysis should be just a few lines long. This response in fact analyzes two related passages–VIII.92-107 and VIII.174-254 or so. Both are long; the second one is really too long to cover in a short assignment like this. Choosing just a few lines of text and really focusing on their language, images and meaning is something to work on (and we will talk more about this in class!). While it is definitely crucial to be able to discuss the work as a whole, and long sections of a text, the ability to narrow your focus and build an argument out of local details is also important.
2) CLAIM: You seem to be here to be nudging towards a claim–a thesis or argument–about Odysseus’ status as a nameless but very public figure in the Phaeacian court. However, your main idea remains largely implicit (that is, not yet expressed fully, in words, so that the reader can evaluate it). What do these public actions add up to? Why are they included the poem?
Something you do absolutely right that will definitely help you in writing your first paper:
1) CONNECTING PASSAGES: Above, I noted that you are really writing on *two* passages, not one. This skill–connecting related material and discerning patterns in the text–is very valuable, both for in-class discussion and for paper-writing.
Solid work overall.