Great Works of Literature I (Fall 2017)

I choose a scene of Odyssey, Odysseus and his crews escape from Cyclops with a camouflage themselves as a sheep after an attack to Cyclops’s eye. I found two images with Google, there are large point of differences.

In a first image, Artist drew that Cyclops like a general human bigger a little bit, not bigger than twice. He looks like a general person’s face and body, he is not expressed horribly more than I thought. Actually It seems to able to knock Cyclops down for two or three man. I think that the reasons why the artist drew Cyclops looks like ordinary is to express the giant is just a man with heartbreaking story in the past he had been dumped from somebody, and the giant had an emotion and weakness mentally, although he has big body and horrible eye. However, It is true that the image is drawn too little because the giant could eat two or three people at a time and throw a huge rock that makes big wave away to the sea. First image is quite different from what I image.

The second Image, there is too big monster in a cave, that Cyclops seems to be able to eat two or more people at a time and live there alone. He had a big club, hand and huge body, that image is similar with what I image while reading the book. Artist drew Cyclops like scary monster, the reasons why he did is to express the monster is son of Poseidon who is most powerful god and Zeus’s brother, and it is difference between the monster and normal human for huge body and power physically, and emphasis that the monster is dangerous with drawing like that to readers. I think the second image was better to express Cyclops’s characters than the first image on the story. But Odysseus and crews are drawn weaker and smaller than I thought, because Odysseus is valiant and wise man.

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/odysseus-and-polyphemus-arnold-boecklin.html

The image in this first link, is from the Scene when the Polyphemus the one eyed Cyclops try to through a rock at Odysseus and his crew after they tricked him and stabbed him in the eye making him furious. The artist that painted this image name is Arnold Boecklin. I did image the Cyclops to look huge and sloppy, especially how he was described in the Homer Poem. In this painting, the Artist is giving the Cyclops a more God Like Greek man look, strong body, muscular body, about 20 times bigger than the average human. This painting gives the cyclops much more of humane look. Also this painting gives us a visual of why it’s so hard for Odysseus and crew cannot make it home. The boats that they used, the men had to physically use the oars and push the water a certain way for the boat to travel, especially without the right amount of wind. I envisioned when the Cyclops threw the rock, they was still close to the shore and the sand of the beach. The artist got straight to the point.  The artist added movement to the ocean using Waves, the men are having a hard time getting to boat out to sea. The waves look as if its pulling them in and pushing them back out. The artist downplayed the Odysseus and the Crew in the ship.

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/cyclops-angus-mcbride.html

The image in this second link is by an Artist names Angus McBride. In both paintings it’s evident that these two artist have the same idea about the Cyclops, big and strong a humane look, with muscular body. This artist did not down play Odysseus, the artist actually gives Odysseus the strength that we perceived while reading the Odyssey. The artist chose to keep this painting, possibly to give the viewer a chance to tap in their own imagination. The face the artist uses for Polyphemus face is angry, vengeful, you can feel the wrath. Also looking at how Odysseus is standing up holding his hands outward facing the Cyclops, shows his power. Both Cyclops and Odysseus are demonstrating fearlessness and power. This artist downplays the power of the waves and they have some wind to push out their sail boat.

Overall both paintings give a clear vision of the event when the Cyclops was furious trying to through the rock at Odysseus and crew sail boat. While reading the text I had a different image in my head. The text was extremely descriptive.

Scylla and Charybdis

By Charles Chaisson

By unknown

Both images depict Scylla with female traits and Charybdis as just a mouth. The former of the two pictures depicts Scylla with 6 wolf/dog – like heads on long extended necks attacking a ship which I believe to be more correct detail wise than how the latter of the two pictures depicts Scylla.
The 1st picture, drawn by Charles Chaisson, depicts Scylla as a sadist. We see Scylla smiling while she attacks a ship full of workers. Chaisson’s interpertation of Scylla is a woman with six wolf heads attached to various areas on her body. The word Scylla is derived from the Greek word skyllaros meaning dog which leads me to believe that having wolf or dog heads is a much better depiction of Scylla. The water around Scylla and Charybdis is a few shades darker than the water further down the river- this gives us the feeling that these two monsters are associated with darkness and evil. Even though this image misses a few details, I believe this image illustrates this scene in the Odyssey quite accurately as it gives the observer an idea of just how dangerous and grisly the journey along the river was.

The 2nd picture depicts Scylla as a woman with a trident and wearing a crown- royalty. Charybdis, again, is depicted as just a mouth and there is not much of a difference when compared to the first picture. The artist chooses to separate Scylla into a 4-headed monster and a female which is interesting. The female humanoid has a crown and a trident- similar to that of Poseidon which leads me to believe that she is related to Poseidon. Detail-wise, the artist is a little off. Two things, Scylla is missing heads and limbs. She should have six heads and twelve feet and the image only shows her as having 4 heads and a pair of arms and legs. This piece personifies Scylla. It distances her away from a monster and places more towards a god/goddess- akin to Poseidon. The composition of this image leans towards the darker end of the spectrum- similar to the first image. This composition illustrates a connection between the monsters (Charybdis and the four-headed beast) and darkness/ evil. Overall, despite a multitude of incorrect details, I believe this image is, in the least, a decent representation of the setting described in The Odyssey. This image shows a ship sailing to its inevitable demise towards a four-headed beast which is quite similar to what actually happens in The Odyssey- Odysseus essentially sails through this river towards the mouth of Scylla (in hopes that a majority of the crew survives).

The first piece of art was created by Romare Bearden in 1977 and the second piece was created by John William Waterhouse in 1891. Both are supposed to be images of the Greek Goddess Circes. The first image gives off more of an intimidating and spooky feel to it. The skull on the table, the bright red background, and the animals around her all contribute to the scary scene. The animals are a dark color and look ready to attack at a given command. Beardon emphasizes Circes’ appearance as a goddess with the golden-colored garments and jewelry around her. The gold represents wealth and power. Wealth and power were very respected by the Greeks. Romare Bearden spent a majority of his life working to help African-Americans and to reduce racial tensions. He was alive from 1911-1988, which was a crucial period for African Americans in terms of them gaining civil rights. Bearden depicted all of his characters in The Odyssey as black although they were clearly not dark-skinned because they were Greek. But by making his characters black, he wanted to eliminate any racial stereotypes and empower blacks. The second image is completely different from the first. This image is specifically supposed to be the scene where she is offering Odysseus the potion that she thinks will turn him into a pig. It displays a more realistic image of what Circes would look like in our world and is less of a cartoon. The image itself lacks any bright colors and the image as a whole appears very dull. Circes also does not appear to be wearing anything special that would make her appear as a goddess. Circes’ beauty is not emphasized as much as it is in the reading which leads the viewer to believe that Waterhouse does not feel it is important to include. In the mirror in the picture, you can also see Odysseus, who does not appear very muscular, handsome, or “godlike.” Waterhouse drew inspiration from the Pre-Raphaelite era. In this era, poses were emphasized and should have been more “relaxed.” This means that the images themselves were not supposed to have a lot going on in them, but should embrace a serious tone, which I believe this image achieves.

Book IX page 425 line 595-598

“.. Better to speak the plain truth.

Tell me your name, the one you were known by

To your mother and father and your people back home.

No one is nameless, rich man or poor”

This is the passage when Alcinous, the king of Phaeacians, commands Odysseus to reveal his true self. After noticed Odysseus reminiscing several times over tales that remind him of painful stories in Troy, Alcinous is curious and determines to figure out this godlike hero’s identity. Very aware of Odysseus desperately wanting to go home, Alcinous uses “mother”, “father”, “your people” or “home” to either remind Odysseus of his ideals (marriage and family) and desire (to go home) so it triggers honesty and truthfulness, or to build an emotional connection so it seems easier for Odysseus to confess. Whatever the intention, it works since right after that Odysseus reveals his name and his long journey before arriving to Phaeacians land. Also, in order to clear his curiosity, Alcinous repeatedly use  “your” to create a sense of familiarness and attack Odysseus’s memory of people and things that he holds dearly. 

This passage reminds me of a scene in Book IV when Helen and Menelaus correctly guessed that Telemachus is indeed Odysseus’s son. There are some similarities between these two scenes: hosts are eager to figure out their identities; both Telemachus and Odysseus haven’t revealed their names until being provoked; both break down after being reminded of who they miss (for Telemachus is his father, for Odysseus is his people and home) and in the end finally expose themselves. By purposely putting Telemachus and Odysseus in though disparate yet similar situations that trigger similar reactions, I think the writer wants to emphasize the interesting bonds between the father and son. Although growing without his influence for 10 years, Telemachus still manages to share the same values of family and easy to be thrilled, just the same as his father.

To relate this passage with the bigger picture, memory once again plays a role in creating this similarity. Memory (or muse) has appeared in different forms throughout the Odyssey: narration, conversation or even sometimes a character. In this specific passage, memory acts as a catalyst and creates two parallel stories showing the extraordinary bond shared between Odysseus and Telemachus despite long-time disconnect. I personally think it’s a way of author to foreshadow future repetitions that he wants highlight and possibly guides the story toward that direction.

Book VIII Line 158-214

        In this passage, Odysseus partakes in a feast ,in his honor, at the Palace of Alcinous. The feast then tooks a turn after Demodokos played his song when Odysseus is asked to partake in friendly sports competition. Odysseus is reluctant to join due to his age, loss of youth, and the toll of the epic on his body. He kindly declined the offer stating he has bigger concerns to worry about and not sports. In response, Laodamas and Euryalus provoke Odysseus. Euryalus tells Odysseus “No you’re no athlete”(171). Odysseus instantly takes offense and states “Your words cut deep, and now you’ve got me going”(200). Odysseus is never the type of person to run away from competition based on his actions. The Phaeacian wanted to test Odysseus based on everything they have heard of him while admiring his body frame. Odysseus fires back speaking how the Gods don’t give everyone everything(180-214). Odysseus portrays that everyone has their flaws and that he is not any perfect himself but rather than let his head down, he is fired up to prove himself. An example I find most intriguing that reveals this is in a speech where a man who doesn’t have the looks but is crowned with beauty in his words. Odysseus would pride that was “one of the best” in his youth and his age has not lost the ability of his hands and feet.

        Pride is shown throughout this passage based on Odysseus’s remarks after winning the competition. Odysseus could have declined the competition but chooses to prove himself. He responds to the criticism about his athleticism when he threw the disc further than anyone. He would go on to challenge anyone who believed they could beat him in sport especially archery, although Athena was helping him in the process, Odysseus silences the Phaeacians. Throughout the epic, Homer displays few moments of Odysseus showing off pride or having an ego. This passage deviates from the epic because Odysseus would go to prove the Phaeacians that he is capable of competition at his age and making a statement to everyone.

360 ‘Cyclops,

You ask me my name, my glorious name,

And I will tell it to you. Remember now,

To give me the gift just as you promised.

Noman is my name. They call me Noman—

365 My mother, my father, and all my friends, too.’

Odysseus is recounting the story of his ongoing journey back to Ithaca from Troy to Alcinous in Book IX, in which he finally revealed his identity to Alcinous. Early into his storytelling, Odysseus runs into his experience on the Cyclops island. Odysseus and his men pillaged Ismaros, a city near the land of the Cyclops. While, his crew men warned against travelling to the island, Odysseus aimed to see the Cyclops and was curious to discover their culture, specifically whether they are similar to the Greeks in their hospitality and religion.

In lines 360 to 365, Odysseus is speaking to the Cyclops, Polyphemus. Odysseus already discovered that Cyclops are not fond of guests and do fear the gods of Mount Olympus. Polyphemus has already killed and eaten two of Odysseus’s men, and did not show pity when he told the cyclops that his ship had been destroyed. Odysseus clearly knew that attempting to reason with Polyphemus would not yield any positive consequences, so he attempted to outsmart him by gifting the cyclops with wine and stabbing his eye in his sleep.

In lines 360 to 365, Odysseus’ cunningness and cleverness, as well as his confidence and wit, are clearly perceived. The tone of Odysseus suddenly changes in these lines to become much more sarcastic and playful. By repeating “name” twice in line 361, and by sarcastically describing it as “glorious”, Odysseus is exploiting the lack of intelligence of the cyclops. Odysseus, then proceeds to provide Polyphemus with the name “Noman”, again to deceive him into screaming “Noman is killing me…” (Line 407) so that the other Cyclops do not offer to help. Odysseus ends by caustically stating that his friends and family call him Noman as well to offer reassurance to Polyphemus that it is his real name.

Throughout the entire epic, most characters describe Odysseus as cunning and wise. In lines 360:365, Odysseus exemplifies and confirms his reputation by calmly deceiving the cyclops in a manner that produces pity and sympathy for Polyphemus. Holistically, Chapter IX, produces one of the first examples of a negative interaction between a host and a guest (other than the suitors in Ithaca). Odysseus expected to be greeted by the cyclops as a guest and be presented with gifts, but the cyclops locked him in the cave and killed off his men. This portrays the cyclops as ill mannered brutes in the scope of the Ancient Greek sociocultural sphere. Specifically, it is interesting to observe the juxtaposition of the two guest-host interactions taking place in the text. Odysseus is telling the story of how poorly and violently he was received as a guest by Polyphemus, to Alcinous, who has welcomed Odysseus with the utmost respect and some of the highest gifts.

The passage i’ve choose is from book 6 lines 41 through 48.

The passage I chose to examine was in the beginning of book 6 line 41 through 48. “The Grey-eyed goddess spoke and was gone, off to Olympus, which they say is forever The unmoving abode of the gods, unshaken by winds never soaked by rain, and where the snow never drifts, but the brilliant sky stretches cloudless away, and brightness streams through the air. There, where the gods are happy all the worlds days went the grey-eyed one, after speaking to the girl.” This passage gives you a view on how people or mainly the phaeacians see Olympus, this superb land where the gods live, A home where there is never rain, Where the sky is always bright and sunny, never too windy and snow settles immaculately. Olympus is pretty much a perfect place to live. They believe the gods are always happy, The fact they believe this is comical. Although Olympus seems perfect the gods are definitely bored. They come to the earth, bed other women and men, favor certain people over others which backs those claims. You even see how generous they are with the Phaeacians. When the gods come to there island it’s no secret, they show themselves to the people.

From what I’ve gathered from books 6 and 7 Phaeacia and the palace of Alcinous is truly alluring. To me the land and palace is comparable to Olympus. Odysseus sees how wonderful marvels at the ports where the ships are, and how generous the gods have been to the house of Alcinous. The fruit and trees are always tall and blooming, the fruits are “continuously ripen”, nothing ever fails to grow and nothing seems to spoil within the four acres. Athena helps Odysseus by making Queen Arete and King Alcinous favor him, by making him appear in a god like image. It’s known that Odysseus is very good with his words Alcinous even offers Odysseus to wed his daughter, Nausicaa. He offers him a house full of “possessions” if he were to marry his daughter and be his son. Even though phaeacia is very desirable like Olympus, It’s still not home for odysseys.

“’Hear me, Poseidon, blue-manned Earth-Holder,…” Line 526-533, The Odyssey Book IX

While reading Book IX of “The Odyssey”, I was intrigued by the passage pinpointing where Odysseus’ curse begins. In lines 526-533, the Cyclopes, Polyphemus, prays to Poseidon and it almost seems like a demand as he starts off with, “hear me, Poseidon, blue-manned Earth-Holder, if you are the father you claim to be”. Throughout “The Odyssey” we see a lot of reference to familial ties. Polyphemus is praying to Poseidon but is also demanding leveraging his relationship, as his son, to be heard. For the rest of his speech, Polyphemus asks Poseidon to make sure that Odysseus never reaches his home, Ithaca. However, instead of ending his prayer there, he adds on that even if Odysseus was to reach home, he wants Poseidon to delay his return, have all his companions dead and to return to “find trouble at home”. At one point, the Cyclopes says, “but if he is fated to see his family again”. The reason I pointed out that specific line is because it hints that Odysseus will receive outside help. “Fate” implies that the gods may play a role in this so perhaps Homer is leaving clues that maybe Athena or Zeus will be the ones to help reunite him with his family. At first glance, the extra dialogue doesn’t seem out of place or anything special but Homer is actually foreshadowing and giving the reader a little hint as to what happens to Odysseus later on in the story.

Relating this passage back to Book IX as a whole, it shows how Odysseus, subject to his anger and hubris, taunts Polyphemus as he sails away. This is essentially why he was cursed to have such a difficult journey home and it could have all been avoided if Odysseus stopped taunting the Cyclopes. Book IX is especially exciting because Odysseus seems to make the wrong decisions and somehow gets through each one by cleverly coming up with a plan and executing it. Book IX also shows that Odysseus either has a lot of foresight or luck. Homer writes it in a way, where it shows Odysseus bringing key items, such as the very strong wine, or noticing important objects, like the wood in the Clyclope’s cave. It speaks to how Odysseus thinks on his feet and seems to think ahead. However, his last acts in Book IX beg to differ. His biggest mistake was revealing his real name to Polyphemus especially when the Cyclopes thought Odysseus’ name was “Noman”. Besides being an integral detail for this entire story, I think this event also shows that Odysseus is human and, like everyone else, can act irrationally and without thought. Despite being blessed by gods and having such a strategic mind, not everything will go perfectly his way. It’s an important detail to remember when reading this story.

The passage I choose was in Book 9 Lines 207-229. In this section Odysseus is telling his story to Alcinous. He gets to part of how he and some of his crew mates venture out and explore the island of the Cyclops’. Upon arriving to one of the Cyclops’ house, he notes that the Cyclops is out tending to his flock. He and his crew mates immediately invite themselves into his home, and help themselves to his cheese.

I found this passaging interesting because the whole reason why they went to explore the island was to see whether or not the Cyclops’ knew right from wrong. In other words, they wanted to make sure that they were moral beings. I found their actions to be contradicting of the host and guest dynamic. As, throughout the book the guest is invited inside the host’s home. Then the host serves up a feast and offer a sacrifice to the gods. However, Odysseus and his men were never invited in by the Cyclops, in fact he wasn’t aware of their presence. And when the Cyclops does arrive home; they continue to hide out of fear. I also found this scene to be ironic since Odysseus wants to investigate the “savage with no notion of right and wrong”. Nevertheless, he and his men become the savages for entering the Cyclops’ home without permission. As they watch him work on his chorus, the Cyclops notices their presence and asks them:

“Who are you strangers? Sailing the seas huh?

Where from, and what for? Pirates, Probably

Roaming around causing people trouble.”

Going back to the host/guest dynamic their introduction with the Cyclops is different. The Cyclops assumes the worst profession for Odysseus and his men. As they were sneaking around his home and hid when he returned. Once they start talking Odysseus works up the courage without the help of Athena, and asks the Cyclops if he will “give them gifts that are due to strangers”. To which the Cyclops tells him, he does not fear the gods as his kind is much stronger. To answer Odysseus question on whether the Cyclops is moral or immoral. I would say that he is moral for not giving his intruders gifts. On the other hand, he is immoral for holding them hostage and making a feast out of some of Odysseus’ men.