Author: m.konovalov

Othello revolves around the major theme of jealousy. It begins because Iago is jealous of Othello. It leads him to reveal his true self, he devises methods to turn people against each other. This translates onto Othello himself, who begins to doubt himself and fails to trust those most loyal to him. Othello’s jealousy leads to him killing his wife and in turn himself. These events show us how jealousy can corrupt people.

“Heart, in his beauty’s garden” by Khatun and “Plant friendship’s tree” by Hafez both use the imagery of gardens and plant life to talk about relationships. Hafez discusses relations with friends more and how it can be just as pleasureful as being in love with a significant other. He uses the example of a tree to suggest friendship should grow like a tree. Khatun compares divine love to gardening. He uses metaphor to say that the roses (beauty) of his lover are gone and he is left with only thorns (pain).

What is the role of prophecies/fate in The Aeneid?

The theme of fate is central in the epic. The story is driven by the prophecy that the Trojans will complete their journey to a new city. Several symbols pop up throughout to allude to this (images on the shield, Romans in the underworld). Fate however is flexible in Virgil’s story, especially when the Gods are affecting the plot. How destiny is fulfilled is a mystery, and Juno makes does not make it straight-forward. It is interesting to see how Aeneas fulfills his destiny however, as he points out that he feels compelled to do it.

Is Odysseus or anyone else in The Odyssey a hero? If so, what does this tell us about western ideas of heroism? Do any of these ideas remain in place today or have they changed? If so, how or how not and why or why not?

Today, heroes are characterized as those who sacrifice or risk something for others. The pilot who safely landed the plane on the Hudson or the firefighter who ran into the Twin Towers on 9/11 is branded a “hero.” Odysseus fits the bill. He displays traits of courage and loyalty in his journey, whether it be bravery in battle or faithfulness to his family. The example of the epic hero that Odysseus sets still remains intact today. The same heroic ideals still exist today and they are depicted in television and film. These heroic values such as bravery, courage, or loyalty are looked highly upon so they remain in place today.