Great Works of Literature, Fall 2016 (hybrid)

Q: What is the genre of The Odyssey? Is it simply an epic poem? The first novel? A collection of myths? A fable or allegory? Or a composite genre, some combination of these?

A: If we were to look only at the way The Odyssey is written, we might say it is simply an epic poem. However, looking more thoroughly in the content of this poem, we realize there’s also a collection of myths aspect to it as much as a fable and/or allegory aspect. Reasoning behind this is Homer’s introduction of numerous Gods in the poem who represented an important part of Greek culture and mythology. The whole Odyssey’s journey is presented to the readers in a long narrative with Gods being fictional characters, which are all the reasons that qualifies the Odyssey for the first novel. With all that being said, genre that The Odyssey fits best into would be a composite genre, or some combination of everything, an epic poem, the first novel, a collection of myths, and a fable and/or allegory.

Answer: In “The Odyssey” the father and son relationship between Odysseus and Telemachus achieve a secure relationship through distance. Even though they don’t have a typical father and son relationship in which they bond by doing things together. On the contrary, their relationship develops through distance of them being apart for such a long time. Telemachus is proud of his father for his heroic reputation and he develops his own character. And typically a son and father who are not close wouldn’t share this connection because they don’t really know each other. Their relationship is focused more on spending time apart than actually interacting with each other. Their distance relationship makes the relationship stronger as they have love and admiration for each other.

Question: 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?

Answer: I believe Odysseus is a hero. Western ideas of heroism has somewhat remained in place throughout history. However, in today’s society, a hero can be defined not only by his/her bravery and courage but also other aspects such as selflessness and other humanitarian values. A veteran that fought for his/her country today, is tantamount to being a hero in greek mythology. But, a surgeon, or a philanthropist can also be defined as a hero even though they display different aspects of heroism.

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.

I think that cunning and prudence are the most essential skills in Homer’s world. Those who possess these skills, as Odysseus does, are able to achieve most of their goals. Homer shows the importance of these attributes through the hero Odysseus. Through cunning, which is Odysseus’ great strength, he is able to overcome many obstacles, such as monsters. For instance, when he was trapped in Polyphemos’ cave he wisely planned how to make him drunk, and then how to blind him, in order to escape his cave with his men. Throughout the whole book, Homer shows many evidence that Odysseus’ intelligence helps him make smart decisions on his long way back home. Odysseus is renowned for many good deeds, and at the end that was the most important for Ancient Greeks.

Question – Discuss Homer’s focus on the father-son relationship.

In the Odyssey, Homer shows a very strong bond between Odysseus and his father, Laertes, and between Odysseus and his son, Telemachus. Laertes became ill because of Odysseus’ disappearance for years, however, when Odysseus returned, Laertes became healthy and fought against their enemy along her son and grandson. Telemachus loved his father all his life and he even respected Odysseus while he was absent for years. Telemachus respected Odysseus nobility and believed in his integrity while waiting for him to return home. In the Odyssey, Homer demonstrated that the distance between father-son did not impact the bond and their love for each other.

Q.Discuss the role of xenia (the guest-host relationship) in The Odyssey. How do guests and/or hosts exemplify or fail to meet the high standard he has in mind for how guests and hosts should treat each other?

Answer. Xenia is the great concept of hospitality and guest host relationship. The guest host relationship is explored in a number of episodes throughout the Odyssey. From the first half of the epic features Telemachus and Odysseus arriving at someone’s lands and being received as a guest and the interactions Telemachus and Odysseus have with their hosts during these episodes reveal the process in which the guest host relationship is developed. Some elements include the bath, the feast, the question of who the guest-gift, and the promise of transport and protection. Telemachus arrives at ploys while Nestor and his people are holding a grand feast, is welcomed by them, and participants in the feasting.

Q. Do you totally trust in Odysseus’s desire to return home? Do you think Homer does? Why or why not?

A. I totally trust in Odysseus’s desire to return home. One sentence of the Book I that supports my claim is from lines 19-22 it said that it began when the men who left behind the dead have returned, while Odysseus longed for home and his wife. (Homer, Fitzgerald, 1) I think Homer does. From this sentence, it can be interpreted that the men who fought in the war went back home, but Odysseus, however, wished to return. The war seemed to make him want to return.

Q.Discuss the role of xenia (the guest-host relationship) in The Odyssey. How do guests and/or hosts exemplify or fail to meet the high standard he has in mind for how guests and hosts should treat each other?

A.The role of Xenia, in the Odyssey, is revealed by a comparison between the places that Telemachus and Odysseus have visited, and the suitors in Telemachus’ home. Telemachus visited King Nestor and Menelaus, and these two kings welcomed Telemachus to their home even though they did not know the identity of Telemachus. It is the same treatment that King Alcinous gave to Odysseus when he came to the island of the Ethiopians, setting up a feast and celebration. Compared to these three King’s welcoming, the suitors in Telemachus’ home were unwelcoming and disrespectful. I think that in the ancient Greece time there was the custom of giving kindness to visitors, and it is highly represented by higher classes (Kings) which are supported by God.