The Odyssey: Theme Of Homecoming And Reunion
The theme of The Odyssey is one of homecoming and reunion with
loved ones. Though the proem of the epic states that Odysseus' own purpose
is simply the fight to save his own life and return his shipmates home
safely, the gods of Olympus are the unknown captains of this journey. It
is an epic story of the making of men, mainly Odysseus and Telemakhos.
Homer methodically details the struggles set forth by the gods. The
contests of Odysseus' wisdom, honor, piety and prudence. These tests of
will prove Odysseus ‘master mariner and soldier', truly virtuous and
capable. He becomes not only the last hope of those still true and loyal,
but he is the only one who can discern the proper ...
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Worse still are those who give into temptation after
long suffering, for it denies them the knowledge of the good; namely virtue.
Of improper feasting there are numerous examples, from the
gluttonous behavior of the suitors and the cannibalism of the Kyklops, to
Odysseus' own shipmates who kill and feast on the cattle of Lord Helios,
the Sun. As illustrated by the text, improper feasting is a sin against
the order of Zeus and thus the order of men. Telemakhos recognizes the
wrong done against him and his household. The youth of Telemakhos prevents
him from doing more than sitting by in mute fury, but it is the visitation
of Athena that unlocks his silent disgust. He reveals to the goddess that
the feast of the suitors is plunder, and their acts rapine. He tells
Menthos (Athena in disguise) that the suitors lives are easy and scot-free.
At the assembly, Telemakhos' remarks are quick and to the point. “My home
and all I have are being ruined...like a pack they ...
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a trespass without parallel. Thus,
cannibalism is one of the greatest acts of atrocious impiety; not only is
it contrary to Zeus' holy laws, but it is against the natural order. For
truly if the house of Atreus was ever cursed by the gods for Tantalus'
insidious act of deceit, so much greater the offense of the Kyklopes. Son
of Poseidon flaunts a ‘smite-me' sign. Further, he scoffs at the gods in
bliss, particularly Zeus, Lord of Olympus: “We Kyklopes care not a whistle
for your thundering Zeus or all the gods in bliss; we have more force by
far.” It is significant that this ruthless, brutish creature defies the
gods of Olympus, though his own Aquarian father, Poseidon, admits in ...
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"The Odyssey: Theme Of Homecoming And Reunion." Essayworld.com. November 12, 2008. Accessed November 22, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Odyssey-Theme-Of-Homecoming-Reunion/92943.
"The Odyssey: Theme Of Homecoming And Reunion." Essayworld.com. November 12, 2008. Accessed November 22, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Odyssey-Theme-Of-Homecoming-Reunion/92943.
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