Homer

characteristics that qualify him to be a man of honor in classical Greek literature. However, in Emily Wilson’s translation, Odysseus’s epithet is described as “complicated”, and in Robert Fagles’s translation, he is referred to as a “man of twists and turns” (Homer, The Odyssey, 1.1). Odysseus’s moral values encompass those of a hero, such as his outstanding capabilities as a warrior and tactician, but his negligence and exaggerated sense of his own abilities undermine the traditional values a…

Humanity includes all of the beings in the world, where they are righteous without influence. One way humanity is shown as intrinsically ethical is throughout Homer's Odyssey. Homer depicts many qualities of being a naturally good person through different aspects of the novel. Odysseus's self-control is one of these many aspects showing how human is naturally good. Another very important quality of the characters in the Odyssey is their own hospitality. Whoever Odysseus or Telemachus runs into…

Iliad, Homer characterizes rage as disastrous and destructive. In the Greek world rage in a way happens when one party dishonors, shames or discredits another party. Homer gives a distinct explanation and uses different words to describe rage in book one. He reveals that Agamemnon’s bad leadership and rage towards the priest, Apollo, Achilles and Zeus causes the Achaeans to suffer a lot. Agamemnon first huge mistake came when he refused to give back the priest of Apollo’s daughter back. Homer…

Analysis of The Odyssey by Homer Around 750 B.C.E the author Homer created the epic, The Odyssey. The epic is set in Bronze Age Greece when gods were believed to still frequent the Earth and mortals with extraordinary powers existed. The Odyssey describes Odysseus’, the main protagonist’s, journey home from the battle at Troy. He is met with many obstacles that prevent him from returning home for many years. The epic examines how the power of cunning is superior to the power of strength, the…

In his epic poem The Iliad, Homer portrays Hektor in a seemingly different light compared to other prestigious Greek and Trojan warriors. Although a large majority of the poem focuses on the glories associated with the brutalities of war and the aspirations of the warriors for glory, the importance of Hector and Andromache’s farewell represents important aspects of life lost in the wake of the war. Elements related to the theme of goodbyes can be seen through other Greek poets, in particular…

What does The Odyssey show us about the essential values and beliefs of Ancient Greek culture?* The Odyssey, written by Homer, shows us that the Ancient Greeks were strong believers in the gods and being good hosts, which is also known as good xenias. In Book 10, King Aeolus says, “It’s a crime to host a man or speed him on his way when the blessed deathless gods despise him so” (Homer 232.80). This shows how Aeolus wants to be a good host. But, as it is obvious that Odysseus is cursed by the…

At the conclusion of reading all twenty four books in The Iliad, it is clear that its purpose serves as far more than just a source of entertainment to those who dive into it. Rather, Homer intends to tell a story that allows one to think deeply about the values that each of the characters uncover through the progression of the epic. Nine years into the Trojan War, it becomes clear that the everlasting battle plays an essential role in revealing the true nature of the characters, highlighting…

In The Iliad, Homer compares the Greek and Trojan armies to trees hitting eachother with their long limbs in the wind in order to portray the idea of the armies being molded by powerful things, like Gods, and fighting each other based on the changes. In The Iliad, Homer tells us that “The Trojans and Greeks collidied in battle, and neither side thought of yielding ground. Around Cebriones many spears were stuck, Many arrows flew singing from the string, And stones thudded onto the Shields of men…

fool the beast but his hubris ways come back to be a problem for him. Odysseus’ journey home leads him to the Cyclops Island, where his use of creativity helps him defeat the beast that is Polyphemus. Homer lionizes Polyphemus’ characteristics as “a piece of work … built like no mortal” (Homer 9:211-212) , this helps the reader understand how difficult it must have been for Odysseus not to be intimidated and still think clearly when creating…

Homer’s Odyssey outlines a hero’s journey back home from battles and encounters with troublesome Gods and powerful monsters. Throughout the poem, Homer indicates concepts of masculinity through not only the male characters, but the female characters as well. Masculinity is presented as strong and honorable, yet possibly unintelligent. The ideal man is one who is fit to fight as a soldier; therefore, intelligence is not necessary as long as a man can properly wield a weapon. The women in the…