... respite and nine years of war?...How is it now that on your own door sill, before the harriers of your wife, you curse your luck- (XXII 249-257). These few lines make up one of the most outstanding passages in the entire epic. The language that Homer uses here to compose this section allows the reader to hear the intensity and passion of ... Athena's voice. In this passage, Athena abandons the motherly role and acts as a motivational speaker. Like all men, Odysseus is very proud and if any woman questions his manhood, then he will try ... -in fighter. Athena was there to talk with Odyss...

• Word Count: 1152
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School