... 500 B.C. they believed in a patriarchal society, when in reality it was really matriarchal. The role that women play in the epic poem is one of power over men. The ascribed rule, that prevailed saying that women led Greek society, that was so dominant during the time that Homer wrote this ... epic poem is also a central focus throughout The Odyssey. In The Odyssey, there are four types of women: the good hostess, the goddess, the temptress, and the concubine. A prime example of a good hostess would be Penelope. She is not sure whether or not Odysseus is coming home. "If he ... Ogygia ...

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• Grade Level: High School

... to unite their family. The Online Oxford Dictionary provides the following definition of a hero: "A person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities." During Homer's epic poem, Odysseus and Telemachus demonstrate courage when faced with a multitude of antagonists, such as Cyclops, and the suitors. They also demonstrate courage ... when faced with their self-doubt, exampled when Odysseus continues persevering through Poseidon's seemingly endless turbulent sea. Moreover, these protagonists accomplish outstanding ... wine refer...

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... epic is a long narrative poem that describes a hero and his journey or adventure. The epic, The Odyssey, describes Odysseus's journey home and the troubles he faces along the way. Starting out "in media res" or in the middle of things, the epic begins with Odysseus half way through his journey. Throughout his adventure, Odysseus must conquer several obstacles, which stand in his way. One might ... that Princess Nausica will be sure to help him reach home. Moreover, the Phaeacians were great sailors and Odysseus's arrival was no coincidence. As one can see, Athena constantly stands by Od...

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... which the power balance is virtually equal. Odysseus" initial encounter with the Nymph Calypso, following the destruction of his ship and death of his crew at Zeus" hand, is not explored by Homer. When we come across the relationship in the poem, we see Odysseus trapped by her powers. He is unhappy ... on her island, and longs for home; He is "looking out across the barren sea with streaming eyes" (Od. 5: 84). Despite these feelings, or perhaps as a result of Calypso's power over him, he ... compared with yours... Nevertheless I long to reach my home." (Od. 5: 216-220). Unlike Circe, we...

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• Grade Level: High School

... our home I come to you for news of him who owned it" (4. 337-342). Telemakhos has made his long trip for one reason, which he makes very clear in the above passage. He wants news of his father, whether it is good or bad. Earlier in the poem, Telemakhos wished for any father at all, not necessarily Odysseus. In his journey, though, Telemakhos has ... learned more about Odysseus, strengthening a bond with his father that was virtually non-existent before his travels. The two ... passages quoted above show a dramatic shift in Telemakhos. His manner of speech is completely different; the s...

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... his father and also tells him how to plan out his long awaiting return of his father. Other than Athena, there are many examples of goddesses taking pity on a mortal, usually Odysseus, and helping him out. It is the role of the woman goddess and not the male god to pity and proffer help to the ... pain, and pleasure and slavery. The Sirens symbolize this role; their song seduces and compels anyone listening to linger until death. Circe tries to seduce Odysseus before she helps him, and the beautiful Calypso entices him with sex and immortality and will not release him to go home. You ca...

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... " "O Brother Where Art Thou" it's a depression era musical laid on top of a chain gang escape film inspired at once by Homer's "The Odyssey". What is a epic? a long narrative poem in elevated style recounting the deeds of a legendary or historical hero . When comparing Everett and penny I found Everett's first name is Ulysses (the Roman equivalent of Odysseus), and his wife's name was Penny (short for Penelope ... , Odysseus' wife). As in the odyssey, the movie begins with an invocation to a muse. As ... in the Odyssey, the movie starts in the middle of things. The three have already es...

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... speaker who is not the poet utters the entire poem at a critical moment. The speaker has a listener within the poem, but we too are his/her listener, and we learn about the speaker's character from what the speaker says. In fact, the speaker may reveal unintentionally certain aspects of his/her character (Microsoft Encarta). Ulysses (Odysseus) declares that there is little point in his ... wife, doling out rewards and punishments for the people who live in his kingdom (Arp /2). Ulysses is a mighty King, who finds him wanting more out of life. His kingdom is large and people respect him....

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... and accomplished poet during the Victorian Age, holding Britain's prestigious position of Poet Laureate. He was a man of many great works with no lack in diversity, writing poems in the lyric, narrative and the dramatic. One of his best dramatic monologues is his poem "Ulysses". Ulysses (Roman for Odysseus of Homer's epic) tells the story of the aged War Hero turned King addressing his crew and people ... , before embarking on a new voyage. In the first stanza of the poem, Ulysses sadly reminisces of the older days, realizing that his present occupation has left him ... to his son. He a...

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• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School