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The odyssey

 

            Literary works often display the havoc and violence of the real world. There are many themes and main ideas within Fitzgerald's translation of The Odyssey that model these issues of society. The use of a variety of figurative language devices effectively reveals the theme of death and bloodshed in the beginning passage of Book XXII, the slaying of the suitors. In lines 1-62 death imagery, hyperboles, and bloody image patterns portray the violence and chaos in Odysseus' life.
             The use of death and blood imagery in this passage builds an intense tone of violence and reveals Odysseus' fierce and merciless character towards the sinful suitors. After the bow contest, the suitors return to their feast. Meanwhile, Odysseus secretly retrieves his bow and arrow and aims it at Antanoos he is about to drink from his drinking cup. While Antanoos is enjoying his time of glory amongst his friends, Odysseus shoots an arrow that "[hits] him under the chin and [punches] up to the feathers through his throat- (15-16). This description of Antanoos' gruesome death produces a bloody image. In doing so, Homer reveals Odysseus as an aggressive character that is willing to cleanse his household, and sets up the violent mood for the rest of the passage. Odysseus is not afraid of bloodshed because he has experienced it all his life as a warrior. As soon as they realize Odysseus has indeed returned, the suitors are afraid of him. They ask for forgiveness and try to resolve their wrongdoings by offering him gifts. To this Odysseus replies, " Your last hour has come. You die in blood' - (43). Odysseus is determined to kill the suitors by punishing them for their rash actions while living in his household. Odysseus' is not a violent person, but his life was full of violence and havoc . Death imagery is constantly used throughout the passage to emphasize the idea of violence and disarray within Odysseus' life.
             Hyperboles are also utilized in this passage of Book XXII to Odysseus' violent and hectic lifestyle.


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