Arete: Active Queen Through Passive Characterization Homer’s Odyssey is a prime example of the ways to describe a character without directly addressing their features. One is to have other characters describe the individual in question. An example of this method is Arete, a queen who aids Odysseus in his adventure home. Homer’s characterization of Arete by way of outside observations is an effective method, providing us with details about her without directly addressing her. However, it creates an inactive image of this Phaeacian queen when she is active and pivotal to the tale. This juxtaposition of passive characterization with powerful actions creates an interest that is unique among minor characters. The Phaeacian queen’s lineage is
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Nausica, her daughter, gives Odysseus information on how to approach her mother and a basic view of her importance. “Pass him [Alcinous] by and throw your arms / Around my mother’s knees, if you want to see / your homeland soon…” (bk 6 ln 320-323) Nausica in this quotation implies that her mother’s favor grants any wish one may desire. If one pleases the Phaeacian queen, they will be aided in whatever quest they may be on. Indeed, Nausica continues on to say, “If she smiles upon you, there is hope that you will / Return to your home and see your loved ones again,” explicitly stating the value of her mother’s favor (bk 6 ln 323-324). Nausica’s description sketches this powerful queen whose favor is worth more than the king’s and will aid those who gain her favor. Athena colors in this sketch when, in the guise of a small girl, she details the reverence given to Arete and why. The people love Arete as a goddess …show more content…
Through his words, we see no direct action from Arete, only tales of what she has done and what she is like. The most action we see from her is in Book 7, when she questions where Odysseus received his clothes as she recognizes the stitching as her own (ln 253-256). She has very few lines and her only description is through others’ eyes. This juxtaposes the action the characters tell of to a high degree. Arete, according to Nausica, has a favor that is so highly prized that one should bypass her father and go straight to Arete’s knees. Very few passive characters have that sway on a tale. Athena details Arete’s fairness and her love for the people, a love that the people return. Arete is just and kind, her actions displaying earned power, a work ethic not found in minor characters. Odysseus’ willingness to kneel before a woman rather than her husband, a king, gives weight to the idea that Arete is not a side player. He is a god among men, a hero of mythology, a warrior of the Trojan War, and he kneels before Arete. He shares his description, “godlike Odysseus”, with her father, praising her lineage and her strength as descended from heroes. A passive character does not bring heroes to their knees. Homer’s choice in characterization, while effective in giving weight to Arete’s power and status, casts her in a lax light. Her lack of direct or exciting
Nausica, her daughter, gives Odysseus information on how to approach her mother and a basic view of her importance. “Pass him [Alcinous] by and throw your arms / Around my mother’s knees, if you want to see / your homeland soon…” (bk 6 ln 320-323) Nausica in this quotation implies that her mother’s favor grants any wish one may desire. If one pleases the Phaeacian queen, they will be aided in whatever quest they may be on. Indeed, Nausica continues on to say, “If she smiles upon you, there is hope that you will / Return to your home and see your loved ones again,” explicitly stating the value of her mother’s favor (bk 6 ln 323-324). Nausica’s description sketches this powerful queen whose favor is worth more than the king’s and will aid those who gain her favor. Athena colors in this sketch when, in the guise of a small girl, she details the reverence given to Arete and why. The people love Arete as a goddess …show more content…
Through his words, we see no direct action from Arete, only tales of what she has done and what she is like. The most action we see from her is in Book 7, when she questions where Odysseus received his clothes as she recognizes the stitching as her own (ln 253-256). She has very few lines and her only description is through others’ eyes. This juxtaposes the action the characters tell of to a high degree. Arete, according to Nausica, has a favor that is so highly prized that one should bypass her father and go straight to Arete’s knees. Very few passive characters have that sway on a tale. Athena details Arete’s fairness and her love for the people, a love that the people return. Arete is just and kind, her actions displaying earned power, a work ethic not found in minor characters. Odysseus’ willingness to kneel before a woman rather than her husband, a king, gives weight to the idea that Arete is not a side player. He is a god among men, a hero of mythology, a warrior of the Trojan War, and he kneels before Arete. He shares his description, “godlike Odysseus”, with her father, praising her lineage and her strength as descended from heroes. A passive character does not bring heroes to their knees. Homer’s choice in characterization, while effective in giving weight to Arete’s power and status, casts her in a lax light. Her lack of direct or exciting