Odysseus Disguise Analysis

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“We all wear some disguise…to set ourselves off as being better than we are…” (Hazlitt). As shown in this quote, everyone applies disguises everyday. This camouflage in everyday life is used to create a superior person in order to succeed, similar to how Odysseus is disguised by Athena so he can return home and redeem himself of his kingdom. Athena enhances Odysseus’ image in order for him to ask for help. She covers his body in a mist to protect him from the xenia-phobic Phaeacians. Also, she changes him into a beggar in the interest of Odysseus traveling through Ithaca. Without the help of Athena’s disguises for Odysseus such as beautifying him, providing a mist on Odysseus’ body, and transforming him into a beggar, Odysseus would never have …show more content…
The following line from “Odysseus’ Capacity for Disguise” explains the importance of his camouflage; “Odysseus’ disguise allows him to turn the humiliation imposed on him by his enemies into a defense against them” (Murnaghan). Odysseus can accomplish things, find out information and get on the inside of everything because no one suspects it is him. He was able to test Penelope’s loyalty, as well as Eumaeus’. Ultimately, Eumaeus aides in the battle at the palace, so his loyalty was important. Without Odysseus’ questioning of him, which could not have occurred without Athena’s guise, he may not have assisted in the battle. This would prevent Odysseus from restoring his kingdom. Additionally, as a beggar, Odysseus asks to attempt to shoot the arrow through 12 axes, and no one suspects he can do it. “…Odysseus-the beggar in disguise-asks to enter the contest. Antinous remarks that wine must have damaged the beggar’s wits…” (Morrison 164). Using the element of surprise, he takes this opportunity to reveal himself and eliminate all of the suitors. Without the facade, Odysseus would have been found out and killed. Also, the plan for slaying the suitors also would not have been able to be formulated. Pallas Athena’s disguise for Odysseus was vital to his recovery of the …show more content…
Pallas Athena is the reason Odysseus is able to go home. She generates a beautiful looking shroud around him producing a better looking Odysseus. Athena then provides a veil on Odysseus so he can travel through Phaeacia. Also, she transforms him into a beggar once in Ithaca in order to aide Odysseus in defeating the suitors. “The best live among us in disguise”

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