“A man who has been through bitter experiences and traveled far enjoys even his sufferings after a time.” (Homer, The Odyssey). Imagine standing in front of a one-eyed, ten-foot tall Cyclops, or turning into a pig, or even traveling to the underworld after being away from home for twenty years. What a crazy thought! Odysseus experienced difficult adventures like so, in the book The Odyssey, by Homer. Throughout our lives, we withstand many struggles and distractions. This results in straying off the correct paths to reach our goals. However, even though we may hit some bumps in the road, most of the time we'll end up alright. We’ll learn new things and can make better decisions for the future. One can learn valuable lessons from scenes displayed
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Considering this, The Odyssey is an extended metaphor for our journey through life. Even though we may not have to battle mythical creatures and fight back for control of a kingdom, we still experience struggles, as Odysseus did, in our everyday lives.
The word Odyssey literally means a long wandering or voyage usually marked by many changes of fortune or an intellectual or spiritual wandering or quest. Odysseus encounters numerous misfortunes which delay his arrival in Ithaca. On his way home, Odysseus and his crew make their way to the Island of the Lotus-Eaters, following a storm Zeus sent in their direction. Two of his men and a runner investigate the island. However, they soon consume the lotus flower and lose memories of home and their families and never want to leave the island. “They fell in, soon enough, with …show more content…
Upon his landings, he and his men explore Polyphemus’ cave. The Cyclops was not there, but Odysseus was curious and waited for his return. As they waited, they help themselves to his cheeses to satisfy their hunger. Afterward, Polyphemus comes back and asks Odysseus where he came from. Odysseus answered and told the Cyclops to have some manners by bestowing gifts upon them. “‘It was our luck to come here; here we stand, beholden for your help, or any gifts you give- as custom is to honor strangers. We would entreat you, great Sir, have a care for the god’s courtesy; Zeus will avenge the inoffensive guest.’”(The Cyclops, 194-198). In response to this, Polyphemus ate one of Odysseus’ men. Odysseus was telling the Cyclops to have hospitality, but Odysseus didn’t have any. He was being hypocritical and had a minimal amount of manners. First things first, the men ate Polyphemus’ cheese without permission, and now he wants the Cyclops to bear gifts to him. In our lives, we don’t always use manners and we can be hypocrites. Almost everyone has been hypocritical before; whether they know it or they don't. A hypocrite is defined as a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs. By this definition, most people could be classified as a hypocrite.
Considering this, The Odyssey is an extended metaphor for our journey through life. Even though we may not have to battle mythical creatures and fight back for control of a kingdom, we still experience struggles, as Odysseus did, in our everyday lives.
The word Odyssey literally means a long wandering or voyage usually marked by many changes of fortune or an intellectual or spiritual wandering or quest. Odysseus encounters numerous misfortunes which delay his arrival in Ithaca. On his way home, Odysseus and his crew make their way to the Island of the Lotus-Eaters, following a storm Zeus sent in their direction. Two of his men and a runner investigate the island. However, they soon consume the lotus flower and lose memories of home and their families and never want to leave the island. “They fell in, soon enough, with …show more content…
Upon his landings, he and his men explore Polyphemus’ cave. The Cyclops was not there, but Odysseus was curious and waited for his return. As they waited, they help themselves to his cheeses to satisfy their hunger. Afterward, Polyphemus comes back and asks Odysseus where he came from. Odysseus answered and told the Cyclops to have some manners by bestowing gifts upon them. “‘It was our luck to come here; here we stand, beholden for your help, or any gifts you give- as custom is to honor strangers. We would entreat you, great Sir, have a care for the god’s courtesy; Zeus will avenge the inoffensive guest.’”(The Cyclops, 194-198). In response to this, Polyphemus ate one of Odysseus’ men. Odysseus was telling the Cyclops to have hospitality, but Odysseus didn’t have any. He was being hypocritical and had a minimal amount of manners. First things first, the men ate Polyphemus’ cheese without permission, and now he wants the Cyclops to bear gifts to him. In our lives, we don’t always use manners and we can be hypocrites. Almost everyone has been hypocritical before; whether they know it or they don't. A hypocrite is defined as a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs. By this definition, most people could be classified as a hypocrite.