The idea of control is dominant not only in current affairs, but, as The Odyssey by Homer demonstrates, it has been on the forefront of many relations since before the development of politics. The Odyssey presents an intriguing scenario in terms of control by presenting characters who seem to have it all together but in reality don’t and vice-versa. For example, though Odysseus is the hero of The Odyssey, he has relatively little control over his life compared to his wife Penelope. Penelope uses her mind and intelligence to control the people around her. Odysseus, on the other hand, has less control over his life because of the gods’ constant interference with it and the fate he is facing, but he is still able to control the impressions he
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Odysseus, as the Homeric hero of the poem, comes across as someone big and mighty. The guidelines of Homeric heroism assume that the hero would have some control over his life if he’s as strong and mighty as his status proclaims. Odysseus, though, deviates a bit from these guidelines. His “control” comes in the form of assistance from gods during the various trials he faces throughout his journey. Very often, he thinks that he does in fact have control over his life, but in reality, it is a god helping him without letting him know. Odysseus’ fate also comes into play, putting into question if he really has any control at all. A good example of Odysseus’ lack of control is his meeting with Nausicaa. The passage begins with “clear-eyed Pallas…[rushing] to the girl’s bed” and telling her that she needs to wash her clothes (Od. 6.15-24). These instructions will lead to Odysseus meeting Nausicaa after he washes up on the shore (Od. 6.148-155). Athena intervenes multiple times in this scene, but Odysseus never questions whether it may be a god helping him. Despite his appearance, he continues to use his words to flatter Nausicaa and make her help him (Od. 6.163-176). Odysseus gives up much of his control to the gods in order to make this scene a reality. Another example of Odysseus’ lack of control is Athena’s …show more content…
Penelope is able to control those around her, staying true to the theme of women possessing such a power in the poem, but Odysseus has no such control. He instead has control over how he appears to people in the sense of making a good or bad impression (since his appearance isn’t always up to him) and the outcome of certain situations when the gods aren’t helping him. Penelope easily controlled the suitors in her home on many occasions. Odysseus, although controlled mostly by gods and very broadly by fate, still has minor control over certain situations, such as his flattery of Nausicaa and his boastful proclamation after the blinding of the Cyclops (Od.
Odysseus, as the Homeric hero of the poem, comes across as someone big and mighty. The guidelines of Homeric heroism assume that the hero would have some control over his life if he’s as strong and mighty as his status proclaims. Odysseus, though, deviates a bit from these guidelines. His “control” comes in the form of assistance from gods during the various trials he faces throughout his journey. Very often, he thinks that he does in fact have control over his life, but in reality, it is a god helping him without letting him know. Odysseus’ fate also comes into play, putting into question if he really has any control at all. A good example of Odysseus’ lack of control is his meeting with Nausicaa. The passage begins with “clear-eyed Pallas…[rushing] to the girl’s bed” and telling her that she needs to wash her clothes (Od. 6.15-24). These instructions will lead to Odysseus meeting Nausicaa after he washes up on the shore (Od. 6.148-155). Athena intervenes multiple times in this scene, but Odysseus never questions whether it may be a god helping him. Despite his appearance, he continues to use his words to flatter Nausicaa and make her help him (Od. 6.163-176). Odysseus gives up much of his control to the gods in order to make this scene a reality. Another example of Odysseus’ lack of control is Athena’s …show more content…
Penelope is able to control those around her, staying true to the theme of women possessing such a power in the poem, but Odysseus has no such control. He instead has control over how he appears to people in the sense of making a good or bad impression (since his appearance isn’t always up to him) and the outcome of certain situations when the gods aren’t helping him. Penelope easily controlled the suitors in her home on many occasions. Odysseus, although controlled mostly by gods and very broadly by fate, still has minor control over certain situations, such as his flattery of Nausicaa and his boastful proclamation after the blinding of the Cyclops (Od.