The poem, The Odyssey by Homer is about a man named Odysseus, who travels a exhausting 20 year journey back to his home on Ithaca after leading his army in the Trojan War. Throughout his journey, the story conveys many significant ideas like a hero's journey, strategic thinking, Xenia, hubris, the role of the gods, and role of men and women that help develop the story. However, there are two ideas that are illustrated the most; the role of the gods and Xenia. The role of the gods in the story teaches us to face the everyday tests that happen in our lives and to respect the people above us such as elders or the gods while Xenia teaches us to take everyone in with a welcoming heart and be grateful for others in your life. One of the biggest
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For instance, when Odysseus says “Temptation had its way with my companions and they untied the bag. Then every wind roared into a hurricane; and ships went pitching west with many cries; and our land was lost” (15). This constructs an example of how the role of the gods was integral to the storyline because they controlled how the journey outcomes played out for Odysseus and his men. If Odysseus men would have respected their wishes, they may have not had given them a setback in their journey, much like how if we keep disrespecting our parents we would get farther away from obtaining that new iphone we desire. Another example has Odysseus stating “Only the west wind he lifted for me in the quartering breeze to take my squadron spanking home. No luck” (14). This reveals the role of the gods in the story because Odysseus expected to be rewarded for his good behavior, but was instead disappointed. People of today face a similar disappointments when we expect to get something but end up feeling shorted. Lastly, Thebes tells Odysseus, “Great Captain, a fair wind and the honey lights of home are all you seek. But anguish lies ahead; the god who thunders in the land prepares it, not to be shaken from your track, implacable in rancor for the son whose eye you blinded” (18). Similarly, this passage focuses on the role of the gods because this is when Thebes warns Odysseus about what the gods …show more content…
First, it states “Calypso provides Odysseus with the tools to build a raft, and stocks it with provisions for him” (7). This suggests Xenia in the story because Calypso shows hospitality to Odysseus by helping him get home. This teaches us that we should be welcoming and helpful to others. Next, Odysseus says “I had a goatskin full of that sweet liquor that Euanthes son, Maron, had given me” (10) This portrays Xenia in the story because Maron shows welcoming behaviors towards Odysseus and his men by giving them gifts. This also teaches us to be kind to others because it often will help you out down the road. Additionally, another example states “Here we put in, lodged in town and palace, while Aiolus played host to be” (14). This example pinpoints Xenia in the story because Aiolus showed greek hospitality towards the men when he opened up his house to them, just like how people open up their houses to guests. All in all, these examples demonstrate the greek concept of Xenia and the message to be friendly to others that are far from home, which is a recurrent theme present throughout the poem The
For instance, when Odysseus says “Temptation had its way with my companions and they untied the bag. Then every wind roared into a hurricane; and ships went pitching west with many cries; and our land was lost” (15). This constructs an example of how the role of the gods was integral to the storyline because they controlled how the journey outcomes played out for Odysseus and his men. If Odysseus men would have respected their wishes, they may have not had given them a setback in their journey, much like how if we keep disrespecting our parents we would get farther away from obtaining that new iphone we desire. Another example has Odysseus stating “Only the west wind he lifted for me in the quartering breeze to take my squadron spanking home. No luck” (14). This reveals the role of the gods in the story because Odysseus expected to be rewarded for his good behavior, but was instead disappointed. People of today face a similar disappointments when we expect to get something but end up feeling shorted. Lastly, Thebes tells Odysseus, “Great Captain, a fair wind and the honey lights of home are all you seek. But anguish lies ahead; the god who thunders in the land prepares it, not to be shaken from your track, implacable in rancor for the son whose eye you blinded” (18). Similarly, this passage focuses on the role of the gods because this is when Thebes warns Odysseus about what the gods …show more content…
First, it states “Calypso provides Odysseus with the tools to build a raft, and stocks it with provisions for him” (7). This suggests Xenia in the story because Calypso shows hospitality to Odysseus by helping him get home. This teaches us that we should be welcoming and helpful to others. Next, Odysseus says “I had a goatskin full of that sweet liquor that Euanthes son, Maron, had given me” (10) This portrays Xenia in the story because Maron shows welcoming behaviors towards Odysseus and his men by giving them gifts. This also teaches us to be kind to others because it often will help you out down the road. Additionally, another example states “Here we put in, lodged in town and palace, while Aiolus played host to be” (14). This example pinpoints Xenia in the story because Aiolus showed greek hospitality towards the men when he opened up his house to them, just like how people open up their houses to guests. All in all, these examples demonstrate the greek concept of Xenia and the message to be friendly to others that are far from home, which is a recurrent theme present throughout the poem The