The Outcome of Disguise
The theme of disguise in Homer’s The Odyssey is very effective in giving the story a more compelling vibe that draws in readers. This theme of disguise can relate to how revelation works as a form of backfire, how disguise builds up suspense and tension into the story and how the use of disguise is used to help convey a false identity all through the character of Odysseus.
There are times in which the themes of disguise and revelation display Odysseus as not being the hero. Throughout the books, Odysseus continually hides his identity in situations where it would seem like it wouldn’t be wise. At times there is a sense of wanting to reveal himself to those around him after performing considerable tasks which ends up …show more content…
The tension buildup of Penelope weaving, when she finishes she has to marry one of the suitors. “and without other pretext than that you want to marry me… whomsoever of you shall string it most easily and send his arrow through each one of twelve axes, him will I follow and quit this house of my lawful husband, so goodly, and so abounding in wealth. But even so I doubt not that I shall remember it in my dreams." (Homer XXI/XXII 2). Lines like this appear in the text to make the reader worried, about the time Odysseus is taking to confront the suitors; the delay helps prolong the tension. Another time while in disguise Odysseus is insulted by Melanthios a goat herd. He insults Eumaos as well as Odysseus. “No other beggar or stranger has been allowed to hear what we say among ourselves; the wine must have been doing you a mischief, as it does with all those drink immoderately” (Homer XXI/XXII 5). Odysseus has to use self-control to not give away who he is; this creates tension as the reader is concerned he will give away his …show more content…
Removing the use of disguises it would prevent Odyssey’s attempts at arriving back to his homeland. Odysseus while in pursuit to save his wife from the suitors disguises himself as a beggar and enters into the contest “and yet a beggarly tramp who came to the house strung it at once and sent an arrow through the iron” (Homer XXI/XXII 6). No one would have guessed that the mighty Odysseus would have been disguised as a beggar of all things, therefore this helps strengthen this false identity. Another disguise or false identity was put into play when the Cyclops asked Odysseus his name while he was trying to intoxicate him to execute the plan of escape “ 'Cyclops, you ask my name and I will tell it you; give me, therefore, the present you promised me; my name is Noman; this is what my father and mother and my friends have always called me.” (Homer IX 6). Odysseus keeping his false identity proves him well once again while being able to execute his plan and get back at the Cyclops after taking his vision away and then revealing his true name to let it haunt him for time to
The theme of disguise in Homer’s The Odyssey is very effective in giving the story a more compelling vibe that draws in readers. This theme of disguise can relate to how revelation works as a form of backfire, how disguise builds up suspense and tension into the story and how the use of disguise is used to help convey a false identity all through the character of Odysseus.
There are times in which the themes of disguise and revelation display Odysseus as not being the hero. Throughout the books, Odysseus continually hides his identity in situations where it would seem like it wouldn’t be wise. At times there is a sense of wanting to reveal himself to those around him after performing considerable tasks which ends up …show more content…
The tension buildup of Penelope weaving, when she finishes she has to marry one of the suitors. “and without other pretext than that you want to marry me… whomsoever of you shall string it most easily and send his arrow through each one of twelve axes, him will I follow and quit this house of my lawful husband, so goodly, and so abounding in wealth. But even so I doubt not that I shall remember it in my dreams." (Homer XXI/XXII 2). Lines like this appear in the text to make the reader worried, about the time Odysseus is taking to confront the suitors; the delay helps prolong the tension. Another time while in disguise Odysseus is insulted by Melanthios a goat herd. He insults Eumaos as well as Odysseus. “No other beggar or stranger has been allowed to hear what we say among ourselves; the wine must have been doing you a mischief, as it does with all those drink immoderately” (Homer XXI/XXII 5). Odysseus has to use self-control to not give away who he is; this creates tension as the reader is concerned he will give away his …show more content…
Removing the use of disguises it would prevent Odyssey’s attempts at arriving back to his homeland. Odysseus while in pursuit to save his wife from the suitors disguises himself as a beggar and enters into the contest “and yet a beggarly tramp who came to the house strung it at once and sent an arrow through the iron” (Homer XXI/XXII 6). No one would have guessed that the mighty Odysseus would have been disguised as a beggar of all things, therefore this helps strengthen this false identity. Another disguise or false identity was put into play when the Cyclops asked Odysseus his name while he was trying to intoxicate him to execute the plan of escape “ 'Cyclops, you ask my name and I will tell it you; give me, therefore, the present you promised me; my name is Noman; this is what my father and mother and my friends have always called me.” (Homer IX 6). Odysseus keeping his false identity proves him well once again while being able to execute his plan and get back at the Cyclops after taking his vision away and then revealing his true name to let it haunt him for time to