Nymphs

The thought of returning home after a difficult and life changing journey full of hardships is inspiring and gives hope, one might think, but in some cases the return home is just as difficult as what forced their voyage in the first place. In The Odyssey, “An Ancient Gesture, and “Back From War, but Not Really Home” the authors convey a universal theme of how hardships in life can lead to a sense of dislocation and sadness upon return. The idea of dislocation is considered a universal theme…

If important men and gods consider a woman beautiful, or if her son or husband is a hero or has an important position such as king, the woman is successful. The women are often associated with epithets such as “the white-armed princess” or “the nymph with the lovely braids” both of which associate the women with their looks. Men in The Odyssey are often confused by this because almost every time they come across a beautiful woman they are distracted and their journey is extended. In book ten,…

Through his soliloquy, “To be or not to be” (III, i, 58), Hamlet reveals an enlightening first-hand view into his tumultuous life. Hamlet believes himself to be a man “more sinn’d than sinning” (III, ii, 1737) because of his ill-fated encumbrances and unfortunate circumstances. The murder of his father, Ophelia’s rejection of his love, and the incestuous relationship between his mother and Claudius weigh heavily on his mind. Amongst all of these menacing factors in Hamlet’s life, a sense of…

His beauty is astounding. He has regular facial features and smooth, swarthy complexion. His slightly thick black hair, topped with sprigs of laurel leaves, curls around his neck. To his right, the author placed a beautiful nymph Echo, who sits in a recess of the ruptured tree. With her right hand she holds up vines, and the left one rests on a stone. The head of the beautiful fiery-red hair with pinned delicate red flower is slightly tilted to the left, so that her eyes are…

The Tell-Tale Brain, written by V. S. Ramachandran, was a very eye-opening book. In this book he is on a quest to find out what makes us human. He does this by analyzing different disorders and theories, referencing thought-provoking topics like evolution. Personally, I usually never read books about the brain or psychology, but after reading this one, I will definitely read more books like this. I already recommended it to many of my friends.…

especially for a woman. As we can see in this quote from the Odyssey, “Think: not one of the people he ruled remembers Odysseus now, that God like man, and kindly as a father to his children. Now he left to pine on an island wracked with grief in the nymph Calypso's home - she holds him there by force. he has no way to voyage home to his own native land, no trim ships in reach, no crew to ply the oars and send him scuddling over the sea’s broad back” (Homer 5.12-19) Athena convinces Zeus to…

In the Homeric poem, The Odyssey, Odysseus and Penelope are exemplifications of the ideal Greek man and women. Their similarities and differences, however, further prove the definitive divisions in what is expected of men and women in ancient Greece. Odysseus is a true Homeric hero and embodies all the characteristics that make him so. He is a leader, possesses strength, nobility and courage, and is on a quest for glory. He is an excellent orator and is good at persuading his audiences.…

hounded by a wrathful Poseidon. However, despite the influence that the cyclops has on the plot, there is no mention of Polyphemus’ early life. According to Luke Roman’s Encyclopedia of Greek and Roman Mythology the cyclops was head over heals for the nymph and goddess of calm seas, Galatea. The legends differ of their relationship. In some Galatea was in love with a mortal who was killed, in a jealous rage, by Polyphemus. In other stories she returned her suitors affections and became his wife,…

Calypso, who by all means should be in a position of power is also held in a lower standard because she is a woman. Calypso is used by Odysseus until he tires of her and then is promptly shunned once she doesn’t meet his fancy anymore. “Since the nymph no longer pleased,” (pg. 157). Calypso also…

to an audience and Telemachus. With Odysseus gone the suitors show no real caring for Penelope, as does a patriarchal society to women in general. The ideal qualities in a women make no difference to separate them from villainous, selfish, and sly nymphs, goddesses, and monsters. Referring to a previous point made, it is commonly acknowledged men are bold and masculine when unloyal. Views on women being unloyal are sinful, tainted, and shameful. When Odysseus returns home from his long journey,…