How do Odysseus' actions in "The Cyclops" support or refute his epic character?
Do Now: WHOLE CLASS DISCUSSION
As previously discussed, the term, “Xenia” is the ancient Greek concept of hospitality, the generosity and courtesy shown to those who are far from home and/or associates of the person bestowing guest-friendship. The rituals of hospitality created and expressed a reciprocal relationship between guest hosts.
Therefore, based on your understanding of the term, how important do you believe this attribute or behavior is to exemplify? Why?
To start off the class, our class discussed the Greek concept of hospitality and if we still believe to attribute this behavior till today. Oscar assumed that maybe it was important to show hospitality back then because of the responsibility that went under the attentive gaze of the Olympian gods. Lapyan mentioned letting a stranger into your house is out of the question. Lastly, to end this discussion, Kenneth states that instead of living in someone’s home, you can at the moment, find shelter somewhere else where they can provide hospitality.
Reflect on the heroes you have encountered throughout your life, in various forms: literature, movies or TV. Identify any weaknesses the hero(es) may have, and explain how it impairs their ability.
A hero that comes to our mind first to many of us would be Superman. As Oscar said, one of Superman’s weaknesses is when he comes across kryptonite making his life at risk if not careful. On the other hand, Kenneth talked about how heroes can sometimes not be compatible with another, which often leads to causing conflict and usually ends up with a clash. Moreover, because of the long term argument two heroes can have, they are less likely to work collaboratively which can then result in poor communication leading to some sort of failure.
Onto the next slides, we did some spirit reading and discussed a few terms. These terms are associated with a famous ancient greek story “The Cyclops”, which we will later further explore and answer a few questions. However, because we ran out of time, we weren’t able to answer them although I have provided my answers below.
What is homeric simile?
Epic similes in The Odyssey, also known as Homeric similes, give Homer’s narrative depth and force.
Homeric similes, also known as Epic Similes, are elaborate comparisons, consisting of many lines, between two different objects using “like”, “as”, “so”, or “just so”. It is a comparison made between something unfamiliar or strange to the audience and something that is more familiar to them.
What is foreshadowing?
Foreshadowing is where future events in a story, or perhaps the outcome, are suggested by the author before they happen. They are usually considered to be ominous, warning signs, or signs of bad things to come. Foreshadowing can take many forms and be accomplished in many ways, with varying degrees of subtlety. However, if the outcome is deliberately and explicitly revealed early in a story (such as by the use of a narrator or flashback structure), such information does not constitute foreshadowing.
What is hubris?
Hubris is a Greek term meaning excessive pride or over-confidence (think arrogance).
Can cause the character to disregard reality or offend the gods, often leading to their downfall.
A character flaw often seen in the heroes of classical Greek tragedies
Committing hubris was very much looked down upon in Ancient Greece.
What is Tragic Flaw (AKA: Hamartia)?
A trait in a character that often leads to their downfall. In Greek Mythology, the trait of Hubris is often used .
Now that we’ve learned about these few terms, we’ll start analyzing how these were implied in ancient greek stories.
Based on your understanding of foreshadowing, review lines 153-156. How is foreshadowing used, and what exactly is being foreshadowed?
In line 153-156, it states, “for in my bones I knew some towering brute would be upon us soon - all outward power, a wild man, ignorant of civility,” this gives us a preview on what will happen later. This foreshadows that Odysseus and his men are on an adventure where dangers await them, in this case, it’ll be the cyclops who was described as “all outward power, a wild man, ignorant of civility”.
2) What heroic qualities does Odysseus display thus far?
(Heroic Qualities: Intelligence/Resourcefulness, Strength, Bravery and loyalty, Weakness)
What does the fact that he doesn’t want to attack the Cyclops reveal about his character?
Odysseus displays intelligence, bravery, and strength. Instead of telling Polyphemus his name, he figured it would be best to tell Polyphemus that he is “Nobody”. After Polyphemus screams in pain as Odysseus has the bravery to blind him, using a large stake which requires enormous strength for Odyseeus to lift it all by himself, Polyphemus would call and scream for help. Repeatedly saying his name to alert the other cyclops, “Nohbdy, Nohbdy tricked me” however it has led the other cyclops to think that Polyphemus accidentally harmed himself.
3) Refer to line 232-243. How does Homer use figurative language to create imagery? (identify examples and explain their effect)
Homer uses figurative language to create imagery in line 232-243 by using homeric simile. For example, it states“Then he dismembered them and made his meal, gaping and crunching like a mountain lion - everything : innards, flesh, and marrow bones”, Homer compare Polyphemus to a mountain lion as to how fearful or hideous they are eating their prey. Tearing the humans apart is what a mountain lion would do to its prey. By adding descriptive details about the human flesh, it lets the reader imagine how sickening and frightening it is.
4) How should we judge the heroic qualities of Odysseus based on his actions with the cyclops?
Odysseus has demonstrated leadership as he shows consideration and helps his men. His heroic actions and bravery has saved his men and himself dealing with Polyphemus and as a result, they were able to escape.
5) Contrast Polyphemus’ values and the values of Odysseus (hospitality [xenia], respect for the gods, protections for his men).
Can you identify any qualities/characteristics that both Odysseus and Polyphemus share?
Odysseus values hospitality and the respect for the god. When facing Polyphemus, he has asked to receive hospitality from Polyphemus. Polyphemus, on the other hand, does not think of his guests, as he only cares about his own pleasure. He thinks he has nothing to do with gods along with hospitality as he ate Odysseus’ men instead of welcoming the guest.
One characteristic that both Odysseus and Polyphemus share is stupidity. I say this because Polyphemus actually believed that Odysseus name was “Nobody” and then Odysseus finally escaped but decided to tell Polyphemus his real name and at the end, both of them suffer great loss.
6) As previously discussed, the story is told through flashback
(Odysseus is revealing the past events of his journey), therefore, how has Polyphemus’ curse impacted the course of Odysseus’ future?
After escaping, Odysseus was finally able to go home. However, because his foolishness got to him, Poseidon has cursed him, making Odysseus’s journey back home difficult. Odysseus’ future has been ruined.
Reflection
In this lesson, I learned about homeric simile, foreshadowing, hubris, and tragic flaws. I’ve learned about how authors imply these in their stories to enhance their dramatic tension, twist, and suspense. By using homeric simile in a story, it helps deepen the reader’s experience such as mood, thoughts, or event. In the story, “The Cyclops” the thoughts of Polyphemus tearing humans apart gives a feeling of sickness and nauseous. Foreshadow helps reveal big future events and let the reader anticipate what might happen next. Hubris helps connect the reader in the real world because the characters share similar traits to how we sometimes would act. Tragic flaws are personality traits that let them to their downfall. It also helps us better understand the impacts of these defects in the real world. This helps us look deeply into a character’s action or life and in ours. When writing my own ideas, these literary devices or terms can help me improve my writing. It adds more suspension, more fascinating, and dramatic tension to the story than a blank paper with lacks of interest. I gained a deeper understanding and connection after reading “The Cyclops” because of many familiar experiences. Thus, I think it’s extremely important to be able to connect with the readers because when making authentic connections, the readers are able to feel something. I can use what I learned to help me connect and understand stories better and the characters. Using these literary devices, I can also use them to construct a better writing.
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