Odyssey Test
1. What have you learned about Greek culture, values, and religion? Address the roles of women and men, honor and virtues, gods and goddesses, etc. (250 words)
The way we as a people live in the A.D. is very different from the way that Olympians lived back in the years of the B.C. time period. Greek culture is not only full of respect for a higher power, of gods, goddesses, and kings and queens, but it is also a totally different way of life. Throughout the Odyssey, I have learned that culture for the Greek’s revolves around marriage, bearing children, and fighting to defend land. They highly value a spacious territory, full of healthy animals, drinkable water, and a plentiful supply of wood for building ships. Going out to see is a task that demands a tight crew, well-built ship, and endurance for a long journey. Greeks often set out on journeys to fight other lands, such as the Romans or the Trojans. War and domination are respectable qualities and tasks of Greek soldiers, kings, princes, and men.
In the Greek culture, men learn to one day string their own bow, while women perfect their housework skills. To me, Olympian women are basically the definition of housewives. Children of different gender grow differently in the ways of what they learn. For example, a girl would never grow to fight battle, unless they were an Athena. But, there is only one of those. And a man would never grow up to tend to a garden or wash olives and squeeze them for juice.
It is said that “No man can refuse a goddess” or possibly no woman could ever refuse a god. Although both the king and queen are royal, it seems that the king is respected more as a man then the queen as a woman; they see her as just a wife. The job of king is one that involves great leadership, willpower, and a passion for one’s home. For example, many men killed, literally, to fight for Odysseus’s position. However, the king returned from battle like a real warrior.
2. What resonated with you in reading about Odysseus’ adventures? Why? (150 words)
Heart is one of the strongest muscles of all. Without such a fervent passion to see his boy grown and to hold his wife in his arms once a gain, Odysseus could have given up faith in his journey home to Ithaca. Although Athena couldn’t fight for him, she protected and guided him with the wind, and heart. Without the goddess watching over him, I feel Odysseus would have never succeeded. To me, Odysseus’ bravery and smarts away from home were most impressive and qualities I envy. By being courageous towards the threatening giant, Odysseus eventually found his way back to the sea.
Odysseus is mortal just like you and me. His mistakes and careless errors such as revealing himself to Poseidon on the sea make me feel reassured. Every hero or soldier has a weakness or moment of stupidity; it’s ok. Odysseus’ journey to hell was most unforgettable. Through the exhausting heat and madness of lost souls, he found his way to the man who would help him find the way to Ithaca. Bravery and heart were the most unforgettable qualities of the Odyssey. The way Odysseus used them in his many adventures was most resonating.
3. This epic poem is dated nearly 3000 years ago, why is it still relevant? (150 words)
History shall never go untold; and that it wasn’t. The Odyssey is a masterpiece that many historians question. We, the normal people that just read it because it is either required or because we find it interesting, eat the excitement up. Historians dream of unveiling the truth behind the Odyssey, its mysteries and all. But, they have to find it first. Although it was once lost for centuries, it has somehow still been past on from generation to generation. No one can resist the adventures and madness of The Odyssey. The things gods and goddesses can do for others and for themselves is so powerful. I along with many others find it amazing that such “higher powers” once existed. The Odyssey is important because it teaches us of the past. This epic poem, centuries old, keeps the past alive. And, the poem reveals the importance and powers of love, hope, patience, determination, bravery, and leadership. Although most of the stories include events that don’t really go on anymore in the present, its theme and character are still respected today.
Short Answers-
Answer in complete sentences. Cut and paste each question and answer underneath the prompt.
4. How would you characterize the narrator, the fictive "Homer" whose voice we imagine as singing the verses of the Odyssey?
There is no doubt that Homer’s existence is questionable. But, from the narration of the Odyssey, Homer seems like a man of long endurance. The Odyssey is not only very lengthy of a poem, but it also involves gore and much passion. The voice of Homer sounds so overpowering and brave, like the storyline itself. I’d characterize the narrator as a man with grave detail and very long-winded.
5. What kinds of behavior are treated as contemptible in the Odyssey?
In the Odyssey, acts of showy arrogance and franticness are looked down upon. For example, the men that were in the kingdom of Odysseus trying to win over his wife were full of arrogance and rudeness. Men that act like selfish pigs or that gives up on their “team” are considered contemptible in the Odyssey.
6. How does the poem represent mortal women? Since Penelope is the most important woman in the Odyssey, what qualities does she possess, and how does she respond to the troubles she faces? (Some of the other women are of note, too-Eurycleia the serving woman, the faithless maidservants, Nausicaa the Phaeacian princess, and Helen of Sparta, Menelaus' queen, whose elopement with Prince Paris sparked the Trojan War.)
The poem represents women as almost slave like house wives. The way men of no royalty treat the queen, Penelope, is arrogant and disrespectful. They seem somewhat inferior. However, Athena is most respected and honored in her presence. Penelope displays much faith in her husband’s return, and true to the love that she shared with Odysseus. As the main woman of Ithaca, when in situations of scarcity and pain, Penelope remains strong for not only herself, but for her women(maids).
The poem
7.How do Homer's gods think and behave? How do their actions and motivations differ from the conception of god in other religions of which you have knowledge? What role do the Homeric gods play in human affairs, and what is the responsibility of humans with respect to those gods?
In the Odyssey, Homer’s gods and goddesses are displayed as well respected and Herculean. They have powers that accede anything a mortal can do. Gods and Goddesses of the Odyssey display heroism in the actions they do and motivations they leave on their people. The G- that I have always known is Hashem. Although G-d hasn’t always stopped madness in the world, or saved lives, to me, G-d is up there. And in the Odyssey, the gods and goddesses are up no where. They come down to the earths and can be seen by whom they desire. In the Jewish religion, we believe that unlike Christians and Jesus, our messiah has not come. We are waiting. In the Odyssey, it seems no one believes in a later messiah, that the gods and goddesses they need are already existent and visible.
In human affairs, the gods and goddesses guide their people. They can not do the jobs for them or “hold their hand”. Whether it’s a strong current for out at sea, or a guardian in battle, the Homeric gods and goddesses watch over their people. Humans respect the presence of gods and goddesses in the Odyssey. The mortals see the gods and goddesses and are mesmerized by their strength to live forever and change lives. Humans are not to overreact in the presence of a god or goddess. There is also no need to because you can not try and call people to see him/her. They have powers to be seen by whomever they desire. The relationship between the humans and the Homeric gods and goddesses is unlike many of our relationship with G-d; we can not see him. Yet, we can choose to believe in him or not.
