The Odyssey Group

Question:

polkadotx10
polkadotx10
Student

How is the use of light continued from book 18 of "The Odyssey" into book 19?

Any help that you can post to help us would be great! thanks so much. This question is about book 18 and 19.

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Posted by polkadotx10 on Monday October 13, 2008 at 1:51 PM and tagged with book 18, book 19, light, style, the odyssey, themes.

Answers:


  1. gbeatty Teacher
    College - Freshman

    eNotes Editor

    Book 18 spends little attention on light. Mainly, the light is referred to when the suitors are having a party, which lasts until dark, and to Odysseus standing by the brazier examining people (and holding up a torch for better light). You could say that the darkness is  a kind of low point here. Odysseus is abused in his own home.


    By contrast, Book XIX shows light's association with divine revelation; Athena goes before Odysseus with a lamp, and the light transforms that which it falls upon. Light also exposes, for Odysseus is almost betrayed when his identifying scar is shown by firelight.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/odyssey/themes

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    Posted by gbeatty on Tuesday October 14, 2008 at 4:16 PM