Book 5 Summary and Analysis
Summary
Zeus, the lord of Olympus, sends Hermes to Ogygia to command Calypso to release Odysseus. Calypso laments the gods’ double standard in not allowing goddesses to keep mortals as lovers and remarks that she is responsible for saving Odysseus’s life. In the end, however, she relents, admitting that if it is the will of Zeus, then she will send Odysseus on his way with the necessary provisions and knowledge. She tells Odysseus to fashion a raft and sends him away with gifts.
On Odysseus’s eighteenth day of sailing, Scheria, the land of the Phaeacians, comes into view. The sea god Poseidon, coming from another land, chances upon Odysseus and, realizing that Odysseus has been rescued, buffets him with a storm. The goddess Ino comes to Odysseus’s rescue, giving him a magic veil and instructing him to swim for the shore. As Poseidon continues his assault, Athena intervenes, calming the winds and smoothing the waves. Odysseus manages to swim ashore by way of a river, then returns the veil to Ino. In the forest on Scheria, he makes a bed of leaves, and though he fears falling prey to wild beasts, his exhaustion overtakes him, and he sleeps.
Analysis
Odysseus finally makes his appearance in Book 5. He initially appears rather unheroic, trapped and sulking on a beach. The complaints that Calypso makes to Hermes in this book about a gendered double standard are not merely anecdotal: in Greek myth, male gods take many more lovers than goddesses do, and goddesses are generally punished more severely for certain misdemeanors. In a sense, this double standard extends to Penelope and Odysseus, as Penelope’s faithfulness is predicated on her total chastity, while Odysseus consummates a number of dalliances, including with Calypso. It is, however, still worth noting that Odysseus remains more or less devoted to his home, as he tells Calypso that though she might outclass Penelope in every physical and magical respect, he still prefers his wife.
Expert Q&A
In Book 5 of the Odyssey, what is Odysseus doing when he first appears?
When Odysseus first appears in Book 5, he is on the shore of Calypso's island, weeping and longing for his home in Ithaca. Despite being held by Calypso, who desires to make him immortal, Odysseus is deeply homesick and spends his days looking out to sea in despair. Hermes, sent by Zeus, instructs Calypso to release Odysseus. She complies, and Odysseus builds a raft to leave the island.
Can you provide an example of alliteration in Book 5 of The Odyssey?
In Book 5 of The Odyssey, alliteration is evident in phrases like "send him scudding over the sea's broad back," where the repetition of the "s" sound mimics the movement of water, and "broad back," where "b" sounds emphasize the vastness. Another example includes "roaring breakers crashing down," employing "r" sounds to convey the relentless nature of the sea. These sound devices enhance the imagery and immersive quality of the narrative.
What is the conflict in Book 5 of The Odyssey?
In Book 5, the main conflict involves Calypso, who detains Odysseus on her island. Athena persuades Zeus to send Hermes to demand Odysseus's release. Although initially resistant, Calypso complies, helping Odysseus build a raft to leave. Another conflict arises when Poseidon, angered by Odysseus's escape, creates a storm to destroy his raft. With assistance from Athena and a sea nymph, Odysseus survives and reaches the island of the Phaeacians.
In The Odyssey, Book 5, how does Odysseus's rejection of Calypso reflect Greek societal ideals?
Odysseus's rejection of Calypso in Book 5 of The Odyssey reflects Greek societal ideals of strong character, devotion to loved ones, and values. His decision to leave despite the promise of immortality shows his commitment to duty. Additionally, this book highlights the Greek concepts of fate and free will, as Odysseus faces divine challenges but makes wise choices to survive.
In The Odyssey Book 5, how do Odysseus' speeches with Calypso demonstrate his cleverness?
The use and abilities of Hermes' wand in Book 5 of The Odyssey
In Book 5 of The Odyssey, Hermes uses his wand to put people to sleep or wake them up. It symbolizes his role as a messenger and a guide, allowing him to travel swiftly and perform tasks for the gods.
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