Themes: Deception and Dissimulation
In many ways, Odysseus is a deviation from other classical heroes such as Heracles and Achilles. This is because he does not rely on brute strength alone, even though he possesses it, as evidenced when he strings the great bow and slaughters the suitors in the main hall. Instead, Odysseus chooses to rely on deception and dissimulation. This is one of the ways in which he is comparable to a god. In fact, Athena even lovingly compares Odysseus to herself because of his wit and cunning.
In The Odyssey, Odysseus is repeatedly forced to forego brute force in favor of deception and dissimulation. This is seen in his encounter with the Cyclops Polyphemus, as Odysseus immediately recognizes that Polyphemus is far too strong to be beaten in direct battle. One of the most famous events of The Odyssey is when Odysseus fools Polyphemus into thinking he is “nobody,” thus successfully escaping with his men from Polyphemus’s cave. This heroism is undone by his pride, however, as he is unable to resist revealing his true name to Polyphemus in the end. This pride leads Poseidon to curse Odysseus and his journey homeward.
In the latter half of The Odyssey, Odysseus is portrayed as having learned to swallow his pride. When he disguises himself as a beggar on Ithaca, the suitors aggressively insult and assault him. Odysseus tempers his pride, however, and commits fully to his disguise. This is how he is able to successfully slaughter the suitors and reclaim his estate.
Expert Q&A
In The Odyssey, what justifies Odysseus' actions like lying, cheating, and killing?
Odysseus' actions in "The Odyssey," such as lying, cheating, and killing, are justified by the moral relativism of the epic, where actions are permissible if they achieve a greater good. Unlike "The Iliad," which emphasizes moral absolutes, "The Odyssey" reflects life's complexities with gray decisions. Additionally, Ancient Greek cultural norms and Odysseus' warrior role further justify his actions, as they align with societal expectations and the defense of his family and kingdom.
How does Calypso accuse the gods of a double standard in The Odyssey?
Calypso accuses the gods of a gender-based double standard when Zeus commands her to release Odysseus. She argues that male gods can have mortal female lovers, while female goddesses are forbidden from having mortal male lovers. Calypso cites examples like Dawn and Orion, and Demeter and Iasion, where male lovers were killed by the gods. Despite her protest, Calypso ultimately complies and provides Odysseus with a boat to leave the island.
In The Odyssey, how did Circe seduce Odysseus?
In "The Odyssey," Circe seduces Odysseus by providing luxurious hospitality and abundant food, contrasting sharply with his recent experiences of cannibalism. As a beautiful goddess and gracious host, she offers comfort and indulgence, persuading Odysseus and his crew to stay for a year. Initially, Odysseus resists her charms and demands the release of his transformed crew, showcasing his cunning and determination to protect his men. Ultimately, her lavish care entices them to remain on her island.
In The Odyssey, what symbolic danger does Circe represent, and how does she almost succeed?
Circe symbolizes the dual dangers of succumbing to base instincts and the temptation of seduction. She almost succeeds by turning Odysseus's men into animals, embodying the threat of giving into their primitive desires, which would prevent them from completing their journey. Additionally, she attempts to seduce Odysseus, posing a risk to his mission by enticing him to abandon his loyalty to his wife and his goal of returning home.
In The Odyssey, why doesn't Odysseus disclose the journey's perils to his men?
Odysseus often withholds information about the journey's perils from his men for several reasons. Primarily, he is unaware of many dangers until they occur, such as encounters with mythical creatures like the Cyclops. Additionally, Odysseus's character as a cunning deceiver means he often manipulates the truth to suit his needs, sometimes omitting details to maintain control over his crew, especially given the existing tensions between them.
Discuss the relationship of truth and justice in The Odyssey using the quote, "The man who deceives shows more justice than he who does not..."
The relationship between truth and justice in The Odyssey highlights how deceit can serve a just purpose, as shown by Odysseus' actions. The quote "The man who deceives shows more justice than he who does not" suggests that deception, when used wisely, can lead to justice. Odysseus uses cunning and disguise to reclaim his home and punish the suitors, demonstrating that deceit can be a tool for achieving justice and wisdom, reflecting themes of pathos and heroism.
What conclusions about beauty's deceptive nature can be drawn from the Circe episode in the Odyssey?
The Circe episode in the Odyssey illustrates the deceptive nature of beauty, emphasizing that external allure may mask dangerous intentions. Circe, though outwardly beautiful, harbors malevolent motives, turning Odysseus's men into pigs. This episode teaches that trust should not be based on appearances, as beautiful hosts like Circe can be treacherous. Odysseus's caution, guided by Hermes, helps him navigate her deceptions, reinforcing the theme that beauty can be misleading.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
