CharactersCharacters
Odysseus- main character who is our hero of this story and is showing his identity by looking on his past adventures
Aeolois- a helpful king who shows Xenia, but also demonstrates fear of the gods by not helping Odysseus the second time
Crew- at first they show loyalty, but then they show how temptation can lead to trouble when they opened the bag as we learned from our earlier destruction myths
Kirke- demonstrates power of goddesses, but also disputes the way of the patriarchal society by getting rid of the men in her world so she as a woman could lead
Antiphates- demonstrates the risks of this journey and obstacles on Odysseus' way home and also does not show Xenia
Eurylokhos- one of Odysseus’ crew members. Shows doubt of Odysseus Shows good leadership at first, but breaks down when he encounters Kirke.
ThemesThemes
Xenia- Aeolis displays Xenia by holding a feast for Odysseus and housing him for a month (pg. 165- line 15)
Desire to Return Home- Aeolis gives him supplies because Odysseus’ only desire is to return home
Loyalty- Aeolis shows Odysseus loyalty by helping him get home Crew first shows loyalty when voyage starts Crew betrays loyalty first by opening Odysseus’ bag of gifts
Pleasure vs. Duty- Odysseus sleeps with Kirke to free crew
Role of Women- Kirke despises men and uses her powers over men by making them into pigs
Conflict: Man & Gods- Aeolis believes the rest of the gods are against Odysseus.
Epithets Epithets
Aiolos- wind king dear to the gods, warden of winds
Odysseus- glory of commanders, o great contender, master mariner and soldier, master of land and sea ways
Kirke- loveliest of all immortals
Odysseus: LeaderOdysseus: Leader
As a leader Odysseus has always been very wise, but his crewmate Eurylokhos believes he is over confident and will end up killing the whole crew
Odysseus may be becoming a little hubristic is his strength as a leader and warrior and hero, but it has not been the death of him
The sadness from all his dead crew members may be taking a toll and he can only put up with so much loss when he is already feeling like he lost his home
ContinuedContinued
When Odysseus heads off to attack Kirke against Eurylokhos’ suggestion he is making a rash move, but he is saved by Hermes
The influence of the gods has once again saved Odysseus’ life
Odysseus does not make many mistakes as a leader, but it appears that way since he has encountered many bad hosts who have killed his men