Themes and Motifs in The Odyssey A look
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Themes and Motifs in The Odyssey A look at the literary elements within Homer’s masterpiece
THEMES: Hospitality • In Homer’s time, hospitality–making people feel at home in your house–was very important. Strangers could be dangerous, or merely travelers in need of help. • This goes back to “the golden rule. ” People would be kind to those seeking help in case they themselves might need help some day. • It was also a value held by the Greek Gods themselves, especially Zeus.
Loyalty/Perseverance • Penelope develops this theme through her waiting 20 years for her husband’s return. • Telemachus also develops this theme, because even though he hasn’t seen his father since he was a baby, he still stands up for his father and seeks out information about his father’s return. • Eurycleia, Odysseus’ old nurse, and Eumaeus, the swineherd, are very loyal to Odysseus.
Vengeance • This theme is explored in two major ways: – Poseidon takes revenge on Odysseus for blinding his son, Polyphemus, throughout the story. • The sea god also punishes the Phaeacians, who help Odysseus get home because of their tradition of hospitality. • Odysseus takes revenge on the suitors and his disloyal servants.
Appearance vs. Reality • Athena and Odysseus both develop this theme through their use of disguises, masking their identities as well as their intentions. – Odysseus used a disguise in the Trojan war to enter the walled city of Troy. – Athena also changes Odysseus’ appearance to make him more or less formidable (dangerous looking).
Spiritual Growth • Telemachus and Odysseus both develop this theme in different ways. – For Telemachus, it is a “coming of age” type of development. He has to grow up quickly to save his household and kingdom (he is an obstacle in the way of the suitors). He seeks out information on his father by traveling. – For Odysseus, it is more of a development of wisdom and maturity. Through his travels, he becomes less proud and more humble and meek.
MOTIFS • Storytelling: Odysseus’ journey is told through small stories by various characters throughout the main story. • Disguises: Athena changes her appearance, as well as the appearance of Odysseus and his son. Various other characters change their appearances or the appearance of others. • Seductresses: Women present obstacles to Odysseus through their desire of his love or presence, and Penelope presents an obstacle to the suitors who wish to take power in Ithaca.