YOU choose the word choice...

1/26/2015

Choose an excerpt from Books 19-22 to analyze (no longer than 10 lines). Post the excerpt to this blog (cite page number or chapter and line #s). Beneath the passage, analyze two (2) of Homer's word choices. How do these choices relate to a character's growth and/or to the conflict. (worth 50 points)

52 Comments

Micah Locke

1/29/2015 08:01:35 am

"With that he trained a stabbing arrow on Antinous...
just lifting a gorgeous golden loving-cup in his hands,
just tilting the two-handled goblet back to his lips,
about to train the wine-and slaughter the last thing
on the suitor's mind: who could dream that one foe
in that crowd of feasters, however great his power,
would bring down death on himself, and black doom?"
Page 439, lines 8-14

The word gorgeous refers to the subconflict of the suitors, how their decadence will cost them their lives, and how decadence in general can be somebody's downfall.

The word "great" refers to how Odysseus had built himself back up from nothing to a great hero just in time to kill the suitors who had been plaguing his wife. Zero-to-hero, just like that!

Mrs. E

2/3/2015 10:04:55 am

Excellent connections to conflict.

Jessica Isberg

1/29/2015 08:59:34 am

" There is a land called Crete... ringed by the wine-dark sea with rolling whitecaps-handsome country, fertile, thronged with people well past coming-boasting ninety cities, language mixing with language side-by-side. Firsts come to Achaeans, then the native Cretans, hardy, gallant in action, then Cydonian clansmen, Dorians living in three tribes, and proud Pelasgians last. Central to all their cities is magnificent Cnossos, the site where Minos ruled and each ninth year
Conferred with almighty Zeus himself." ( Homer, 396)
The first word I choose from this excerpt is ringed. I choose the word ringed because it is describing the sea and the waves. This is important because the setting of the Odyssey is on the sea while Odysseous is gone and he's trying to get back to Ithica. The second word I choose from this except is gallant. I choose the word gallant because the Odyssey is heroic. Odysseous is very gallant on the sea with the waves rumbling because he has to keep safe and still try and keep his hidden identiy from Pennelope. Also the fact that this except has "gallant in action" proves that Odysseous was constantly brave while he was on the boat. Odysseous also had to be gallant and was, because he was on a ship of war at Troy, so he had to be a fighter and couldn't be a let down.

Mrs. E

2/3/2015 10:08:35 am

Your choice of quotation is a bit disconnected from the main plot. This leaves your connections between diction and conflict a bit of a stretch. What does the word "ring" imply? Round, circular, cyclical? You could have connected Odysseus' journey to that, rather than just saying it described the sea and Odysseus was stuck there. Gallant was not describing Odysseus in the text, but it does connect to his bravery. You should have connected it to the situation at hand to make it more relative to the quotation.

Ariella Bourdeau

1/29/2015 09:19:11 am

"Odysseus' heart went out to his grief-stricken wife
but under his lids his eyes remained stock-still--
they might have been horn or iron--
his guile fought back his tears."
Chapter 19, page 397.
"Grief-stricken" means overcome with deep sorrow. Homer chose to say "grief-stricken" instead of a plain word like "sad" because it shows just how upset Penelope was; her sadness had taken over her well-being. It connects to the conflict because Aethon (Odysseus in disguise) is telling her the fake back story of his time with Odysseus to prove that he was a crew member. Of course, he can't tell Penelope who he really is (and that he's alive) or the suitors might try to kill him before he gets the chance to reclaim his position as king.
Odysseus was smart enough to hold back his tears, for they would lead him to break down and give himself away. Homer uses "guile" to show his intelligence in doing so. It connects to the character development because all he was trying to do the while he was at sea was get home to his wife and son. Now that he is home, he can't announce himself until he knows the suitors aren't a threat anymore, and the only way to do be sure of that is to get rid of them. Most other men would come back and assume everything would be as he left it, but Odysseus is intelligent enough to know that much has changed in the twenty years since he sat sail for Troy.

Mrs. Elbakry

2/3/2015 10:10:27 am

Great analysis and connection to both conflict and character. Well done.

Alec P

1/29/2015 09:21:56 am

"While Odysseus was thus yielding himself to a very deep slumber that eased the burden of his sorrows, his admirable wife awoke, and sitting up in her bed began to cry." Homer used the word yielding, as if it was dangerous for Odysseus to sleep, that something would happen to him while he rested. Along his journey, he came in contact with so much danger that something as simple as sleep can feel like the end of your life. That is what Odysseus was feeling.

"They turned pale with fear as he spoke, and every man looked round about to see whither he might fly for safety, but Eurymachus alone spoke."
The suitors realized that after all they had done, and after all Odysseus had gone through, nothing they can do will stop him from killing them. Homer uses "fly for safety", signifying that if they were to escape, it would have to be quick or else the long awaited wrath of Odysseus would be put on them, with little chance for escape. They feel a sense of fear and urgency.

Mrs. E

2/3/2015 10:12:48 am

Nicely done, Alec. Very good analysis of "yielding."

Brittany Blakeman

1/29/2015 10:16:01 am

"Dead quite. The suitors all fell silent, hushed. At last Damastor's son Agelaus rose and said, "Fair enough, my friends; when a man speaks well we have no grounds for wrangling, no cause for abuse." Book 20 Page 421 Lines 357-360

The words that i chose to further analyze the diction in this particular section are Dead, and Abuse. Dead is such a deary thing and such a fearful thing. If someone is dead silent, like used here, the person is dreadfully silent and it can be kind of scary. the word dead used in the context of this section is to make it more serious and suspenseful. Homer also used the word abuse as a part of his diction to make the scene alot more serious as well. the word abuse is made to be alot worse and heart wretching in the way it is used sometimes like domestic abuse or animal abuse. it makes it more serious and also shows that the pain isnt wanted and it forcefully given.

Mrs. E

2/3/2015 10:19:22 am

Good analysis and connection to tone - but explain a bit further about "this section." What is happening here? How could both of these words connect to the conflict?

Rachel Lamore

1/29/2015 11:38:28 am

“Leodes now – he flung himself at Odysseus, clutched his knees.
crying out to the king with a sudden, winging prayer;
“I hug your knees Odysseus – mercy! Spare my life!
Never, I swear, did I harass any woman in your house –
never a word, a gesture – nothing, no, I tried
to restrain the suitors, whoever did such things.
They wouldn’t listen, keep their hands to themselves –
so reckless, so they earn their shameful fate.
But I was just their prophet –
my hands are clean – and I’m to die their death!” (chapter 22 page 449 lines 325-335)

In this excerpt, Homer uses certain diction to relate to one of the suitors’ (Leodes) character growth. First, Homer uses the phrase “he flung himself at Odysseus” which symbolizes that not only did Leodes just go up to Odysseus, but he ‘flung’ himself at him to beg for mercy. This shows that compared to the beginning of the story when the suitors thought they were tough and that Odysseus/Telemachus had nothing against them, they are now willing to do anything and are literally begging them for their permission to live. Another phrase used in this excerpt is “but I was just their prophet.” The word ‘prophet’ gives what he was saying a lot more meaning. It makes the reader think that the suitor was under control of the other suitors and that he was forced to follow their rules. This also relates to how at the beginning of The Odyssey the suitors were extremely confident and quite cocky when it came to strength, but now they’re regretting ever trying to overrule Odysseus’ palace. This excerpt, especially the specific words that were chosen, relates to the conflict because it supports the fact that Telemachus and Odysseus were able to overcome the suitors, which were their biggest challenge.

Mrs. E

2/3/2015 11:00:31 am

Good analysis of "fling." Your defense of "prophet" was a bit weak. Define the word, this will help clarify who he was to the suitors and enlighten you to a deeper connection to the text.

rocco veltri

1/29/2015 11:40:58 am

"Odysseus' heart went out to his grief-stricken wife
but under his lids his eyes remained stock-still--
they might have been horn or iron--
his guile fought back his tears."
Chapter 19, page 397.

One diction choice I chose to analyze was stock-still. I choose this because it means that he was so shocked that he could not look away. He did not think that she would be so upset And now that he could see her he lost it.

My second diction choice is grief-stricken. Grief-stricken is more than upset or sad. Grief-stricken is showing that she is just so very sad. She just could not bear this sadness anymore. You could see it in her, that's just how sad she was.

Mrs. E

2/10/2015 02:01:53 am

Good choices, but you must connect each to a bigger picture idea (conflict, theme or character growth). Explain in more depth why these word choices truly capture the bigger ideas.

Joe Welsh

1/29/2015 11:46:28 am

"He paused with a warning nod, and at that sign Prince Telemachus, son of King Odysseus, girding his sharp sword on, clamping hand to spear, took his stand by a chair that flanked his father- his bronze spearpoint glinting like fire...
This relates to character growth because Telemachus's bond with his father is so strong they trust each other in battle. Telemachus's spear glinting like fire also refers to his loyalty to his father and his determination to defeat the suitors and restore his fathers throne.

Mrs. E

2/10/2015 02:04:56 am

Your second sentence is very good in terms of analysis. Use quotations to help the chunk you are discussing ("glinting like fire") stand out from your analysis. You should have chosen one more word to connect to the bigger picture.

Kevin Silversey

1/29/2015 11:50:30 am

"With that he trained a stabbing arrow on Antinous...just lifting a gorgeous golden loving-cup in his hands,just tilting the two-handled goblet back to his lips,about to train the wine-and slaughter the last thing on the suitor's mind: who could dream that one foe" pg 349 8-12

In this passage Homer uses the word "slaughter" to show two things. The first is to intensify the lines by using a strong and terrible word. The second thing that it shows is the literal slaughter of the suitors that occurred.

Homer also uses the word "dream" to show how the suitors never thought that this could happen. It could only really have happened in a dream and they died because they were not prepared for it. This is a great word that is used because when they died they would be dreaming forever of the last mistake they made. Not being prepared for Odysseus

Mrs. E

2/3/2015 11:23:16 am

Good analysis of "dream." You could have gone deeper with "slaughter." What is implied with that word that is missing with the word "kill?" What does Odysseus think about these guys? Connect this to his conflict.

Alexis Freel

1/29/2015 11:51:32 am

"So they jeered, but the prince paid no attention...
silent, eyes riveted on his father, always waiting
the moment he'd lay hands on that outrageous mob."
Book 20, page 423 (lines 438-430)

The words that I chose to further analyze in these lines are Jeered, and Riveted. The use of the word jeered in this quotation displays the rude, mocking remarks towards Telemachus and about his guests. Using a more simpler, or direct word could have been used here, but why the word jeered? The use of the word jeered in this line, in my opinion, helps further display the little effect of the suiters remarks means to him. "So they jeered, but the prince payed no attention..." The way that this statement was written shows us that Telemachus didn't care what they said, giving the reader a whatever kind of tone.
The word Riveted in this quote directly shows the fastened, or undivided attention and concentration he is giving his father. The definition of the word riveted means to fasten or fix firmly. Riveted, in this case, shows how Telemachus is so focused on his father and the thought of him "taking care of" the suiters, and the ability of being free of them that he no longer cares what any of the suiters say anymore.

Mrs. Elbakry

2/3/2015 11:16:57 am

Good analysis. I think you could have also said that the "jeering" showed what little respect the suitors had for Telemachus, which makes their fate that much more satisfying for both the characters and the reader. Also, "riveted" can connect to the fact that Telemachus is in awe of his father - having never really looked at him for very long. He is taking in this last moment before all hell breaks loose.

Lucas Kaine

1/29/2015 11:58:05 am

"a black day it was when he took ship to see that cursed city... destroy,, i call it- I hate to say its name!" Book 19 page 399 The words that i chose to analyze the diction in this quote is "destroy" and "cursed". These two words show how Penelope hates the battle of troy for taking Odysseus away from her and how much see wants him back. These words are used to show how much Penelope wishes that this day never occurred and showed dislike and ruefulness. She had a dreadful tone and scared that Odysseus would never come back. Finally, these words show that overall, Penelope wants her husband back and would do anything to forget all about troy and what it did to her.

Mrs. E

2/3/2015 11:38:35 am

Good analysis. Be a bit more explicit when analyzing each word, though. "Destroy" could have referred to the way losing Odysseus for so long destroyed his family. Also, "cursed" was exactly what Odysseus was for 20 years, left roaming without a way home.

Chris r link

1/29/2015 11:58:10 am

Odysseus looked to his son and said,"your guest,sitting here in your house,has not disgraced you. No missing the mark,look, and no long labor spent to string the bow. My strength's not broken yet,not quite so frail as the mocking suitors thought. But the hour has come to serve our masters right-supper in broad daylight-then to other revels,song and dancing, all that crowns a feast."
Pg. 438 lines. 471- 479

In this excerpt, Odysseus is telling Telemachus how he is weak but not as weak as the lazy suiters. He knows they can defeat all the suiters. They have abused their time there and are going to get the rightful punishment. Finally after years Odysseus can take back the throne as well as his beloved wife.

The diction I chose that Homer used are disgraced and masters. The reason being Odysseus has been disgraced by his crews and through many other obstacles and yet saying the suiters have not disgraced them. Also he uses masters as in gods although Odysseus dislikes the Gods and doesn't want to deal with them. Odysseus must have added these to show a sign of sarcasm in that both word choices do not match how Odysseus has come to be.

Mrs. E

2/3/2015 12:01:47 pm

Good defense of "masters." Interesting analysis and perception. Has he not shown sarcasm before, though? With the men taunting him to join the games? Your defense of "disgraced" is a bit unclear or possibly unfinished.

Hugh Devine IV

1/29/2015 11:58:23 am

Poor fools blind to the face
that all their necks were in the noose their doom sealed
with a dark look, the wily fighter Odysseus shouted back.

One word is Noose, this object is portrayed as something you use to either commit suicide or to execute someone, they all had their necks in a noose meaning their about to die.

When he said dark look, what he ment is the people were knowing that they had the noose around their neck so to speak and wernt doing anything about it.
Page 440 lines 34-36

Mrs. E

2/3/2015 11:36:20 am

Good analysis of "noose." However, "dark look" needs some work. Perhaps a different choice would have produced a deeper analysis. "Blind" would have been good to analyze further.

Zach Lanza

1/29/2015 11:58:53 am

"Odysseus, master of tactics, answered briskly, 'I and the prince will keep these brazen suitors crammed in the hall, for all their battle-furry. You two wrench Melanthius' arms and legs behind him, fling him down in the storeroom lash his back to a plank and strap a twisted cable fast to the scoundrel's body, hoist him up a column until he hits the rafters let him dangle in agony, still alive, far a good long time!'" (Homer 444 lines 178-186).

The word brazen used by Odysseus to describe the suitors means bold and without shame. This word helps to convey the conflict in the poem between Odysseus and the suitors. After Odysseus returns from Troy he finds out that the suitors have been trying to get his wife to marry one of them. Odysseus is not happy and decides to have surprise attack to get back at them. Odysseus uses this word in the middle of the battle with the suitors and Homer puts this in the poem at this point to show the hatred that Odysseus feels. He also uses scoundrel to convey the conflict even more. Odysseus uses it to describe one the suitors that he believes should suffer in pain hanging from the rafters because he is dishonest and a rogue.

Mrs. E

2/3/2015 10:42:38 am

Good analysis. I do wish you had explained "scoundrel" more thoroughly.

Katelyn Capodagli

1/29/2015 11:59:40 am

"A black day it was when he took ship to see that cursed city... Destroy, I call it-I hate to say its name!" Book 19

The first word that stuck out to me was "black," which in this case resembles evil or cursed. Homer uses "black" instead of just evil or cursed because it gives that impression that it brought sadness and grief into Penelope's life. Whenever Penelope tries to talk about it she always cries just thinking about not being able to see Odysseus again. The second word that I choose is "cursed" when it describes the city of Troy. Homer uses this word because not only was it the reason why Odysseus had to leave Ithaca, but also that because the amount of blood that was shed there, made the city considered cursed.These words relate to the conflict because if Odysseus never left for that "cursed" city then it would of never happened. Penelope has grown angry and cant even say the name of the city that Odysseus had to go to. Also because she might even blame herself for not saying anything the day he left.

Mrs. E

2/3/2015 10:25:50 am

Great connections to bigger picture. Nice work!

Mackenzie MCue

1/29/2015 12:00:14 pm

"This dream, Madam," replied Ulysses, "can admit but of one interpretation,
for had not Ulysses himself told you how it shall be fulfilled? The
death of the suitors is portended, and not one single one of them
will escape." Book 20

The two words I selected to analyze in this quotation are portended and escape. The meaning of portend is a sign or warning that something is likely to happen. In this section of The Odyssey the word portentended is being used to describe the potenital death of the suitors. The meaning of escape is to break free from confinement and control. In this quotation Ulysses is stating that the suitors will not esacape their death. Both of these word choices demonstrate that Ulysses has determintaion to kill the suitors.

Mrs. E

2/3/2015 11:03:40 am

You haven't really made a connection to a bigger picture idea. How does "escape" relate to the overall conflict of the story? What is Homer's message about fate? Can we escape it? In terms of "portend" - haven't all of the omens warned of Odysseus' return and the suitors' slaughter? Those are bigger picture ideas.

Nick Fedak

1/29/2015 12:05:39 pm

"Listen to me you suitors, who persist in abusing the hospitality of this house because its owner has been long absent, and without other pretext than that you want to marry me; this, then, being the prize that you are contending for, I will bring out the mighty bow of Odysseus, and whomsoever of you shall string it most easily and send his arrow through each one of twelve axes, him will I follow and quit this house of my lawful husband, so goodly, and so abounding in wealth. But even so I doubt not that I shall remember it in my dreams."
Chapter 21, line 78-92
The author uses certain word choices in this excerpt. For example, the word "persist" means continuing to exist or endure over a prolonged period. Homer could have used a word such as, push, but would not have the same tone or effect Penelope is showing in this text. It connects to the conflict by explaining how the suitors are selfishly staying their welcome at the house of Odysseus and this is strongly seen by Penelope and her son. Also, the word "pretext" means a reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason. The author used this word, other than excuse, to show there were other reasons the suitors wanted to marry Penelope other than the fact that king Odysseus was dead. However, the main reason was to gain the throne. Lastly, this relates to the conflict because Penelope is trying to explain to the suitors that besides any other reasons they would like to marry her, this is their chance.

Mrs. E

2/3/2015 10:50:18 am

Good defense of diction. Good connections to bigger picture.

Skylar

1/29/2015 12:08:08 pm

"So I finished it off. Against my will. They forced me.
And now I cannot escape a marriage, nor can I contrive
a deft way out. My parents urge me to tie the knot
and my son is galled as they squander his estate--
he sees it all. He’s a grown man by now, equipped
to tend to his own royal house and tend it well:
Zeus grants my son that honor …
But for all that—now tell me who you are.
Where do you come from? You’ve hardly sprung
from a rock or oak like some old man of legend.”
Chapter 19
The words i chose to analyze are "urge" and "escape." Urge can be seen as many different things. Urge means to persuade to do something. But almost forcefully. They urged him to do what he did. Against his will. They forced him into a marriage. The author wanted to show how much this guy didn't want this.He was showing how he wanted out. They showed his almost desperation in his words.
Escape is always used in almost scary situations. Suspenseful even. This guy wanted to escape. He didn't want to just leave. He needed to escape. Both words I used have desperation laced in them.

Mrs. E

2/3/2015 11:11:55 am

Considering you do not know who is speaking (Penelope), this is far from accurate analysis. SHE is being pressured, as she has the entire story, to marry against her will. This relates to her conflict within - does she hold out for her husband to return (the one sitting in front of her disguised as a beggar) or does she give in? Escape alludes to the fact that she feels trapped - as trapped as Odysseus once felt on Calypso's island and how he probably feels now because he cannot tell Penelope the truth.

Zach Falcon

1/29/2015 12:32:29 pm

"My name is nobody."

The two words I chose to analyze further with diction is name and nobody. These two words are quite controversial, yet in this quote, Homer makes them both combine into a clever statement Odysseus used to get away from the Cyclops. Name is a word people use to often remember something or a person, yet the word nobody is used when there is often a lack of people or somewhere is there is not a single person. This is a very clever saying that Odysseus used to escape the island with the Cyclops. Even though the statement when said normally is very controversial and confusing even, Homer used this as a powerful, meaningful statement that is a very strong example of diction

Mrs. E

2/3/2015 10:40:20 am

First, this is an excerpt well beyond the guidelines (Book 19-22). You made no explicit connection to conflict or character growth. You simply stated the obvious, that this was a clever trick. Connect these words to the bigger picture. Odysseus is anyone but nobody - his name is well known all over the world at this point. Legendary. Dig deeper into Homer's use of these words now.

Mariah Swiski

1/29/2015 12:44:55 pm

"The time had come. The goddess Athena was with her blazing eyes inspired Penelope, Icarius' daughter, wary, poised, to set the bow and the gleaming iron axes out before her suitors waiting in Odysseus' hall to test their skill and bring their slaughter on" (pg.424 lines1-5 book twenty-one)

"Wary" is used to show conflict because they chose not to believe that they would be in trouble or know how much trouble they are in because they are going against Odysseus.

"Slaughter" used to portray conflict by violent killing or the thought of violent killing. Slaughter means to kill for meat or to violently kill a large number of people. They're saying that they are going to test their skills and begin to slaughter their anger away.

Mrs. E

2/3/2015 11:06:48 am

You don't articulate your defense well. Who are "they?" Be specific, because it makes a difference in your argument. "Wary" is describing Penelope. Why would she be wary? What has caused her to feel this way? What conflict has left her in this condition? "Slaughter" pertains to the conflict yes, but in what capacity? You were on the right track in terms of animals....who is going to be slaughtered and who is doing the slaughtering? Connect to the bigger conflict at hand.

Alexandro Saenz

1/29/2015 01:23:15 pm

"That left the great Odysseus waiting in his hall as Athena helped him plot the slaughter of the Suitors. Now we must stow the weapons of reach, my boy, all the arms and armor-and when the suitors miss them and ask you questions, put them off with a winning story" (Chapter 19) (Page390) (Lines 1-6)

"Stow" - this word is being used by Odysseus to communicate to Telemachus what he needs to do with the Suitors weapons and armory .

"Slaughter"- this word is used to give detail upon what Odysseus and Athena were plotting for the Suitors.

Mrs. Elbakry

2/3/2015 11:19:42 am

Okay. This is still very surface level analysis. Dig deeper - how do these words connect to a bigger picture idea - conflict perhaps. What does the word "slaughter" tell you about the upcoming conflict? Why not just use the word "kill?" What could Homer be telling the reader about Odysseus's plans for the suitors and what he thinks of them?

jared williams

1/29/2015 01:41:29 pm

“That left the great Odysseus waiting in his hall,as Athena helped him plot the slaughter of the suitors, he turned at once to Telemachus, brisk with orders, ‘Now we must stow the weapons out of reach, my boy and ask you questions, put them off with a winning story. I stowed them away, clear of the smoke. A far cry from the arms Odysseus left when he went to Troy fire damaged equipment, black with reeking fumes and a god reminded me of something darker too. When you’re in your cups a quarrel might break out you’d wound each other, shame your feasting here, and cast a pall on your courting. Iron has powers to draw a man to ruin."
(Page 390 1-14)

Homer uses the word "slaughter" to show that Athena is helping him kill the suitors.

Homer uses the "brisk" to show that he is In a hurry and needs these things to be done fast.

Mrs. E

2/3/2015 12:05:08 pm

Your first analysis is a bit surface-level. We know the plan is to kill them. But what does it imply about Odysseus' feelings towards these men when Homer uses "slaughter" over "kill?" What are they to him? Your analysis of "brisk" was better, but expand on it. Why is he in a hurry? Connect it to a bigger picture idea.

Curtis Brolet

1/29/2015 02:09:25 pm

" He propped his father's weapon on the ground, tilting it up against the polished doors well-hung doors and resting a shaft aslant the bow's fine horn then went back to the seat he had left." (page 428 lines156-158)

Shaft- a narrow object
The shaft was of an arrow which was earlier mentioned by Odysseus as a shaft of pain which he would use later on his enemies.

Fine-of high quality
Fine describes Odysseus' bow which he treasures dearly and he would also use against his enemies.

Mrs. E

2/3/2015 11:32:10 am

You have made surface level connections to the text, but no deeper thinking connections. These word choices don't really lend themselves to a deeper level analysis. An different quotations would have served you better.

Jaden Diaz

1/29/2015 02:31:56 pm

“So she dissolved in tears, streaming down her lovely cheeks, weeping for him, her husband, sitting there beside her. Odysseus’ heart went out to his grief-stricken wife but under his lids his eyes remained stock-still- they might have been horn or iron- his guile fought back his tears. And she, once she’d had her fill of grief and weeping, turned again to her guest with this reply…” (Page 397 line 240 to 247).
When reading this quote from The Odyssey I noticed how Homer described the pain that not only Penelope felt, but also her husband, Odysseus. In book 19 Penelope is not aware that Odysseus is in disguise. She doesn’t have faith that her husband will ever be coming home any time soon. Her feelings about Odysseus are extremely vulnerable at this point in time. One of the word choices used in this quote from the book was “guile” fought against his tears. This stood out to me because it expresses that the only thing keeping Odysseus from exposing his identity is his cleverness (guile). Another word choice that blatantly stood out was when Homer described Odysseus’ eyes as being “stock-still” when gazing at Penelope. This demonstrates the deep love and compassion that he was forced to hide behind his eyes. Odysseus had no choice but to have an unadorned expression in order to protect himself from being recognized as her husband. I think that these words contribute to character growth because it allows Odysseus to realize that his love for Penelope is too irresistible to hide any longer. In fact, this might be one of the reasons why he finally gains the courage to reveal himself in book 22.

Mrs. E

2/3/2015 10:36:09 am

Very good analysis, Jaden!

jake suttile

1/30/2015 04:11:06 am

'' The time had come. The goddess with her blazing eyes inspired Penelope, Icarius' daughter, wary, poised, to set the bow and the gleaming iron axes out before her suitors waiting in Odysseus' hall-to test their skill and bring their slaughter on" (Pg. 424)

Homer uses "blazing eyes" to express the excitement in Athena. he also uses this to express that Athena is ready to watch Odysseus slaughter the suitors. This is also a metaphor by showing the "flame" in her eyes. Homer also uses " bring their slaughter on" to emphasize that a fight is coming and the suitors are about to die.

Mrs. E

2/3/2015 11:28:03 am

Good analysis of "blazing." I would go even further and say that she ignited the fight in all of the characters here. She is the reason this has culminated into this battle. "Slaughter" could have been analyzed a bit more deeply. Why not use the word "kill?" What does slaughter imply about Odysseus' feelings towards the suitors. Who are they to him?

Matt V.

2/18/2015 12:16:11 am

"The sons of Autolycus, working over Odysseus, skillfully binding up his open wound the gallant, godlike prince chanted an old spell that stanched the blood and quickly bore him home to their father's palace. There, in no time, Autolycus and the sons of Autolycus healed him well and, showering him with splendid gifts, sped Odysseus back to his land, Ithaca, a young man filled with joy."
(pg. 405 lines 515-523)

The words the author used that are important in seeing a characters growth in this story are "godlike" and "showering". "Godlike", to me, means that the person being described is very looked up at, almost like a god. In the passage Godlike is describing Odysseus when he was the Prince of Ithaca. This shows that in the story, before he went out to war, Odysseus was seen almost as a god. The word "showering" shows that Odysseus, when still prince, was well respected and liked. The word showering comes from the sentence "showering him with splendid gifts." this shows that Autolycus was giving him many, many gifts meaning he was very well liked as prince. Later on in the story the same thing shows, how Odysseus is loved in his home Ithaca.

Rebecca Rinaldi

2/22/2015 08:34:34 am

“My very words,
And despite their pride and passion they believed me.
So by day I’d weave at my great and growing web-
By night, by the light of torches set beside me,
I would unravel all I’d done. Three whole years
I deceived them blind, seduced them with this scheme.”
(chapter 19, page 395, lines 165-170)
In this excerpt, Homer uses diction to connect to the conflict. He uses the phrase “deceived them blind” to show how completely unaware they were to the Penelope avoiding the ultimate conflict of her having to marry one of them. They were not just tricked, they were misled for her advantage. Homer also uses the word seduced to show the character development. Penelope is so fed up at this point that she has to seduce the suitors to keep them away. By now, she is done with being walked on that she has decided to be a little more powerful with her ways. The word seduce is more powerful than other words such as trick or allure. The entire excerpt shows that Penelope is protecting herself and avoiding the conflict of marrying a suitor.

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English 9

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