1. In "The Odyssey" by "Homer" - How does Penelope show her intellectual capabilities and cunning?
2. What is the comparison being made in this epic simile from “The Odyssey”
“…its crackling roots blazed and hissed – as a blacksmith plunges a glowing ax or adze in an ice-cold bath and the metal screeches steam and its temper hardens – that’s the iron’s strength – so the eye of Cyclops sizzled round that stake.”
Thank you :)
The Odysseyis an epic, a long narrative poem about the deeds of gods or heroes who embody the values of the culture of which they are they are a part. The oldest epics were transmitted orally and the Odyssey has traits (see the epithet) that suggest that it has roots in this tradition.Epic HeroThe central hero of an epic, the epic hero has larger-than-life powers. Achilles fulfills this role in the Iliad; Odysseus in the Odyssey. Epic heroes are not perfect. Achilles is stubbornly proud over a long period of time;Odysseus has lapses in judgment. Nevertheless, epic heroes always seem to have an abundance of courage, a fighting spirit that endears them both to the reader (listener) and the gods.EpithetsHomer repeatedly describes many of his characters or objects in his story with the same phrase. This phrase is called an epithet. Epithets are common epic elements which allow the reader to easily identify the character or object. Epithets stress a quality of what they are describing. The same character often is given several different epithets. The epithet was used as by oral poets to help them "catch their breath" whenever they mention a major figure or describe something familiar and recurring. The epithets were not used to illustrate a specific aspect of the figure at the moment he (she) is being spoken of, but were chosen to fit the meter of the line. Many translators, however, like to fit the epithet to an aspect of the character that is relevant to the moment. Examples of epithets used in the Odyssey are: "The great tactician" -This term creates the image of Odysseus as being intelligent, and probably comes his being the initiator of the idea for the "Trojan horse.""The clear eyed goddess" -This helps the reader imagine that Athena is alert, and wise -farseeing. Here are some more epithets: "The man of twists and turns" ( Odysseus) "wine-dark sea " "The bewitching nymph" (Calypso) "Son of Cronos" (Zeus) "Who marshals the thunderheads" (Zeus) "Cool headed" (Telemachus) "Lord of the war cry" (Menelaus)Narrative driftHomer is constantly interrupting the narration to elaborate on an aspect of what he is talking about; if he mentions a gift of wine, he will explain not only the history of the gift but the history of the giver. He rarely introduces a character without alluding to that character's genealogy and often follows this with an aside in the form of a story that is told with the same vividness as the main story. The most celebrated of these asides is the story of how Odysseus received the scar that Eurycleia recognizes in book 19. Just a little info on the web to read!
1. In "The Odyssey" by Homer, Penelope, the wife of the epic's protagonist Odysseus, demonstrates her intellectual capabilities and cunning in various ways throughout the story. Here are a few examples:
- Through her loyalty and faithfulness: Despite being surrounded by suitors who believe Odysseus is dead and vying for her hand in marriage, Penelope remains steadfast in her belief that her husband is still alive. To delay choosing a suitor, she comes up with a clever plan. She announces that she will choose a husband once she finishes weaving a burial shroud for Odysseus's father. However, she secretly undoes the weaving every night, prolonging her decision and maintaining hope for her husband's return.
- By testing Odysseus: When Odysseus finally returns disguised as a beggar, Penelope is cautious and doubtful of his true identity. To test him, she challenges him to string Odysseus's bow and shoot an arrow through twelve axe handles. This test not only displays her shrewdness but also helps to ensure Odysseus's safety by revealing his true identity only to those who are worthy and loyal.
- Through her diplomatic skills: Penelope shows her intelligence when she interacts with the suitors, using diplomacy and clever words despite her vulnerable position. Her speeches often leave the suitors undecided, creating tension and buying more time for Odysseus's return.
Overall, Penelope's intellectual capabilities and cunning are demonstrated through her loyalty, testing Odysseus, and diplomatic skills, making her a crucial character in the epic.
2. The comparison being made in the epic simile you provided from "The Odyssey" is between the sizzling of the Cyclops' eye, as it burns from the stake being thrust into it, and the screeching sound produced when a blacksmith plunges a glowing ax or adze into an ice-cold bath, causing the metal to steam and harden. The simile emphasizes the intensity and heat of the Cyclops' eye burning, comparing it to the extreme temperature change in the blacksmith's metalworking process.
To understand the comparison in any given epic simile, it can be helpful to break it down into its components. In this case, focus on the action or element being described (the sizzling of the Cyclops' eye) and the comparable action or element (the screeching sound when a blacksmith's tool is plunged into a cold bath). As you analyze the simile, pay attention to the specific details and language used to draw the comparison between the two.