The Odyssey By Homer -- Book 11
What lesson does Odysseus learn about himself?
How has it strengthened his resolve to return to Ithaka?
http://www.online-literature.com/homer/odyssey/11/
from http://www.online-literature.com/homer/odyssey/
In this book there are predictions for Ulysses (Odysseus) by Teiresias, a famous seer.
Then Ulysses talks with his dead mother's ghost, who basically asks him why he's dilly-dallying -- why hasn't he gone home to his wife and son. He sees other ghosts, some of famous men he has actually known.
Be sure to read the book carefully in order to answer your questions.
=)
Thanks, I have read it through, it just doesn't all connect so easily for me. I get that the conversation with his mom is important and all, but I don't necessarily see why all the other conversations with people from the Iliad made him learn a lesson. Blech. My brain isn't working today. :)
Thanks again.
You might also find some help at http://www.sparknotes.com/lit
and/or
http://www.bookrages.com
and/or
http://www.pinkmonkey.com
Sorry -- that second one should be
http://www.bookrags.com
To find the answer to your question, we can turn to Book 11 of "The Odyssey" by Homer. In this book, Odysseus travels to the Underworld and encounters various shades of the dead, including his mother and noted heroes from the Trojan War. This journey serves as a turning point for Odysseus, where he gains important insights about himself and his determination to return to Ithaka.
1) The lesson Odysseus learns about himself: During his encounter with the shade of his mother, Anticleia, Odysseus learns that his absence and longing for home have caused her premature death. This realization weighs heavily on him. He expresses deep regret for not being there to care for his mother during her final moments and experiences great remorse. This lesson teaches him the importance of family, the consequences his actions can have on his loved ones, and the realization that his quest for glory and adventure should not overshadow his responsibility as a husband, son, and father.
2) How it strengthens his resolve to return to Ithaka: Odysseus' encounter with the dead heroes in the Underworld also inspires him to persist in his journey home. He witnesses the shades of renowned warriors, such as Achilles and Ajax, who achieved eternal fame but express regret for the lack of a simple and ordinary life. This realization helps Odysseus appreciate the value of his homeland, Ithaka, and the importance of ordinary human connections. It strengthens his resolve to return to Penelope, his faithful wife, and Telemachus, his son. The visit to the Underworld acts as a catalyst for Odysseus to prioritize his responsibilities and find renewed determination to overcome the numerous challenges he faces on his journey back home.
In summary, Odysseus learns the importance of family, the consequences of his absence, and the value of a simple and ordinary life during his journey to the Underworld. This realization strengthens his resolve to return to Ithaka, as he now understands the significance of his loved ones and the importance of fulfilling his responsibilities as a husband, son, and father.