OPPapers.com Essay Index >> English >> Odyssey
We have many free term papers and essays on Odyssey. We also have a wide variety of research papers and book reports available to you for free. You can browse our collection of term papers or use our search engine.
The Odyssey - Gender Roles. The Odyssey is the product of a society in which
the dominant role was played by men. In ancient Greece ...
Odyssey. Odyssey was Seduced and ?Set off the path? by many things. ... Zeus then sends
Hermes to convince calypso to let odyssey build a ship and return home. ...
The Odyssey And The Epic Of Gilgamesh. ... In both epics these themes are illustrated.
In The Odyssey the theme of nostro is very prevalent in this epic. ...
The Odyssey And The Epic Of Gilgamesh. ... In both epics these themes are illustrated.
In The Odyssey the theme of nostro is very prevalent in this epic. ...
Telemakhos's personal odyssey. ... The Odyssey is reveals a series of great adventures
that crosses upon Odysseus? path as he returns home from the Trojan War. ...
Submitted by Scotch9585 on December 5, 2006
Category: English
Words: 869 | Pages: 4
Views: 116
Popularity Rank: 67,439
Average Member Grade: N/A (Add a Comment / Grade this Paper)
Throughout Homer's epic work, The Odyssey, Odysseus encounters temptations of beautiful women and the promise of immortality. Under the price of having to sacrifice his manhood, Odysseus is willing to abandon his homeland, one of the ways in which manhood was defined in the ancient world, to live in eternal bliss. Calypso, Circe, and the Sirens are all examples of the beautiful women whom Odysseus must face and overcome in order to return to his native land. Although each temptress implores different methods of enticement, a common goal of detaining Odysseus from returning home is prevalent; however through failing efforts and intervention of the gods, the constant prodding of Odysseus' crew, or prior knowledge of the situation, Odysseus prevails over the enchantresses' temptations, allowing Odysseus to return to his homeland, once again regaining his identity as a man.
You must Login to view the entire paper.
The episode involving the beautiful nymph, Calypso, relies on the intervention of the gods to rescue Odysseus from her enticing actions. With divine power on his side, Odysseus gains the right to return home and regain his identity as a man and as a leader. For seven years, Calypso has lured Odysseus to "lay with her each night, for she compelled him" (V. 164). Using her beauty while possessing hopes of making Odysseus her husband, the enchantress becomes overly distressed when the gods announce that she must release Odysseus and permit him to return to his homeland. Reluctant to let him go, Calypso promises Odysseus immortal life if he chooses to stay with her.
Without the divine intervention, Calypso would have continued to hold Odysseus captive on her island. The gods, instructing the beautiful nymph to release him, possess power to demand her, the power that Calypso cannot challenge. Although Calypso attempts to convince Odysseus to stay, with visions of regaining his identity in sight, he declines her offer of immortal life and chooses to leave the island.
If you are not a member yet, Sign Up for free!