"Odyssey"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how Homer's "Odyssey" deals with many themes and how one of the most predominant of them is that of concealment. It looks at how Homer employs concealment in a number of different ways and for the most part, each instance is done to aid Odysseus in his struggle to return home. It evaluates how concealment is basically a product of wit or knowledge and, for the purposes of this paper, it argues that Homer uses concealment to emphasize the knowledge of Odysseus, Penelope and the Gods. It also argues that Homer is asserting knowledge as the most beneficial and desirable attribute for an individual.

From the Paper:

"Homer gives Odysseus the benefit of disguise for a couple of reasons. Firstly, because Homer has placed such tremendous odds against Odysseus's favor. There are nearly fifty suitors, and only Odysseus and Telemachus to contend against them. Homer knows that physical strength is not enough for his hero to win back his household, so he instills in Odysseus certain wittiness, or cleverness. The act of concealment is essentially a means of showing that Odysseus was smarter than his opponents. By doing this, Homer creates a better-rounded image of Odysseus. Not only his he mighty in strength and knowledge, but he is also clever. He can outfight and outwit any man, and this is why we see him fit to be a true hero."

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• Analytical Essay # 136165 : "Who Wrote the "Odyssey" and the "Iliad"?"
• Comparison Essay # 6789 : "The Odyssey" and "The Mill on the Floss"

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