Abstract
The paper discusses why the Cyclops is renowned to be a horrible monster, but is represented in the text as a lovable shepherd and guardian. In order to solve this problem, the paper delves into Greek values and social status. It offers an extensive look at how the polarities in Homer's narrative are representative in many ways of the opposing lifestyles and expectations of the elite upper-classes and the working lower-classes in Ancient Greece.

From the Paper
"The way in which the Cyclops interacts with Odysseus is further evidence of what was truly monstrous to the elite Greeks. When Odysseus is caught by the Cyclops, he attempts to convince the creature to be kind to him and not harm any of his men by appealing to the will of the gods. Zeus, says Odysseus, takes travelers into his protection, and so should the Cyclops. However, Polyphemus responds defiantly. "Talk to me, indeed, about fearing the gods or shunning their anger? We Cyclopes do not care about [Zeus] or any of your blessed gods, for we are ever so much stronger than they." (Homer, Book IX) The fact that the Cyclopes do not fear and worship the gods, and believe themselves to be stronger than the gods themselves, is presented as monstrous behavior."

Tags:literature, Greek, upper, lower, class

Abstract
This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the film "O Brother, Where Art Thou" and the book "The Odyssey" by Homer. Specifically it discusses the Homeric parallels found in the film as compared with the book.

From the Paper
"From the opening of this unique film, there is something magical and mythical about it, from the three men's escape from the chain gang through a hazy, golden field of corn, to their eventual success as the Soggy Bottom Boys. Several characters (in quite different forms) make their way from the book "The Odyssey" into the film, and one of the first is the Blind Seer, who the boys encounter on a hand cart after they attempt to jump a train to make their escape. The Blind Seer is based loosely on the Blind Minstrel of Homer's work, who first portends Ulysses (Odysseus') eventual efforts to make his way home (Fitzgerald 127-130). The seer prophecies the men will "See a cow on a roof," and many other seemingly impossible wonders, but they all come true, a testament to the magic of the seer and his abilities. In the book, Homer portrays Ulysses as a very learned and erudite man, intent on his nostos, or "homecoming," and, although it is not clear at the start, this is Ulysses purpose in the film, as well. He tells his friends the reason is a great treasure, waiting for pick-up before the flood, but in reality, he knows his wife is going to remarry, and he will do anything to stop that, even break out of prison. Thus, both stories are tales of homecomings and happy endings, even though they take some convoluted paths to reach these conclusions."

Tags:relationship, characters, humourous

Abstract
This paper discusses how after his victory in the Trojan War, King Odysseus set sail for his home land of Ithaca. In particular it briefly looks at how along the way, he encountered many obstacles that delayed his journey home such as Calypso's island, the island of the Cyclops, and the land of the Laestrygonians. The writer concludes that through overcoming all these obstacles Odysseus became a great king.

From the Paper
"Odysseus began to set sail back to Ithaca after the Trojan War; however, his journey did not last long, as he found himself shipwrecked on a mysterious island soon afterwards. The nymph goddess Calypso inhabited the island, and had not seen a man for many years. She fell deep in love with Odysseus and held him captive on her island to be her lover. After eight years, the lightning god Zeus turned to his son Hermes to deliver a message to Calypso. "Announce to the nymph with lovely braids our fixed decree: Odysseus journeys home--the exile must return" (260). With that message, from the father of all the gods, Calypso freed Odysseus and helped him repair his ship so he could set sail once again back to Ithaca."

Tags:Calypso, Laestrygonians, Cyclops

Abstract
This essay focuses on Book IX from Homer's 'The Odyssey. The paper further addresses why this chapter proves we should study the ancients and what we can glean from it that may never have been relevant to the ancients. The essay maintains Odysseus' interaction with the Cyclops is meant to show metaphorically the need for a balanced character to attain the highest virtue.

From the Paper
" Homer's 'The Odyssey' conveys the journeys of Odysseus and his men as he encounters all manner of trials and tribulations including encounters with a number of monsters. One of the fiercest of these monsters is Polyphemus, a Cyclops who is the son of Poseidon, the great sea god. Ironically, though Polyphemus is a child of the gods he refuses to pay homage or reverence to them when Odysseus demands it of him. Ultimately Odysseus will use his courage and cunning to..."

Tags:monsters, gods, struggles, cunning, courage, wit, hubris, ideals, Martha Stewart, Poseidon, reverence, Homer

Abstract
This paper provides an analysis of how exploring alterity through the performances of actors wearing masks in Greek dramas performed at the City, Dionysia permitted Athenian audiences to be both entertained and instructed about important Greek values at the same time. Sophocles' "Oedipus the King" and Euripides' "Cyclops" are used to support the analysis.

From the Paper
"Athenian dramas deriving from the cult of Dionysius eventually evolved to include a chorus of approximately ... men and generally three actors who play multiple roles via the use of masks. These masks permitted actors to play the other something inherent in Greek dramas anyway, since women were not permitted as actors and males played female roles in plays from Euripides' "Medea" to Sophocles' "Oedipus the King". Masks facilitated the playing of the other, whether it was multiple roles, female roles or the more fantastic..."

Tags:satyr plays, tragedies, marriage, family, heroic, ideals, licentiousness

Abstract
This paper briefly looks at the plot of the epic saga, "The Odyssey". It examines the plot, which is about Odysseus, a clever and often an arrogant old soldier who fought in and won the Trojan War. He undergoes twenty years of an epic journey to return home to his wife and son. On way, he encounters a plethora of challenges, including a monstrous cyclops who devours men and many other incidents.

From the Paper
"The Odyssey is not a "novel". Had it been one, it would not be the "first novel in history", since it was predated by the Iliad, which was also not a novel. The Odyssey is a work of primary epic, such as Beowulf, Chanson de Roland and the Norse sagas (Hooker, World Cultures). It was composed in the 8th Century B.C., before the written alphabet had been introduced in Greece. As these facts are grasped, the way is clear for a true appreciation of exactly why this writing has gone on to become the most influential work of literature in all human history (Hooker, World Cultures)."

Tags:trojam, norse

Abstract
This paper will discuss the importance of the communities that were structured by Homer that brought to life the mission of Odysseus when he struggled to get home. The story of the Cyclops in the odyssey will be examined to show how community was more important that any wealth that Odyseus might have found in his adventures. This theory will be proven by Homers usage of Greek life, as way to make the superiority of Greek culture represent Odysseus's longing to go home.

Abstract
This paper reviews the classical Greek literary work, "The Odyssey" by Homer. The paper focuses on portraying the message that personal growth is achieved by learning from the different tests and experiences thrown one's way. The writer describes the journeys of the main character, Odysseus, illustrating how he grows spiritually with each hurdle that he overcomes.

From the Paper
"Particularly, in Homer's Odyssey, the outstanding character with his loyalty, bravery, and cleverness has found the path for his personal growth. Odysseus has to pass several quests during his way back home, for the example, the Circe, land of Cyclops, and Sirens. Throughout the testing by the gods Odysseus grows spiritually and proves to be a smart and powerful opponent. During every journey, Odysseus grows stronger on the inside, where it counts the most."

Tags:odysseus, cyclops, sirens, circe, gods, poseidon, antinous, greek

Abstract
The paper analyzes "The Odyssey" a poetic play written by Homer. It shows how important relationships with the gods were to the central character, especially the relationships with the gods Poseidon and Athena who play the parts of good and evil.

From the Paper
"Poseidon is vengeful and full of hate for Odysseus. In the end, he is the god who is not successful, for he does not keep Odysseus from completing his journey. Athena is still friends with Odysseus, and at the end, we are left to think that she will continue to play an important role in his life, and in that of his son. Therefore, without the gods, Odysseus might never have completed his journey, but he also would not have learned more about himself, and his strengths and weaknesses. The gods were crucial to the story, as crucial as Odysseus himself."

Tags:Odysseus, Zeus, Cyclops, Polyphemus, Troy, Telemachus, Ithaca, Circe, Penelope.

Abstract
The paper shows that Homer's "Odyssey" makes clear the place food and eating have in the world of the ancient Greeks and also hints at deeper metaphorical meanings of eating and drinking. It discusses that of the myriad roles food and drink serve in the Odyssey, festivity and friendship remain the most salient.

From the Paper
"Book 7 of Homer's Odyssey offers a different insight into the role of food in ancient Greek culture. Food and drink are clearly offerings to the gods here as acts of devotion. The Lotus Eaters are a prime example of the spiritual nature of food. In Book 9, the Lotus Eaters provide metaphorical meaning to eating: the flower on which they feast is esoteric. It is like a drug and induces delirium and forgetfullness. Eating the lotus is not so much an act of devotion as it is an act of avoidance here. Ulysses, grounded in his journey, moves swiftly away from the mysterious Lotus Eaters, who enchanted many of Ulysses's men."

Tags:Cyclops, Lotus-Eaters, Alcinous, Demodocus, King, Menelaus