Disguises in Homers Odyssey Essay - 954 Words

Disguises in Homers Odyssey In Homers Odyssey, disguises help convey a false identity that assist the characters in accomplishing their plans. Each disguise has its own purpose, such as Athenes image as Mentor to advise Telemachos. Her purpose was to assist and encourage Telemachos into searching news of his long lost father without revealing her true identity of divinity. Being old and wise, and especially male, helps put more power behind the words spoken by Mentor because men were received with greater influence than women were. Similar, Odysseus, through his clever use of false storytelling and disguises as nobody and a vagabond, is able to safely return to Ithaka and slaughter the reckless suitors.†¦show more content†¦First of all, Odysseus is deemed a hero in the eyes of the Achaians. His intelligent mind renders him a heroic figure among his people. Although he has killed many people, his actions are deemed justifiable because the suitors were reckless in their action against his househol d. He is praised by Athene for his ability to quickly devise a false tale. In the Achaian world, intelligence is more highly treasured then a hard working man. Odysseus cleverness makes him godlike and comparable to the immortals, and he even had opportunities to be among the immortals, as exemplified by Kalypsos offer for eternal life and youth. Despite the fact that he is cheating on his wife, an amoralistic act, Odysseus is still regarded as a great man; glorious and honorable. Contrast to the modern American view of evil, Odysseus blinding of Polyphemus is not an evil act, but rather one that is praised for its cleverness. Odysseus nobody trick has proved to save his life. Although his goal was to survive, Odysseus abandoned his morals of honesty to accomplish the feat. By identifying himself as nobody, he fooled Polyphemus, but he also hid his true identity, which is lying and deceiving. He actually degraded his manhood by disguising himself mentally. Ironically, Odysseus escapes not as a manly warrior, but rather as a sheep. After leaving the cave, he wants to redeem himselfShow MoreRelated Use of Disguise in Homer’s Odyssey Essay2154 Words   |  9 PagesUse of Disguise in Homer’s Odyssey   Ã‚  Ã‚   The difference between a wise and a foolish decision is often found in discerning when to conceal and when to reveal. This discretion in concealing and revealing is a major theme within The Odyssey. There is a proper time to deceive and a proper time to tell the truth; thus, it is crucial that one act accordingly. This importance is exemplified in Odysseus life. When he is discreet in his timing, he achieves his goal. One example of this is the TrojanRead More Use of Disguises in Homers Odyssey Essay986 Words   |  4 PagesUse of Disguises in Odyssey      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The characters use of disguises in Homers Odyssey is a crucial element that helps to catalyze the victory of good over evil.   Each disguise is unique, created for a specific purpose.   Before she talks to Telemachos, Athena disguises herself as a wise old man in order to ensure that her words carry weight and are taken seriously.   She knows that she must assist and encourage Telemachos into searching for his long lost father without revealing her divineRead MoreEssay about Use of Disguise in Homers Odyssey1056 Words   |  5 PagesThe Use of Disguise in Odyssey       In Homers Odyssey, the use of disguise to help convey a false identity assists the characters in accomplishing their plans.   Without the use of disguise it would thwart Odyssey’s attempts at arriving back to his homeland. 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Homer portrays the females in contradictory ways: the characters of Athena and Eurykleia are given strong, admirable roles whileRead More The Role of Women in the Odyssey Essay1212 Words   |  5 PagesWomen in The Odyssey Homer wrote the classic epic The Odyssey more than 2,500 years ago. At that time in ancient Greek society, as well as in the whole of the ancient world, the dominant role was played by men. Society was organized, directed, and controlled by men, and it was accepted that women occupied a subservient and inferior position. Women, of course, were valued, but were expected to possess certain traits and perform certain tasks that men demanded of them. Does Homers writing in The