The Odyssey' places emphasis on cunning and guilefulness rather than strength as in the former epic; elucidated in Odysseus' dealings with Poseidon's son, the Cyclops Polyphemus. Compelled

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Jayesh Taunk

Ms. Andrews

October 14, 2005

IB English HL1

The Odyssey – Written Commentary

Narrative Section: The Epos

Key Passage: Book IX 394-449

Composed approximately in 700 B.C., Homer’s epic narrative, ‘The Odyssey’ depicts the homeward voyage of the legendary Greek hero Odysseus. The Epos, commonly known as “The Wanderings of Odysseus” are the protagonists’ recounting of his perilous misadventures to King Alcinous of the Phaecians; to date, the most celebrated and noted section of the great epic. Contrasting ‘The Iliad’, ‘The Odyssey’ places emphasis on cunning and guilefulness rather than strength as in the former epic; elucidated in Odysseus’ dealings with Poseidon’s son, the Cyclops Polyphemus. Compelled by curiosity to explore the island, Odysseus opts to refrain from pillaging a discovered cave glutted with provisions, choosing to his crew’s dismay to linger and test the inhabitant’s hospitality rather than scuttling to the ships. Holding no interest in civility or hospitality, the insidious Polyphemus entraps Odysseus and his men cannibalistically consuming them. Utilizing his guile Odysseus initiates through a chain of events his masterful plan of escape. This passage, illustrating the most renowned example of Odyssean cunning is vital to ‘The Odyssey’ because it exemplifies through motifs and literary devices the major themes of deception and cunning over strength.

A critical component of the passage supported by motifs, the theme of deception helps to reaffirm the extract’s importance to ‘The Odyssey’ as a whole. Through the employment of deception, supported by the motifs of lies, Odysseus’ Machiavellian trick ensures not only immediate, but future security. Questioned as to his name, Odysseus conscious of the imperative importance to his greater plan of escape cleverly lies, “My name is Nohbdy” (397); the sole reason for his survival. Blinded, Polyphemus’ howl beckons the other Cyclops who ask inquisitively of the screams. Appealing for help he cries: “Nohbdy, Nohbdy’s tricked me, Nohbdy’s ruined me!” (443) But told that nobody’s tricked him, the other Cyclops return to their slumber. Had Odysseus never implanted his initial lie, an act of consummate deception and deceitfulness, his fate would have been sealed with the Cyclops brethren entering to identify the attacker. Not only representing the power of deception, but more importantly supporting the major theme of cunning over strength, the theme of deception is vital in emphasizing the extract’s importance.

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Essential to the passage, the extensive imagery and repeated motifs support the underling theme of the extract. Percolating with grotesque imagery unlike any other in ‘The Odyssey’, it serves to underlie the affect of cunning and intelligence over strength. A gargantuan barbarian “[dribbling] streams of liquor and bits of men” (405), Polyphemus’ cannibalism and dominance over his prisoners is clearly outlined. But then when blinded, immense accompanying graphic imagery such as: “Eyelid and lash were seared; the pierced ball / hissed broiling, and the roots popped” (422-423) conveys the critical message that it was Odysseus’ intelligence and resourcefulness, not his ...

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