Reading Journal: The Odyssey, Books 1-8
What caught my attention in The Odyssey was the symbolism that was incorproated towards the Sea. The sea seems to symbolize hardships, in the way that the people believe it causes trouble. For example, “he might be lost at sea, just like Odysseus, knocking around in a ship, far from his friends. And what a lot of trouble that would give us (Book 2, line 350). This delineates how the sea can influence concerns because you have no idea where you are and you are far from your people. Not only that, but the sea also symbolizes the powers the God’s have over the humans, and its division. In book five, it states “the gods have changed their minds about Odysseus, look at him now, just offshore of that island that frees him from the bondage of his exile!” (Book 5, line 300). This is conveying the powers the Gods’ have over the humans because they are capable of punishing them and also bringing them back on their feet, if they are forgiven. It emphasizes the division between the real world and the world where a person is punished and the Gods’ have ultimate control over the humans because it emphasizes their weakness against the gods.
In addition, Odysseus is heroic because the people refer to him as a King due to his accomplishments. As an example, “Could I forget that Kingly Man, Odysseus? There is no mortal half so wise; no mortal gave so much to the lords of open sky” (Book 1, line 87-89). This portrays Odysseus as a brave, hero that cannot be forgotten. In spite of Odysseus being depicted heroic, he was also depicted sensitive because he still demonstrated his feelings. In book eight, it reveals ” let the bright molten tears run down his cheeks, weeping the way a wife mourns for her lord on the lost field” (Book 8, lines 560-562). This reveals how Odysseus is not afraid of showing his feelings, and alongside being heroic, he is also sensitive. This caught my eye, because I like how the author balances Odysseus’s character by illustrating him, well rounded (sensitive and heroic).
