Odyssey Thematic Analysis

Overall Theme: In my opinion, the theme of The Odyssey is to heed your elder's warnings and advice.

PIE #1: Book 12; The Cattle of The Sun.
                     In this Book, Odysseus and his crew arrive on Thrinicia, The island of the sun, after Eurylochus persuades them to stay. A storm soon comes in and beaches Odysseus and his crew for a whole month, during this month they completely deplete their provisions. They soon find themselves in a position where they must kill and eat the Cattle of The Sun to survive, despite Odysseus' strong warnings against it and orders to not kill the Cattle, the crew are persuaded once again by Eurylochus. "Then in the same breath Zeus hit the craft with a lightning bolt[. . .]shipmates pitched out of her, cutting short their journey home forever." (Pg. 284 Ln.447-552). Helios was angered deeply by the crew eating his cattle so he told Zeus to punish them. This connects to the theme because if the crew had listened to Odysseus and not eaten the cattle they would have lived. Even if it seems like a little issue, elders generally view things in the "big picture," taking their advice and warnings to heart can save you in the long run in many situations.

PIE #2: Book 16; Father and Son.
                     In Book 16, Telemachos and Odysseus are plotting to kill the suitors. At first Telemachos disagrees with Odysseus' plan and suggests a more direct approach, but Odysseus assures him that if he were to act on his plan to charge in and kill all of them, he would surely die. Telemachos listens to him and it was a good thing that he did.  Odysseus says, "If we pit ourselves against all these in a house, I fear the revenge you come back home to take will recoil on our heads- a bitter, deadly blow." (Pg. 346 Ln. 284-286). This quote connects to the theme because Odysseus is explaining why charging in guns blazing would be a bad idea. Telemachos appreciates the wisdom Odysseus has, and acts on the plan his father has proposed. Listening to Odysseus definitely saved Telemachos' life.

PIE #3: Book 22; Slaughter in the Hall.
                     Book 22 picks up after Odysseus has strung the bow, but hasn't revealed himself yet. Soon after stringing the bow, Odysseus kills Antinoos with it and reveals himself. Eurymachos tries to reason with Odysseus and asks him what they did wrong and if they can live. Odysseus replies "No Eurymachos! Not if you pay me all your father's weath...not even then would i stay my hands from slaughter till all you suitors pay for your crimes." (Pg. 441 Ln. 66-68). Odysseus' punishment for the suitors holds strong because while he was away they took advantage of his palace. This is a superb example of what can happen when you don't heed warnings from elders, though it may be a bit extreme.
                    
                   

Odyssey Reaction Blog

1. According to books I and II of The Odyssey it is my opinion that Telemachus is indeed a hero because of the Call To Adventure. On lines 322-323 of Book I, Mentes speaks to Telemachus, "Fit out a ship with twenty oars, the best in sight, sail in quest of news of your long-lost father." The call to adventure is for Telemachus to go to Ithaka to find his father.
2. According to books I and II of The Odyssey it is my opinion that Odysseus is not a hero because he hasn't done much yet in the story except wait around. Though he faced some ordeals and tests, none would be heroic, I think. He's stranded on Ogygia since the beginning of book I all the way through II and does nothing, therefore I Don't believe he is a hero... yet.