Why book XI of the Odyssey was my favourite
The Book XI Odysseus by Homes is my favorite. It is a reference to Polyphemus; his story is previously narrated in book IX. In this Book people are confronting him for his past, present and future. He is puzzled and confused and seems to change with every confrontation by different characters who address him. All of the fundamentals of this Book show how pivotal the book is in Odysseus’s voyage back to Ithaca and in demonstration of his character. Homer emphasizes the most significant themes that recur. Throughout the statements there is a demonstration that Odysseus can continue to Ithaca using the ideas seen all through Book XI. The most recurring theme in Book XI is Hospitality though it also occurs in many other Books of Homes, The Odyssey. The soldiers are shown to provide hospitality towards the Hades and the Persephone through sacrifices. This is to allow Odysseus to visit the Underworld.
The Book XI set the precedent for numerous emulated epic conventions of the later ages: the expedition to the Underworld. The Virgil would echo much from Homer when relating Aeneas’ voyage to Valhalla and the Dante would devote his entire to the motif. However, for Homer, the scenery characterizing Odysseus down amid the spirits of the dead present a different purpose. This gives an allowance for the poet to compress report on new characters amidst his narrative. The visit to the underground is an illustration of irony in Book XI. The main reason why Odysseus’s men and he are in this situation is because they refused to sacrifice for the Poseidon as supposed. During this time, conversely, Odysseus had to do as instructed by Kirke. He gave offerings of fresh to gods. This was to pale Persephone giving Odysseus an allowance to reach Hades where he had to learn his future. Homes demonstrate fate to be the most authoritative theme in the Greek Culture, as expressed in Book XI.
The whole essence of Book XI involves Odysseus journey to the Underworld. He was going to gain knowledge of his and his mates’ fate. To begin with, Odysseus travels to Teiresias to be familiar with his fate. Teiresias informs him of how he will return to Ithaca safely. He was also informed about the suitors he would meet in his house and the manner in which he will destroy the suitors. Teiresias also informed Odysseus on how he will ultimately die.
After Teiresias enlightens Odysseus with the information he requires, he tells him that all that shall be just as he had foretold. “He assured Odysseus that he will take his fate accurately.” In Book XI, Homer puts emphasis on loyalty in this book by the use the ghost of the Elpenor. When Odysseus is confronted with the reality that a member of his crew has died without of his consent, he guarantees Elpenor of a proper burial, demonstrating his loyalty following his return through sending.
The book indicates that although Telemachus is young, his is still accorded the royal honors, in the palace and portrayed as a representative of the king. He is demonstrated to be in his med to late teen though his age is no well defined. Homes links between Penelope and Clytemnestra and compared directly with the Orestes and Telemachus. Aga-mem-non just brings about a model that was brought about by other characters in the Odysseus concerning the commanders’ fate.
Most probably the most profound message brought about by the homers in the underground scenes props up in the interrogations with Achilles. He has a high regard for Achilles’ power to govern his fellow Greeks even after death, something that is sharply rebuked by Achilles. (XI. 488–91) Homer’s greatest expression of life’s immeasurable value is demonstrated here: the modest quandary of living is superior to the majority fortunate circumstances of the dead.
Work cited
Alexander, Pope. The Odyssey of Homer. London: Ingram, Cooke, and Co.,227 Stranded, 1853.
11 Nov. 2010. <http://www.greekmythology.com/Books/Odyssey/O_Book_XI/o_book_xi.html>