Odysseus Unmasks
In Robert Fitzgerald's translation of the Odyssey, many scenes exist that parallel, predict, and contrast each other in various ways. For example, the self-revelation scene in book IX from line 548 to line 592 where Odysseus announces his name to the Kyklopes, and also in book XXII from line 36 to line 84 when he reveals his identity to the suitors in his great hall. These two scenes closely relate to one another in both similar and contrasting ways. Both scenes are based primarily on the self-revelation of Odysseus and tend to differ regarding the times at which Odysseus introduces himself, and the overall effect the revealing aspects have on Odysseus, be it positive or negative; however, they are also similar in that they both result in identical responses from his adversaries and portray the glory of battle. In order to completely analyze these two closely related scenes, one must consider both the differences between them as well as their similarities. One of the primary differences between the scenes in which Odysseus reveals his identity to Kyklops and to the suitors is the time at which Odysseus chooses to do so. When dealing with Kyklops, he does not reveal himself until after he h
The two scenes described above in which Odysseus reveals his identity to both Kyklops in book IX and the suitors in book XXII parallel each other in the element of self-revelation we see throughout the story of Odysseus. Under careful analysis these two scenes seem to differ in the times that Odysseus chooses to reveal himself regarding the respective fights, and in the effects this self-revelation has on Odysseus. On the other hand, these same scenes contain strong similarities in the ways in which Odysseus' adversaries respond to his identity, and in the portrayal of the theme concerning the glory of battle. Homer very clearly uses these self-revelation scenes to develop strength and confidence in the Odysseus character, while still presenting some interesting differences in such a seemingly similar pair of scenes. Odysseus also confidently claims that he is going to kill every suitor in the hall at the same time that he introduces himself as King. When Odysseus fights in both of these scenes he does not hesitate to emotionally identify himself as a champion so that the loser will know who has beaten him, thereby gaining his glory on the battlefield. This theme of the glory of battle can be seen throughout this story, but is clearly shown in the way in which Odysseus reveals himself in these two particular scenes. "felt their knees fail, and their hearts"(22.72), and entered into battle with Odysseus in fear, which swayed the odds in his favor. This was the right time for Odysseus to reveal himself in that it struck fear into their hearts bringing a lack of confidence on the suitors' parts. Revealing himself and starting the fight at this time also forced them to fight him without any weapons or a way out. Had he waited for another time or place, the suitors may have been able to flee or reach for their spears and shields immediately. Although these two scenes which concentrate on Odysseus' self-revealing moments tend to differ in a couple of ways, they also tend to contain certain similarities between them. In both of the discussed scenes, Odysseus introduces himself to his adversaries in a very boisterous and forceful manner. He does it with absolute confidence and power as though there is no way his enemies will ever defeat him. When O
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Approximate Word count = 1533
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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