Free Essays on Homer's Odyssey: Book 5

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Odyssey Book 5

The beginning of the Odyssey portrays the chaos in Ithaca and the uncertainty and turmoil of Odysseus family as they have longingly awaited his return. Book 5 finally introduces Odysseus and his captor Calypso. The beginning of the novel illustrates how Odysseus is torn between the charm and will of Calypso and the love and loyalty to the family he has left behind. Calypso is described as beautiful; her island as a virtual Eden and her home a magnificent palace that awes even the gods themselves. Before Hermes delivers the order to release Odysseus he gazes in wonder of Calypso’s abode.

Calypso offers Odysseus immortality, to live the life of a god for all eternity in paradise with her. Along with the offer Calypso questions Odysseus on how his family could ever compare to her and immortality. Odysseus refuses Calypso because he is loyal to his wife and son and feels that there is nothing greater than to see them again. Odysseus gives up Utopia and divinity for the loyalty to his home and family, Even though he has no idea whether anyone he knows is still alive or whether or not his wife and son have waited for him. Both Penelope and Odysseus demonstrate such trust in each other that they wait ten years for each other not knowing what has happened to the other.

The beginning of the book continues to reinforce the idea that Calypso island is a Utopia through vivid illustrations of a place of beauty and perfection to thoroughly demonstrate that Odysseus will overcome any obstacle or give anything to reach home.

Book 5 ends foreshadowing what trouble may lie ahead for Odysseus as Poseidon intends to thwart every attempt that Odysseus makes at trying to get home.

The role of judgment and reason in books 5-8 of the Odyssey

In Books 5-8 of the Odyssey there is a central theme involving importance of the reason and how it pertains to judgment and moral behavior and the essence of someone’s character. The theme is shown in every action of the characters, especially Odysseus.

The first books of the Odyssey begin by introducing the suitors as unruly and animalistic because of their lack of sound judgment. The suitors’ actions demonstrate the result of the absence of reason and rather the attention only to pleasure. The suitors actions lead to the despair of Odysseus family and Ithaca as well as the slow destruction of Odysseus home.

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