The Parallel Verbs In Homer's The Odyssey

In The Odyssey, characters’ actions are described through parallel verbs in order to give readers a sense of the pain that is inflicted. Specifically during book 18, parallel verbs lead us to conclude that the suitors and Odysseus think of Irus as a object. This is important because it negatively impacts a reader's perspective on Odysseus and makes readers question his integrity. For example, Odysseus was “pounding Irus’ neck, / smashing the bones inside-- / suddenly red blood / came spurting out of his mouth,” (XVIII. 111-114). By using the parallel verbs, pounding, smashing and spurting, Fagles is describing the pain that Odysseus is inflicting upon Irus. These parallel verbs can show readers how Odysseus is aggressively hitting Irus as if

he was a object. This idea is shown because these verbs are so harsh that you would most likely not use any of these verbs when talking about a person. By aggressively inflicting pain on someone who obviously has already lost, Odysseus shows us readers how Irus to him is a game and if he causes more pain he will win more, even though Irus is just a person and no one deserves to be treated that way. In addition, the suitors are now compared to princes due to the fact that whatever Odysseus is doing makes the suitors seem like angels. Although they are compared to princes, parallel structure leads us readers to think of them inhumanely when they were “howling, teeth locked in a grin, / feet beating the ground-- / and the princely suitors, / flinging their hands in the air, died laughing” (XVIII 115-118). The verbs, howling, beating, flinging and laughing show disregard and neglect towards the object which is very disrespectful in general, but specifically in this case it is much worse since the “object” is a person., Also, the idea of Irus being compared to an object is seen in the last section of the quote when “Odysseus hauled him through the porch, across the yard to the outer gate, / heaped him against the courtyard wall, sitting slumped, / stuck his stick in his hand and gave him a parting shot” (XVIII. 117- 120). This quote additionally uses parallel structure by describing the efforts to get rid of Irus’ body. The parallel structure verbs used in this quote are hauled, heaped and slumped, which we usually use these verbs to describe throwing something out, specifically something with little to no value. By throwing Irus against the courtyard wall, this gives readers a feeling of hatred towards Odysseus because it leaves readers with a question of that he could do such a horrible thing to a human being.

Throughout making out film and script, we had to experience decision making on a creative standpoint.

As producers, we had to change ideas but also keep things similar so that people would be able to still follow the story. For example, we decided to keep Athena in the story and make sure that it was still evident that she used her powers to help Odysseus. We felt as if this was important because if Odysseus had done this one thing on his own, it would change our perspective on him. In The Odyssey, Athena’s role greatly affects Odysseus and a readers view on Odysseus, which is why we chose to keep Athena’s powers relative in the film. On the other hand, we chose to change the setting to a boxing arena and have it be apart of the official WBA (World Boxing Association). This change in setting shows the professional and seriousness of this boxing match. The seriousness of this boxing match is important because it gives us assurance about Odysseus’ ability to do something on his own. Athena also is shown as the shoulder he is leaning on for help and person who physically gives him motivation, which is important because it is a constant theme that we see through the poem. Overall, our project emphasizes the value of help from Athena in which Odysseus relies on, and is lost

without.