Literary Criticism Of The Odyssey - 1604 Words

Assessment Task 1: Essay on The Odyssey The Odyssey by Homer was written during around 700 B.C and it is the second-oldest extant work of Western literature. The Odyssey is an epic poem and can be understood through the lens of archetypal criticism which explores themes that are based on heroism and the protagonist Odysseus is an epic hero who undergoes a ten-year journey to return to Ithaca. Northrop Frye explains the value of archetypal literary criticism in helping modern readers appreciate the universal and timeless themes of the epic: † [ Archetypal literacy criticism’s role is in] refashioning the material universe into an alternative verbal universe that is humanly intelligible and viable, because it is adapted to essential human†¦show more content†¦Moreover, earlier in the text Odyssey the reader is noted Odysseus faces the stage ‘Crossing First Threshold’ which can be depict in ‘separation’ section as he is striving to the war in Troy, distant from his family and h is kingdom of Ithaca. Hence, contrasting the Separation part in Joseph Campbell’s Monomyth. The reader is also revealed in the end of the epic poem, Odyssey that the archetypal character Odysseus eventually grasping his aim to come home to Ithaca and rescue his deserved throne and reunite with his family, son and spouse, Telemachus and Penelope These challenges are part of the ‘Road of Trials’ where he encounters the Lotus Eaters and proceeds to land of the Cyclops. The Land of the Lotus Eaters represents the corruption of luxury and how it makes an individual lose their longing to return to where they truly belong. The Cyclops is a brutal inhospitable monster who kills many of Odysseus’s crew: â€Å"In one stride he clutched at my companions and caught two in his hands like squirming puppies to beat their brains out, spattering the floor.’ Odysseus uses his cunning (metis)and resourcefulness to overcome the Cyclops but shows his own hubris when he boasts this is illustrated in â€Å" if ever mortal man inquire how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him Odysseus, raider of cities, took your eye: Laertes’ son, whose home’s on Ithaca!†. Which tells us the Cyclops as the son of Poseidon curses him and he findsShow MoreRelatedHomer s Odyssey : The Odyssey1236 Words   |  5 PagesOdysseus is arguably one of the most admirable classical heroes in all world literary masterpieces. However, although he expresses the commendable traits of manliness, conduct, and intelligence, there are also numerous faults in this round character— most notable being his excessive pride. 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