'Odysseus is as arrogant as he is clever. He deserves his fate.' Discuss
Focussing on books nine and ten (the set texts), begin by considering the key characteristics of Odysseus. Mention how the poem begins: Odysseus is 'polutropon' - this is a word which has many meanings: crafty, cunning, potentially untrustworthy. Tackle the idea of 'deserving one's fate'; from what has been read, how is 'fate' approached in Homeric poetry? The main body of the essay should look closely at the exchange between the cyclops and Odysseus: note in particular the way in which language is used to demonstrate these characteristics. Consider also the Circe episode in book 10; how is Odysseus clever when he meets her? Does it matter that she is a goddess rather than a mortal? Recognise the ambivalence in Odysseus' character: is he choosing to stay with Circe, or does he not have a choice? Conclude by bringing the discussion back round to fate. Which characteristic do you think the poet prioritises in his storytelling, and thus, how might that affect Odysseus' fate?
Related Classical Greek A Level answers
All answers ▸What are the principal parts of the verb γιγνωσκω?
I was wondering if there’s any advice that you might have for an essay like this... the title I think I’m going to write on is ‘Is love a narrative force to be reckoned with in epic? Discuss with examples from Greek and/or Lati
(Referring to a set text e.g. Herodotus Bk. 2) Is Herodotus truly the 'Father of History', or is he the 'Father of Lies'? Use examples from the set text you have studied or other material outside this.
"Where would a contemporary ancient Athenian audience's sympathies lie in Sophocles' Antigone: with Creon, Antigone, or both?"