|
|
This is only a preview of the paper
Click here to register and get the full text.
Existing members click here to login
|
|
|
Literary works often display the havoc and violence of the real world. There are many themes and main ideas within Fitzgerald’s translation of The Odyssey that model these issues of society. The use of a variety of figurative language devices effectively reveals the theme of death and bloodshed in the beginning passage of Book XXII, the slaying of the suitors. In lines 1-62 death imagery, hyperboles, and bloody image patterns portray the violence and chaos in Odysseus’ life. The use of death and blood imagery in this passage builds an intense tone of violence and reveals Odysseus’ fierce and merciless character towards the sinful suitors. After the bow contest, the suitors return to their feast. Meanwhile, Odysseus secretly retrieves his bow and arrow and aims it at Antínoös he is about to drink from his drinking cup. While Antínoös is enjoying his time of glory amongst his friends, Odysseus shoots an arrow that “[hits] him under the chin / and [punches] up to the feathers through his throat” (15-16). This description of Antínoös’ gruesome death produces a bloody image. In doing so, Homer reveals Odysseus as an aggressive character that is willing to cleanse his household, and sets up the violent mood for the rest of the passage.
Approximate Word count = 734
Approximate Pages = 2.9
(250 words per page double spaced)
|
|
|
|
|
|