In what ways does Alcinous help Odysseus and encourage his people to help him? Why do they help him so much? How does Odysseus respond to all of his help and show his thanks and appreciation?
Also, what is the significance of the long song that Demodocus sings about the love between Ares and Aphrodite?
Alcinous is very generous to Odysseus. He gives him food, shelter, and gifts. There are many reasons for this. For one, Alcinous does not want to leave a stranger hungry when the stranger could be a god or goddess. He is following the example of lawful, civilized and godfearing people at that time. Odysseus is very thankful for all the help he has received. He is great-full knowing that he will be home to his wife and kids very soon.
ReplyDeleteAlcinous and his wife show great hospitality towards the stranger, Odysseus. It is an old tradition to show great kindness, and hospitality towards strangers who randomly show up at your house, because they might be a god, and one always wants to make the gods happy. When Alcinous tells Odysseus he will have a safe journey home, as his crew sails him home on the calm water, Odysseus is full of happiness and overjoyed by the thought he will soon return home to his missed and loved native land.
ReplyDeleteAlcinuos helps Odysseus by ordering his people to prepare a ship. Also, he prepares a banquet for Odysseus and gives him many gifts, including food, a chest, and clothes. The people of Phaeachia, who are not usually fond of strangers, help Odysseus because it is their King's wish, and they are absolutely devoted to Alcinuos. Odysseus responds by thanking everybody and he vows to tell the people of his homeland about the hospitality the Phaeacians showed. The significance of the story is similar to the significance of the story with Orestes, Menelaus, and Agamemnon. THis story is about an unfaithful wife, similar to the previuos one we heard, and serves as a parallel to Penelope's faithfulness.
ReplyDeleteAlcinous helps Odysseus by giving him a feast, clothing, and a ship and crew for him to continue his journey home. He encourages his people to help Odysseus because it is a part of tradition to be helpful to strangers in case they are gods. The people give him many gifts and let him participate in their games. Odysseus responds to their generosity by thanking them and showing gratitude through his words. The story Demodocus sings about Ares and Aphrodite ties into to Odysseus’s life.
ReplyDeleteAlcinous gave Odysseus a feast, clothes, and many gifts. Also, he orders people prepare his ship so he can travel home. As I read this part, when Alcinous had the men prepare a ship for him, I wondered if the men would have done it without an order from the king. As we know, they are not too fond of strangers, but if Odysseus were to say Alcinous has orders for you to build me a ship, I don't think they would do it. I like how Odysseus tells the Phaeacians he will tell the people of his homeland of their hospitality and kindness, for it was about all he could offer in return.
ReplyDeleteAlcinous helped Odysseus by clothing him, feeding him, bathing him, giving him a way get home, and showering him with gifts. Because it's a Greek tradition, Alcinous' men were very courteous and helped the stranger in his time of need. The people take him in as if he is apart of their community. On the last day before Odysseus' departure, they all have a joyous time. Odysseus is very grateful for the kindness that Alcinous and his men bestowed upon him. He thanks them for everything they've done and says that he will never forget them. The song that Demodocus sings, relates to the events that happened to close people in Odysseus' life in a way.
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