Epic Conventions In The Odyssey Essay

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In the epic novel, The Odyssey, by Homer, Homer uses epic conventions and language such as figurative devices and diction to thoroughly describe Odysseus actions, feelings and emotions, and intentions and display the epic conventions among the story. In Book XXII, many examples of this can be seen through Odysseus’ actions and his ways of thinking in lines 1 through 43.
After his arrival to Ithaka, Odysseus witnessed sights which he can’t bear to see and is absolutely outraged by what he saw. After carefully thinking of an approach on how to attack and get rid of the suitors, Odysseus gets Telemachus to join him in his conquest over his home. From this passage, one can truly see what kind of man Odysseus really is, as it is clear through the way he handles himself, how he deals with certain situations, and his intentions. From the passage, it is very clear that Odysseus is one to not be messed with as he is a figure of great strength and honor. …show more content…
Examples of this can be seen throughout the passage. Some of the characteristics of an epic hero that Odysseus displays throughout the passage are determination to never surrender or give up and willingness to destroy in order to cleanse, purify, and strengthen. Odysseus kills Antinoos in order to cleanse and calm his rage, yet continues to get rid of all of the suitors, “Odysseus’ arrow hit him under the chin and punched up to the feathers through his throat.”(Book XXII.16-17) Odysseus also displays individualistic quest for personal honor when he begins to target and take down the suitors one by one, as he believes he is redeeming himself for all the time he was gone and regaining the respect from all of those whom turned their backs on him and were convinced he was dead. Homer really displays Odysseus as the epic hero as Odysseus shows such a variety of the epic hero characteristics in a short period of
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