In this selected quote, the impossibility of Odysseus’ task is displayed in four ways. First, the usage of “who could dream” implies that no man could imagine Odysseus destroying the suitors (Fagles 1996, 439). The concept of Odysseus returning to claim victory is not a rational thought to the suitors. They would never suspect that their ruin was within their midst. Secondly, there is illustrated a plain numbers comparison through, “One foe in that crowd of feasters” (Fagles 1996, 439). Odysseus is one man, surrounded by likely one-hundred and eight suitors. It would make no sense that one man or even a few men could eliminate a crowd of that size. Thirdly, through the usage of “however great his power is,” Homer illustrates that no ordinary man could accomplish what Odysseus is trying to accomplish (Fagles 1996, 439). For a human, the level of power needed is not attainable. He could be the most powerful man in existence, but not strong enough to defeat the crowd of suitors. Odysseus is fighting the best men, the best sons. The best of the best are in his
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