Interesting Observations

[jmahurien]

I found it interesting that to avoid marrying a suitor, Odysseus' wife Penelope says that when she is finished making a basket, then she will marry one of the suitors. Every night though she carefully unweaves what she did that day. It seems to me that this type of thing is a recurring idea in Greek mythology. Such as Prometheus and the vulture that everyday eats his liver, and Sisyphus whom everyday had to push a boulder up a hill only to see it roll down as soon as he is finished.

I also found it interesting that Athena would help out Odysseus so often. Such as her protecting him in the cloud of smoke, or changing his form into an old man in order to protect his identity.

[mayrapuente]

It was interesting to read of the various temptations Calypso displayed in an attempt to arouse Odysseus. The provocation reminded me of the temptation of Christ, which we read for the summer reading assignment. Just as Christ rejected the offerings of the devil, Odysseus refused the invitations of Calypso. Even though the devil and Calypso both had tempting things to offer, Christ and Odysseus embraced the agony and remained strong.

It was also interesting to read of the origin of Odysseus’s name. The name recognizes that pain will be an endless factor in his life. However, Odysseus is not the individual who receives the pain. Odysseus is the individual who often inflicts the pain on others.

[Crystal Ruiz]

When reading Book 12 in the Odyssey, it mentioned the Sirens and how Odysseus had to confront the temptations when approaching the island. I found it interesting how Circe had warned Odysseus about the dangers he would face at sea and how the men ignored Odysseus when he explained to them what they would be confronting. As a result, six men died as they approach the shore, but the others had survived because they had listened to Odysseus when he told them to put wax in their ears and only listen to his voice. The characteristics on the Sirens that we research on Greek mythology over the summer helped resemble Odysseus dangers as he approaches them.

I also found it interesting how Odysseus gets help from the gods and goddesses from Mount Olympus to debate his future. Starting with Zeus who sends Hermes to rescue him from Calypso to Athena helping him disguise his identity as he enters into his palace and regain what he had lost. I liked his most distinguishing trait, sharp intellect, because his quick thinking helped him get through though situations.

[berenicecontreras]

I found the life lessons in The Odysseys very interesting. Athena was always protecting and watching over Odysseys however when he blinded Cyclopes , she did not interfere when odysseys was punished. This story had the most reality involvement in my opinion. Odysseys faced many obstacles and although he was watched over by Athena he still had to try to resolve the issues alone. It was really motivation in the sense that no matter what you face with perseverance you can get through anything.

I also found the double standard about love affairs very interesting. The affair between Odysseus and Calypso is not in any way heinous or belittling Odysseus. The many men after Penelope make her seem morally wrong however.

[johnpetree]

i found it interesting that Zeus, god of the sky, sent Hermes (who can fly) to persuade Calypso to let Odysseus build a boat and sail home. Isn't that Poseidon's job? Maybe Zeus did that because he intentionally wanted Poseidon to destroy him.

Another thing i found interesting is that Odysseus had to kill every suitor trying to hook up with his wife Penelope. And then the families of the suitors attack Odysseus is vengeance. I feel like this is highly predictable and something Odysseus should have seen coming.

[Megan Carazolez]

One thing that I seemed to find very interesting was Odysseus' determination to get home to his family and to his people. No matter how difficult that task may have been he held high determination to make sure that he did get home. Not only was he determined himself, but the gods were also determined to get him home, despite the the negative intervention by Posedion.

Another thing that I found interesting was the bloodline between Odysseus and the gods. It was somewhat biblical, Odysseus adapting to the role of Jesus and the gods were just God separated into multiple gods with different powers that the almighty God held himself alone. Not only does this relate to things from a biblical standpoint, but also from a family person standpoint. Odysseus family was there for him when things grew chaotic and they were there to protect him and lead him forward when he himself had no strength to carry on.