Odyssey 21-24

The bow symobilzes victory over the suitors. Penelope uses the bow to enforce reseantmeant and hate amongst the suitors. She gives them a bow because Minerva puts it in her mind too.
"Minerva now put it in Penelope's mind to make the suitors try their skill with the bow and with the iron axes, in contest among themselves, as a means of bringing about their destruction." The bow also repsresents a sense of Odysseus' nationalisim and pride he has for Ithaca. He did not bring the bow with him to Troy, he left at home to keep it safe. It is symbolic that he uses this swoard that helped him through his battles at home to regain his ground, wife, and to save his son. It also represents Odysseus' value and appreaciation of friendships because the bow was given to him by Iphitus, a valued friend. The bow also represents Telemachus' desire to fufill the same duties as his father and follow his footsteps as a war hero. It represents his fist step into man hood."...If I can string it and shoot through the iron, I shall not suffer my mother to quit this house with a stranger, not if I can win the prizes which my father won before me." The bow also symobilzes defeatment for the suitors. They do not carry the same strength to use his bow against him. One of the suitors explains his inability to take use of the bow, "What I feel most is the fact of our being so inferior to Ulysses in strength that we cannot string his bow. This will disgrace us in the eyes of those who are yet unborn." Penelope gives more signifigance to the bow, "If the stranger should prove strong enough to string the mighty bow of Ulysses, can you suppose that he would take me home with him and make me his wife?" The bow is a symbol of inevidable victory. The bow is a direct connotation with Odysseus and his infinite power.
 

The violence against the suitors and the guilty women can be justified. They had many chances to give up their desire of marrying Penelope and give the house back to their power. They also were planning to kill Odysseus' son. They were very disrespectful and violent. He does spare the life of a suitor.  "Here I am, my dear sir," said he, "stay your hand therefore, and tell your father, or he will kill me in his rage agahinst the suitors for having wasted his substance and been so foolishly disrespectful to yourself." Ulysses smiled at him and answered, "Fear not; Telemachus has saved your life, that you may know in future, and tell other people, how greatly better good deeds prosper than evil ones. Go, therefore, outside the cloisters into the outer court, and be out of the way of the slaughter- you and the bard- while I finish my work here inside." He his rage is justifiable and although he is embarking on a journey of tranquility and peace after fighting such a grusum war, the first step of this is ironically violence. The suitors had it coming to them. Even though they tried to talk it out and bribe Odysseus of a compensation for all the food they consumed, Odysseus refuses. The women were also punished and had to dispose of dead bodies and clean up after the cleansing of the suitors. Telemachus takes control, for if it had not been for him, the women might have gotten away under Odysseus' rule. "I shall not let these women die a clean death, for they were insolent to me and my mother, and used to sleep with the suitors." Telemachus saw the disrespect and dishonor of the women first hand and told his father about it. The Odyssey wouldn't be the Odyssey if it didn't end with such an epic victory and battle. 

Odyssey Books 6-10

Nausicaa encounters Odysseus on the beach at Scher while she is washing her clothes after Athena appeared in her dream telling her that she is lazy and needs to make more of an appearance for the men that wait on her. Odysseus tells Nausicaa how he has been stranded in the water for 20 days. She reacts sympathetically and tells her maids to clothe him. When Odysseus finds out that Nausicaa is the daughter of King Alcinous his automatic assumption is that he would show hatred towards him because he is a foreigner. This reflects on his past experiences with war and violence. When asked by King Alcinous how he was clothed he says,  "she is not to blame. She did tell me to follow along with the maids, but I was ashamed and afraid, for I thought you might perhaps be displeased if you saw me. Every human being is sometimes a little suspicious and irritable."  The peace and harmony he encounters is unfamiliar and reliving to him. He is surprised that King Alcinous and Queen Arete take such a huge likeing to him. King Alcinous insists he marries his daughter, Nausicaa."I am not the kind of man to get angry about nothing; it is always better to be reasonable; but by Father Jove, Minerva, and Apollo, now that I see what kind of person you are, and how much you think as I do, I wish you would stay here, marry my daughter, and become my son-in-law. If you will stay I will give you a house and an estate, but no one (heaven forbid) shall keep you here against your own wish, and that you may be sure of this I will attend to-morrow to the matter of your escort..." This move represents his journey home because he is on land and in a very civilized, wealthy, home which resembles his own. He finds a guaranteed way home and his journey has begun. Odysseus embodies King Alcinous by maintaing power and authority in his home the way King Alcinous does. 


Odysseus' appearance plays a huge role in the appeal King Alcinous sees in him. "Every one was struck with the appearance of Ulysses, for Minerva had beautified him about the head and shoulders, making him look taller and stouter than he really was, that he might impress the Phaecians favourably as being a very remarkable man, and might come off well in the many trials of skill to which they would challenge him." King Alcinous really goes out of his way to ensure that Odysseus gets home saftley. He assigns "two and fifty" of his smartest sailors to help Odysseus embark on his journey. He also orders that a new ship be made to embark on the voyage. Lastly, he commands that a feast be made and his favorite singer, Demodocus obtained a "divine gift of song." Demodocus' songs are so touching and over whelming that Odysseus begins to sob, and hide his face to save him from embarrassment and humility. Odysseus is then challenged by Eurylaus to compete in their olympic games after the feast. Odysseus refuses as he wants to embark on his journey home. After being accused of not obtaining any athletic ability or will power, Odysseus replies, "Now, however, I am worn out by labour and sorrow, for I have gone through much both on the field of battle and by the waves of the weary sea; still, in spite of all this I will compete, for your taunts have stung me to the quick." His personality and morals are demonstrated. His "war-hero" mentality has been taken from him and he reacts very manly and assertively. As Odysseus is saying his goodbyes he says to Demodocus," Demodocus, there is no one in the world whom I admire more than I do you. You must have studied under the Muse, Jove's daughter, and under Apollo, so accurately do you sing the return of the Achaeans with all their sufferings and adventures. If you were not there yourself, you must have heard it all from some one who was. Now, however, change your song and tell us of the wooden horse which Epeus made with the assistance of Minerva, and which Ulysses got by stratagem into the fort of Troy after freighting it with the men who afterwards sacked the city. If you will sing this tale aright I will tell all the world how magnificently heaven has endowed you." Odysseus is taken back by his songs when he sings about the quarell between he and Achilles  Demodocus becomes a key player in Odysseus' voyage home by singing tales of Odysseus' and his men encountering sufferings and adventures. Demodocus' songs enact King Alcinous to ask about his warrior stories, past, and identity.    

Odyssey Books 1-5

The epic journey that is the theme and main discussion point of the Odyssey is Odysseu's return home. Although the story opens with Odysseus' inability and desire to return home, the story proceeds to focus on the impediments that get in Telemachus' way of finding himself in manhood. The story begins in the middle of chaos as oppposed to the victorious outcome of Troy. This reinforces the intensity of the drama between Telemachus and the Suitors whom he has to step up to in order to dive into man hood and regain his fathers real estate I belive this story will mainly be about Telemachus and his journey to man hood and saving his father. With his father gone, he takes on the role of the man of the house. Odysseus' story is not yet told because the context and the way it's written is much more intriguing and captivating for the audience. It sets the theme and idea that this will be about Odysseus' travel to go home as the loving hero he is, and for Telemachus to go to save his father so he too can loath in heroisim. He must also go to Pylos to ask Nestor about his father's where about's and see if he is still alive. He is told by Proteus that his father is still alive and being held captive by an obsessive lover, Calypso.

Telemachus is a 20 year old who lives in his fathers shadow. He wants to be a devoted, strong prince and do justice as prince for his father. He embarks on a journey to find and save his father, when in reality he is also saving himself from his insecurities and douts. He is protected by gods and godesses because of his good intentions and ambitions. Telemachus telling the suitors of their banishment from his fathers' estate symbolizes the first step he takes to becoming a man, "let there be no brawling, for it is a rare thing to hear a man with such a divine voice as Phemius has; but in the morning meet me in full assembly that I may give you formal notice to depart, and feast at one another's houses, turn and turn about, at your own cost. If on the other hand you choose to persist in spunging upon one man, heaven help me, but Jove shall reckon with you in full, and when you fall in my father's house there shall be no man to avenge you."  

Genesis 37, 39 - 50

Topic 1 - 37-39
Josephs's brothers Bilhah and Zailpah are very jealous, envious, and angry towards Joseph. Joseph is interrupted as a divine character with God always on his side. Israel loved Joseph more than his other two brothers. He gives Joseph a robe with multiple colors which symbolizes his upmost respect for his son. The robe is an article of clothing that is worn with pride and self- respect. It is symbolic that Josephs brothers use his robe to fake Joseph's death. When Joseph tells of his dreams of people bowing down before him, his brothers act with anger and sarcasim. His father reacts with a sarcastic answer as well, "What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves to the ground before you?" However he keeps the idea in his head as to keep in mind that his son could in fact be divine. It is suggested that God is by his side multiple times in the chapters. My interpretation is that God made Joseph be sold instead of killed because Joseph's role in life is to be a divine force and reign over others. "The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his egyptian master. His master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD caused all that he did to succeed in his hands." This is a very informative, impacting statement because an egyptian master saw that God was with him, which only proves this idea that God speaks through him and is with him to be validity. God even helped him when the egyptian master's wife tried to frame Joseph with rape. God was on his side because he saw Josephs loyalty to God, the master, and his ability to resist and not sin. His self-control allows God to step in and help him when Joseph is sent to prison. The prison guard gives Joseph the power to control all the inmates as well as himself. Two of the prisoners tell Joseph of their dreams, and Joseph interrupts them and tells their future perfectly, only proving his divine power more.

Topic 2- 39-50
Joseph's character of genuine, forgiving, sympathetic, and an interpreter is evident in these chapters. After he interprets the Pharaoh's dream, and foresees the seven years of plentiful crops and food, and seven years of drought and famine, he is made the father of the Pharaoh, and the ruler of Egypt. His humble, humanitarian character is shown when he says, "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer." Joseph does not try to receive credit for his ability to interpret dreams and tell what the future brings, he remains honest and in God's eyes, this is highly commendable. When the famine begins, many people come to Egypt because it is the land of bread. The deciciving, dishonest, selfish character of his brothers is shown when one of the brothers says, "No, my lord, your servants have come to buy food. We are all sons of one man. We are honest men. Your servants have never been spies."Be that as it may, they are extremly dishonest, lying to their own father about their brother's fake death, when in reality, they sold him. Something that struck me in this statement is that his own brothers, and his people of Egypt, call him "my Lord." This furthers his divine character and it is easy to see the power he withholds. After testing his brothers and making them go back to their lands to get the youngest brother, his compassion and love for his family oversees his regret and hatred towards his brothers for selling him. "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life." Joseph's ability to forgive is very humane of him, despite his divine power. Joseph's first dream of his father and brothers bowing down before him took place and his divine God-like power is seen and practiced by his brothers.

Genesis 25-28, 32-33

1. There are many problems that arise from the first two born twins. They both battle each other for the acception of their parents. Isaac favors Esau while Rebecca favors Jacob. Esau's role is to serve Jacob because Jacob is the younger twin. Isaac and Rebecca seem to think that because they have twins, one parent should favor a twin while the other favors the other twin. This results in competition between the two brothers. They are very different which adds to the social problems between them. "When the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents. Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebeckah loved Jacob."

2. The role of the parents, Isaac and Rebecca seem to be to start trouble and confliction between the two brothers. The fact that they favor one son as opposed to loving them equally shows their character. Rebecca is very vindictive and deceiving because she tells Jacob of Isaac's wishes to eat a meal of which he wants to be provided by Esau. Rebecca takes advantage of the fact that her husband can't see. Isaac says to Esau, "Behold I am old; I do not know the day of my death. Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me, and prepare for me delicious food, such as I love, and bring it to me so that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die." Rebecca then goes behind her husband's back and says to Jacob, "I heard your father speak to your brother Esau, 'Bring me game and prepare for me delicious food, that I may eat it and bless you before the LORD before I die.' Now therefore, my son, obey my voice as I command you. Go to the flock and bring me two good young goats so that I may prepare from them delicious food for your father such as he loves. And you shall bring it to your father to eat, so that he may bless you before he dies."

3. I interpret this wrestling as Jacob's real chance to become blessed. He is given a new identity because of his quarrel with what seems to be god. "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, you have prevailed." Jacob is certain that he has encountered god face to face and has been blessed by him personally. Jacob takes on the role of his father and his father's father by being blessed by the divine.

Genesis12, 16-18, 21-23

1. Abram becomes very skeptical and nervous for the outcome of the situation concerning his wife's beautiful appearance and his saftey. He acts this way because he thinks the Pharaoh will kill him in order to marry Sarah. Abram assumes that a man with such power would lack in ethics and only show concern for his own desires. Abram's mentality is judgmental because he acts without reason. It shows his true opinion on men in power and their selfish needs. It also shows intimidation twoards men in power, he feels he has to lie in order to keep his wife by his side. This is ironic because if the Pharaoh thinks that she is his sister he will obviously attempt to marry her. Abram had a much better chance of keeping his wife had he been honest. This says that one's encounter with another is almost always unpredictable. Humans judge very quickly and assume the worst of people without knowing them.

3. Jealousy, regret, and hatred all arise from the love triangle. Hagar has contempt with Sarah because she conceived Abram's child. Sarah has contempt with Abram as well,"And sarah said to Abram, "May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my servant to your embrace and when she saw that she had conceived she looked on me with contempt. May the LORD judge between you and me!" Regret is evident because Sarah willingly allowed her servant and husband to have sex. She felt degraded when her slave looked at her with contempt. Gender plays a huge role in the story. The hatred women have for each-other is seen here. The social status of Sarah and Abram was very high and their slave Hagar was not, thus she got betrayed and sufferd. The only role of women is shown clearly in this chapter. Their role is to conceive, even woman are expected too for other woman. Women are forced to have children no matter how old they get in the story.

4. God tests Abram's loyalty with such a horrific test to see if he will disregard his ethics and morals to make God happy, as that is the best way for God to see Abram's true devotion to him. God needs more proof despite Abram's departure to Egypt because he has witnessed betrayal and has been lied to; he is the first to see dishonesty play it's role. This could say that Abram's relationship to the divine will never be fully there or committed because of the significant power God withholds. The relationship is that Abram does what ever it is that God tells him to, even if it's a sin, he must. Abram explains to Isaac that, "God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering.." and that is the reason why a human sacrifice shows Abram's true devotion and appreciation for god.

Genesis 4-9

1- The two themes of human passions relating to the society and the first attempt at religion are in correlation in these chapters. The feeling of wounded pride, anger, jealousy, fear, dread, death, crime, and punishment are all characteristics of Cain. Cain feels the first of these human characteristics. God doesn’t feel such traits. He isn’t fazed by jealousy, he has nothing to fear, and he has no reason not to have pride. This makes Cain even more alienated and human than god. God becomes fearful in these chapters. “And the LORD was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. So the LORD said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” The last line is very powerful and I feel explains why we die, and why we aren’t meant to live forever. This could be the first time humans realize the power god posses and that we should pray to him so we don’t have the same fate as Cain. This was god’s way of holding is ground.

3- Cain was looking for a justifiable sarcastic excuse for killing his brother when he says, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” This is Cain’s way of saying that his brother is not his responsibility. This is a very nieve and dishonest reaction. He’s saying this acting like he doesn’t know where he is and that he was not appointed to look after him. When god says that Abe’s blood cried out to him from the soil, it’s symbolic because that is in fact where Abe was murderd.Also, Cain is a farmer and spends his days working on the farm. God uses this against Cain and says, “And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand,”

5- The fact that civilization rises from a murderer enfources the natural ways of humans and life. It magnifies the idea that death is a natural way of life and god’s only power that is left is time and death. Death is used as a weapon against man kind to ensure god’s power and strength. It is to remind us that life is short and will be taken at his coast. It enforces the idea that our feelings have the strongest input on our actions. Our jealousy, desire, and hatred are all ways of civilization.