a storm against the ships, and driving veils
of squall moved down like night on land and sea.
The bows went plunging at the gust; sails cracked and lashed out strips in the big wind.
We saw death in that fury, dropped the yards, unshipped the oars, and pulled for the nearest lee:
then two long days and nights we lay offshore worn out and sick at heart, tasting our grief,
until a third Dawn came with ringlets shining. Then we put up our masts, hauled sail, and rested,
letting the steersmen and the breeze take over.
I might have made it safely home, that time,
but as I came round Malea the current
took me out to sea, and from the north
a fresh gale drove me on, past Cythera.
Nine days I drifted on the teeming sea
before dangerous high winds.
–The Odyssey,
Homer
Who or what functions as a symbol in this passage?
the sea
Dawn
Zeus
the ships
11 answers
In this passage from "The Odyssey," several elements can function as symbols, but the most prominent symbol is the sea.
The sea represents the challenges and unpredictability of life and the journey itself. It embodies both the peril and the beauty of the unknown, illustrating the struggles the sailors face as they navigate through storms and currents. The vastness of the sea also signifies the uncertainty of fate, as sailors are at the mercy of its whims.
While Dawn symbolizes hope and the possibility of new beginnings as the sailors regain their strength after the storm, and Zeus symbolizes the power of the gods and their influence over human affairs, it is primarily the sea that encapsulates the overarching themes of journey, struggle, and survival in this passage. The ships, representing human endeavor and ambition, also play a role in this symbolism, as they demonstrate the fragility of human efforts against the natural world. However, the sea remains the central symbol in this context.
Now Zeus the lord of cloud roused in the north
a storm against the ships, and driving veils
of squall moved down like night on land and sea.
The bows went plunging at the gust; sails cracked and lashed out strips in the big wind.
We saw death in that fury, dropped the yards, unshipped the oars, and pulled for the nearest lee:
then two long days and nights we lay offshore worn out and sick at heart, tasting our grief,
until a third Dawn came with ringlets shining. Then we put up our masts, hauled sail, and rested,
letting the steersmen and the breeze take over.
I might have made it safely home, that time,
but as I came round Malea the current
took me out to sea, and from the north
a fresh gale drove me on, past Cythera.
Nine days I drifted on the teeming sea
before dangerous high winds.
–The Odyssey,
Homer
What does the sea symbolize in this passage?
loyalty among shipmates
obstacles on life’s journey
the knowledge of leaders
hospitality among friends
In this passage from "The Odyssey," the sea primarily symbolizes obstacles on life’s journey.
The sailors face numerous challenges and dangers as they traverse the sea, which can be seen as a metaphor for the difficulties and unpredictability of life. The storm summoned by Zeus represents external forces and struggles that individuals encounter, while the vast and tumultuous sea reflects the unpredictability of fate and the trials one must endure. The journey through the storm, drifting for days, and ultimately facing high winds underscores the theme of overcoming obstacles on the path to one's goals.
While loyalty among shipmates, knowledge of leaders, and hospitality are important themes in the epic, in this specific context, the sea serves as a powerful symbol of life's challenges and the perseverance needed to navigate them.
'Friends,
have we never been in danger before this?
More fearsome, is it now, than when the Cyclops
penned us in his cave? What power he had!
Did I not keep my nerve, and use my wits
to find a way out for us?'
–The Odyssey,
Homer
Which Greek value is revealed through Odysseus’s dialogue?
fame
family
hospitality
perseverance
In this passage from "The Odyssey," Odysseus's dialogue reveals the Greek value of perseverance.
Odysseus reflects on past dangers, specifically referencing their encounter with the Cyclops, and emphasizes his ability to remain calm under pressure and use his intelligence to navigate tough situations. His confidence in their ability to overcome challenges reinforces the importance of perseverance—continuing to press on and find solutions despite adversity. This value is central to Odysseus's character throughout the epic, as he continually faces trials but refuses to give up on his journey home.
While [Odysseus] spoke
an old hound, lying near, pricked up his ears
and lifted up his muzzle. This was Argus,
trained as a puppy by Odysseus,
but never taken on a hunt before
his master sailed for Troy. . . .
Abandoned there, and half destroyed with flies, old Argus lay.
But when he knew he heard
Odysseus' voice nearby, he did his best to wag his tail, nose down, with flattened ears, having no strength to move nearer his master. . . but death and darkness in that instant closed the eyes of Argus, who had seen his master, Odysseus, after twenty years.
–The Odyssey,
Homer
Who or what functions as a symbol in this passage?
flies
Troy
Odysseus
Argus
In this passage from "The Odyssey," Argus functions as a symbol.
Argus, the old hound, symbolizes loyalty and the passage of time. His faithful hope and recognition of Odysseus after twenty years encapsulate the themes of fidelity and the relentless nature of time. Despite being abandoned and neglected, Argus remains connected to his master, representing unwavering loyalty and the enduring bond between them. His death after seeing Odysseus highlights the bittersweet nature of their reunion, emphasizing that while loyalty persists, time inevitably changes everything, often leading to loss. Thus, Argus serves as a poignant symbol of both loyalty and the effects of time.
While [Odysseus] spoke
an old hound, lying near, pricked up his ears
and lifted up his muzzle. This was Argus,
trained as a puppy by Odysseus,
but never taken on a hunt before
his master sailed for Troy. . . .
Abandoned there, and half destroyed with flies, old Argus lay.
But when he knew he heard
Odysseus' voice nearby, he did his best to wag his tail, nose down, with flattened ears, having no strength to move nearer his master. . . but death and darkness in that instant closed the eyes of Argus, who had seen his master, Odysseus, after twenty years.
–The Odyssey,
Homer
What does Argus symbolize?
What detail in the passage shows Argus’s symbolic meaning?
In this passage, Argus symbolizes loyalty and the passage of time. He embodies the steadfast loyalty of those who wait for a loved one, even through hardship and neglect. Argus’s condition reflects the toll that time has taken, both on him and on the world around him since Odysseus’s departure.
The detail in the passage that shows Argus’s symbolic meaning is when it states that Argus, despite being "abandoned there, and half destroyed with flies," still recognizes Odysseus’s voice. His attempt to wag his tail, despite his weakened and aged body, captures the essence of loyalty and love that endures, even in the face of deterioration. Furthermore, his death immediately after seeing Odysseus highlights the culmination of his loyalty; he waited for his master all those years and can finally rest in peace once their bond is reaffirmed. This reflects both the deep emotional connection between them and the poignant passage of time that ultimately leads to loss.
What does Argus symbolize?
✔ loyalty
What detail in the passage shows Argus’s symbolic meaning?
✔ He dies after waiting twenty years to see Odysseus.
Identify the values illustrated in the lines from The Odyssey.
“I learned / to keep my head in hardship – years of war / and years at sea. Let this new trial come.”
“But when he knew he heard / Odysseus' voice nearby, he did his best / to wag his tail, nose down, with flattened ears, / having no strength to move nearer his master.”
The lines from "The Odyssey" illustrate several values:
Perseverance and Resilience:
The first excerpt (“I learned / to keep my head in hardship – years of war / and years at sea. Let this new trial come.”) demonstrates the value of perseverance and resilience. Odysseus reflects on the hardships he has faced and expresses a readiness to confront new challenges. This highlights his ability to endure difficulties and maintain a steadfast spirit despite his prolonged suffering and obstacles.
Loyalty and Faithfulness:
The second excerpt (“But when he knew he heard / Odysseus' voice nearby, he did his best / to wag his tail, nose down, with flattened ears, / having no strength to move nearer his master.”) underscores the value of loyalty and faithfulness, particularly through the character of Argus. Despite being abandoned and aging, Argus's reaction upon hearing Odysseus's voice showcases his unwavering loyalty. His joy and effort to respond to his master, even in his weakened state, reveal the bond and loyalty that persist despite years of separation.
Overall, these lines illustrate the themes of resilience in facing challenges and the enduring nature of loyalty amidst hardship.
