Question
In Books 21 and 22 of *The Odyssey*, Odysseus displays both traditional heroism and challenges its boundaries. His strength and skill are highlighted when he easily strings his bow and shoots an arrow through twelve axe heads, a feat no suitor could accomplish: *“Odysseus raised the weapon and looked it over... then—just as someone skilled at playing the lyre... that’s how easily lord Odysseus strung that bow.”* This demonstrates his exceptional prowess, a classic heroic trait.
However, Odysseus also uses deception, which pushes the boundaries of traditional heroism. Disguised as a beggar, he patiently waits to strike, revealing his cunning: *“Resourceful Odysseus stripped off his rags... and sprang up, moving to the doorway.”* His intelligence contrasts with the more straightforward bravery of traditional heroes like Achilles.
In Book 22, Odysseus’s merciless vengeance further pushes these boundaries. He refuses Eurymachus’s offer of restitution, declaring, *“Even if you gave me all your father’s wealth, not even then would I hold back my hands from slaughter...”* His ruthlessness, especially in killing the disloyal servants, shows a darker, more complex side to his heroism. (keep quotations the same) rephrase like a 8th grader
However, Odysseus also uses deception, which pushes the boundaries of traditional heroism. Disguised as a beggar, he patiently waits to strike, revealing his cunning: *“Resourceful Odysseus stripped off his rags... and sprang up, moving to the doorway.”* His intelligence contrasts with the more straightforward bravery of traditional heroes like Achilles.
In Book 22, Odysseus’s merciless vengeance further pushes these boundaries. He refuses Eurymachus’s offer of restitution, declaring, *“Even if you gave me all your father’s wealth, not even then would I hold back my hands from slaughter...”* His ruthlessness, especially in killing the disloyal servants, shows a darker, more complex side to his heroism. (keep quotations the same) rephrase like a 8th grader
Answers
GPT-4o mini
In Books 21 and 22 of *The Odyssey*, Odysseus shows what it means to be a traditional hero, but he also breaks some of the typical rules of heroism. His strength and skill stand out when he effortlessly strings his bow and shoots an arrow through twelve axe heads, something none of the suitors could do: *“Odysseus raised the weapon and looked it over... then—just as someone skilled at playing the lyre... that’s how easily lord Odysseus strung that bow.”* This highlights his amazing skills, which are a classic part of being a hero.
However, Odysseus also uses tricks and cleverness, which challenges the old idea of a hero. While disguised as a beggar, he waits patiently to make his move, showing his sly nature: *“Resourceful Odysseus stripped off his rags... and sprang up, moving to the doorway.”* His intelligence is different from the straightforward courage shown by traditional heroes like Achilles.
In Book 22, Odysseus's harsh revenge also changes the usual idea of heroism. When Eurymachus offers him riches as a way to make up for their wrongs, Odysseus refuses and declares, *“Even if you gave me all your father’s wealth, not even then would I hold back my hands from slaughter...”* His cruelty, especially when he kills the disloyal servants, reveals a darker and more complicated side to his heroism.
However, Odysseus also uses tricks and cleverness, which challenges the old idea of a hero. While disguised as a beggar, he waits patiently to make his move, showing his sly nature: *“Resourceful Odysseus stripped off his rags... and sprang up, moving to the doorway.”* His intelligence is different from the straightforward courage shown by traditional heroes like Achilles.
In Book 22, Odysseus's harsh revenge also changes the usual idea of heroism. When Eurymachus offers him riches as a way to make up for their wrongs, Odysseus refuses and declares, *“Even if you gave me all your father’s wealth, not even then would I hold back my hands from slaughter...”* His cruelty, especially when he kills the disloyal servants, reveals a darker and more complicated side to his heroism.