Telemachus Business Plan
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as a negative act in this poem as it also shines the light on the characters cleverness as well. As disguise and deception is repeatedly being used throughout the Odyssey, it turns it into very exciting piece of literature. Throughout this paper, I will discuss and give examples Odyssey Theme is in Disguise
Disobeying normal rules and typical good behavior defines the underlying theme of the poem Odyssey, by Homer. The theme of the trickery flows throughout the Odyssey as the Gods and other characters use disguise and deception as a tool to handle certain events and perform their deceitful acts. However, deception is not always considered of several incidents of trickery that characters play a role in using disguise and deceit.
The act of being in disguise is giving off a different appearance in order to hide ones identity. One of the first examples of trickery we encounter in this poem is done by Athena, the goddess of wisdom and battle. Throughout this poem, I would consider her the master of disguise for she uses it very well for several reasons. One of the first examples of Athena using disguise was when she changed her identity to that of Taphian Captain, Mentes, who is a friend of Odysseus. “And she took the spear, Bronze tipped and massive, that the daughter uses to level battalions of heroes in her wrath. She shot down from the peaks of Olympus to Ithaca, where she stood on the threshold of Odysseus outer porch. Holding her spear, she looked like Mentes, the Taphian captain, and her eyes rested on the arrogant suitors (I.106-113)”. In this scene, Athena was disguised as Mentes in order to help Telemachos find hope for his fathers, Odysseus, return home and help keep his mothers suitors away from their home.
This method of disguise runs wild throughout this poem not only with Athena but with other characters too. Another example of disguise being used is with Odysseus when he changed his appearance as a beggar when he was returning home. This example of disguise is much like Athenas use of disguise as a mortal; for they are both used to test the honor of the one who they deceive. “Now lets see about disguising you. First, Ill shrivel the skin on your gnarly limbs, and wither that tawny hair. A piece of sail-cloth will make a nice, ugly cloak. Then well make those beautiful eyes bleary and dim. Youll look disgusting to all the suitors, as well as to the wife and child you left behind in your halls (X111.412-418).” This excerpt is Athena speaking with Odysseus about changing his identity to a beggar. Since Odysseus hasnt been home in 20 years, he disguises himself as a beggar so he can find out what is going on back at his home. He wants to test Penelopes love for him and find out if she, as well as his servants, has remained loyal during the time he was absent.
Deception can be very manipulating. It is getting someone to believe false information. A good example of deception that is provided in this poem is when Odysseuss wife, Penelope, allows the suitors to