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The Odyssey Books XIII-XVI
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Book XIII marks the first book after the midpoint of the epic poem
Book XIII marks the first book after the midpoint of the epic poem. What is now different?
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Transition Odysseus returns home after his many adventures and great suffering, yet he is a different man beginning a new existence.
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Journey of the Imagination
Life is an archetypal journey from birth to death Growth is a journey from oblivion to consciousness Achievement is a journey from dissatisfaction to fulfillment
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What “death” does Odysseus experience?
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Journey of the Imagination
Archetypal pattern: death, funeral, underground journey, rebirth When he leaves the court of Alcinous, Odysseus leaves acknowledged order. He leaves life itself to bring order to a kingdom in chaos.
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Death and Funeral Departure: the sun sets as Odysseus leaves
Ritual: escorts prepare clothing, treasure, and food to “speed the parting guest” Oblivion: the “sleep of death” falls upon Odysseus
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The Journey The ship voyages with intensity
Nearly supernatural motion and swiftness “Bearing a man with the gods’ own wisdom”
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When is Odysseus “reborn”?
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Rebirth Arrives on Ithaca at dawn
Odysseus remains bewitched in a deep sleep The Phaeacians magically disappear Ithaca is shrouded in mist
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Rebirth Ithaca = a garden paradise, the golden fields of Elysium
Odysseus’ first encounter is with divinity = Athena Reclaims both kingdom and birthright = righteousness The hope/promise of restoration
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The Loyal Servant Eumaeus tends the garden despite its threatened destruction Honesty is tested and revealed as a disguised Ody hears of himself in his own “absence” The swineherd’s noble heritage is manifested in his character Honor in pastoral vocation
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Fathers and Sons Tele is no stranger to Eumaeus’ virtue and paternal care Ody’s bloodline is extraordinary = only one son Telemachus has earned honor from Menelaus
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Fathers and Sons Tele escapes death, arriving swiftly on Ithaca to claim his birthright Reborn into his rightful identity Father’s instruction in wile begins immediately
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