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Vintage poetry stands the test of time; collections and anthologies of classic poems and enduring verses from eras past.
Homeric Heroism
To what extent did Homer view Odysseus as a heroic figure? Throughout the Odyssey, Homer emphasises Odysseus’s heroism whilst subtlety insisting on his self-sabotage. Odysseus’ heroism is shown by his being King of Ithaca and leader of his crew, alongside his divine status as champion of the gods, in his case Athene; echoing more ancient heroes like Hercules and Perseus. Yet if it was indeed Homer’s intention to present Odysseus as a hero, he is presented most peculiarly. To begin with, there is the problem of his lack of personal vigour. Unlike Achilles or Hercules, whose heroism stems from his outstanding abilities in battle, Odysseus’ heroism is based on stratagems, as seen on every occasion including his defeats. From Troy to Polyphemus’ Cave and to Ithaca, Odysseus wins by undermining the position of his enemies rather than a personal heroic confrontation, showing thus his great intelligence and cunning. Whilst at the same time alarming us with his slyness and his apparent willingness to sacrifice his men. Homer gives us many examples of Odysseus’ wiles on many occasions, such as in Book IX with the Ci-cones and in Book XII with Scylla and Charybdis. In the same way a Spartan would conceive of a bow and arrow as unmanly (which of course were the very symbolic instruments which Odysseus used to prove his worth), Odysseus’ cunning and his wit, so unique to him, is both the foundation and the main undermining quality of his heroism.
By Louis Nicholas8 years ago in Poets
The Values of Old
Books and stories can reveal much about the author who wrote them and the period at which they lived. Whether it be their dialect or actions, characters tend to reflect how people were during that time. In the poem Beowulf, one can learn the values of the Anglo-Saxon society. For example, the main hero Beowulf and others show strong characteristics of bravery, loyalty, and faithfulness to God.
By Almárëa Laurësil8 years ago in Poets
I Have an Old Soul
I have an old soul My soul is the soul that once danced with the gypsy nomads, laughing with no care but to live passionately and love freely. It is the soul that has been touched by the good Victorian lady, a love of all things gilded, glamorous and dark. The gothic ink of the artist, poe, a fuel for the macabre fantasies of a young girl living the facade of a well-leashed house cat. My soul is the soul of the daughter who wanted to rebel. As the 20s roared and Gatsby reveled in frivolity, my soul was the soul of a girl who yearned to be a woman. To dance and to love Wildly. To be somebody ride or die. Somebody's Bonnie to Clyde. My soul is the soul that began as a force of liberation, rebirthing perpetually into something utterly oppressed.
By Melanie castillo8 years ago in Poets
