Natasha Balogh Lewis English I P2 12/3/12

The All-Powerful Provide and Protect

Throughout the novel, Odysseus practices piety, the quality of being reverent to the gods. As the gods are all-powerful, and play a large role in everyones lives, piety is one of the most important values of Ancient Greek society. But the relationships between humans and gods may differ. The gods are there to help, comfort and protect, so long as piety is shown. Through the relationship between Kalypso and Odysseus, Athena and Odysseus, and Poseidon and Odysseus, Homer reveals how the Ancient Greeks believe that they must be respectful towards the gods when acting or speaking to them, and that men may look to the gods for help. The relationship between Kalypso and Odysseus illustrates the given idea that if men are reverent to the gods, they will be helped. Odysseus is careful when addressing Kalypso after he hears the news that he may go home. He compliments Kalypso, by saying that Penelop seem[s] a shade before [Kalypso](5.226). Odysseus is also careful in how he acts towards Kalypso. At first, when she gives him the information that he can leave, he replies that some guile is hidden(5.184) in her offering. But strategist Odysseus is very careful with how he replies, and in return for being careful, Kalypso assists him back onto the sea. Each time Odysseus confronts Kalypso he does not speak too kindly, nor too harshly, for fear of her regretting the decision she makes. He is careful with his gestures and words, and in return for that, she helps him build the boat and continue on his voyage.

Unlike the relationship between Kalypso and Odysseus, the relationship between Poseidon, Odysseus, and the Kyklops conveys the idea that when one is not respectful to the gods, they will suffer the consequences of the gods fury, and not be given help. Odysseus does not respect the gods when he tricks Poseidons son, Kyklops. He shows an act of hubris and a defiance of the gods by telling the Kyklops that indeed it is, Odysseus, raider of cities [who] took your eye:/ Larts son, whose homes on Ithaka(9.551-552). In return for doing so, Kyklops prays to his father Poseidon, that Odysseus lose[s] all companions, and return[s]/ under strange sail to bitter days at home(9.584-585). Since Odysseus defies the gods, Poseidon pays him back for what he says and does. To trick a gods child is equal to tricking the god itself. For what he does, Odysseus pays with time and the lives of his companions. Lastly, in return for expressing hubris, the gods refuse to give him any help. Instead, Poseidon intentionally hurts him. For it does say that In these words [Kyklops] prayed, and the god heard him(9.586). Poseidon made the time that it took Odysseus to return very arduous. In contrast to Poseidons relationship with Odysseus, Athena and Odysseus have a special relationship in which confirms that men must be subservient, and pious towards the gods in order to obtain help. Odysseus exemplifies a good, respectful citizen when he returns to Aiaia to bury Elpenor. This illustrates a good citizen because he takes the time to return to the island. For Elpenor asks him O my lord, remember me, I pray,/ do not abandon me unwept, unburied,/ to tempt the gods wrath(9.80-82). In response he tells Elpenor Unhappy spirit,/ I promise you the barrow and the burial(11.89-90). Since he tells Elpenor that he will bury him, if he does not keep his promise, the gods would take a dim view of him. Odysseus, in return for being respectful, is given help from Athena. He

is given direct help at the end when Athena tells him Son of Laertes and the gods of old,/ Odysseus, master of land ways and sea ways,/ command yourself. Call of this battle now,/ or Zeus who views the wide world may be angry(24.606-609). Since Odysseus illustrates piety, Athena grants him help by telling him exactly what he needs to do in order to stay safe. Kalypsos relationship with Odysseus focuses on how Odysseus speaks around her. If he were to say the wrong thing, he would not be guaranteed her help. Poseidons relationship with Odysseus illustrates the idea that if someone does not act respectfully towards the gods, they will not only fail to help them, but the gods will also make an effort to hurt them. In contrast with their relationship, the relationship that Odysseus has with Athena exemplifies the notion that if one is respectful towards the gods, they will be given much help. In total, whatever one does on the earth, whether it is an act of piety or an act of hubris, it will reflect within the gods and they will act accordingly to each situation. The Ancient Greeks believe that the gods are all powerful and that no matter how anyone treats them, their children, or other human beings, everyone will have to face the consequences that the gods mandate, because they have a substantial amount of power over all lives.

Thesis: Through the relationship between Kalypso and Odysseus, Athena and Odysseus, and Poseidon and Odysseus, Homer reveals how the Ancient Greeks believe that they must be respectful towards the gods when acting or speaking to them, and that men may look to the gods for help. P1 Topic Sentence: The relationship between Kalypso and Odysseus illustrates the given idea that if men are reverent to the gods, they will be helped. Act, speak (careful) help Uneasiness about situation Meticulous wording (5.226). (5.184) P2 Topic Sentence: Unlike the relationship between Kalypso and Odysseus, the relationship between Poseidon, Odysseus, and the Kyklops conveys the idea that when one is not respectful to the gods, they will suffer the consequences of the gods fury, and not be given help. Act, speak(hubris) no help Defiance=bad Hurt god=hurt gods children (9.551-552)

(9.584-585) (9.586) P3 Topic Sentence: In contrast to Poseidons relationship with Odysseus, Athena and Odysseus have a special relationship in which confirms that men must be subservient, and pious towards the gods in order to obtain help. Act, speak (extremely respectful)help Preference for Odysseus Direct and indirect help (9.80-82) (11.89-90) (24.606-609) CONCLUSION Concluding Statement: No matter what you do, you will face the consequences because godsall-powerful (substantial?) Summarize relationships, and contrast/compare