Metamorphosis In Homers The Metamorphosis - 979 Words

Metamorphosis is a concept we are all familiar with, normally using the word to refer to the changes insects go through, specifically butterflies. (Hook) However, there is another idea of metamorphosis, that does not involve a caterpillar creating a cocoon. Humans experience metamorphosis throughout their lives, changing the way they act and behave. Metamorphosis is also experienced in the form of disguises, which can be used to serve many different purposes. (Discussion) This idea of metamorphosis is an important aspect of identity in mythological texts. (Thesis) In the Odyssey, Homer uses metamorphosis on the character Athena to help her fulfill her role as a mentor. Ovid’s The Metamorphoses also uses metamorphosis of the characters Io†¦show more content†¦Without the use of the disguises, Athena would not have been able to fulfil her role in the story as Telemachus’s mentor. Another instance where Athena uses a disguise to act as a mentor is closer to the en d of the book. Athena was disguised as a common man, and walked up to Odysseus, who was unaware of his location. Excited to see another person, Odysseus asks for help in protecting him and his belongings, along with asking where he currently is. Athena accused Odysseus of being uneducated man for not realizing he is in the well-recognized country of Ithaca. Odysseus is ecstatic to find out he has arrived back in his home land, and formulates a lie about how he came to arrive where he did, sure not to give away his identity. Here Athena is using her power to disguise herself to give Odysseus information about his location. In addition to this situation, Lippi mentioned in his article how Athena had assisted Odysseus in upwards of fifty situations (2011). This great amount of involvement Athena had in the story shows how important her and her metamorphosis was to The Odyssey. Additionally, metamorphosis is also a major component in Metamorphoses by Ovid. Ovid tells the story of Io, wh o is spotted by Jupiter, who noticed that she wasShow MoreRelated The Metamorphosis of Achilles in Homer’s The Iliad Essay1159 Words   |  5 PagesThe Metamorphosis of Achilles in Homer’s The Iliad Dr. Frost’s comments: With his clear explanation, illustrative quotes, and logical organization, the student easily proves his thesis, recapped and affirmed very well in the final paragraph. From the first pages of Homer’s The Iliad, Achilles is portrayed as vengeful, proud, and petty. As the book progresses, the image of Achilles as a spiteful child is sharpened dramatically. Towards the end of the epic; however, Achilles begins to exhibitRead MoreAnalysis Of John Milton s Paradise Lost 1678 Words   |  7 Pagessociety. Homer’s The Odyssey, like Paradise Lost, paints a vivid picture of superior masculinity in man and a helpless woman. 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