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The Book That Changed Me
June 2009. The school year had just ended. Contrary to the reactions of my fellow classmates, I never enjoyed the first days of summer vacation: school and classmates, teachers and classes, all I had lived with for the whole year, were nothing but fading memories. After the school year's courses were completed I had a difficult time adjusting to the newly founded free time in which I endlessly searched for a pastime that would strike my interest.
On that gloomy, rainy morning, the kind where you do not desire to leave the comfort of your home, I sat cozily in my favorite easy chair looking forward to the day with a book. Initially, choosing the right book seemed like a hard task as there were many I wanted to read, but then I remembered the book my history teacher gave to me and our conversation a few weeks earlier: “Alex, I found a book that will definitely interest you”, he told me. “It is Dream of Troy by Heinrich Stoll. I know that you are interested in languages and I thought you would like it.” Upon receiving the boo...
In her spin-off of The Odyssey, Margaret Atwood employs a dead Penelope’s perspective to fill the gaps left by the classical epic and to push a righteous feminist agenda. Atwood uncovers an entirely different Penelope than the empty paragon of wifely goodness and loyalty from Homer’s epic. Atwood’s Penelope, although waiting twenty years for Odysseus’s return, actively protects herself from unwanted suitors, her bratty cousin, and even her deceptive, cheating husband. Limboing from the 21st century to Homer’s times to the underworld, Atwood’s narrative reflects on Penelope’s earthly life and encounters in Hades with the ghosts of the past. Specifically through the voice of the twelve dead maids, Atwood debases Odysseus's actions as unnecessarily
Gods. After it was taken over by humans, it was a proud and happy city
Homer was the ancient Greek poet said to have lived between around the 8th and 9th century B.C. Some believe that he was born on the island of Chios and others say he was in Ionia. He was said to be a court singer and a storyteller. He is famous for the writings of the epic poems the Iliad and the Odyssey.
Since the beginning of human civilization, women have often occupied inferior roles in society while the dominant role has been played by men. In Homer’s The Odyssey gender roles in Greek society are emphasized showing how men controlled society while women were undervalued and constantly disrespected. Although it may be argued that Homer poses some rather feminist views, it is evident by several elements that The Odyssey is a misogynistic text. First, women in the Odyssey were continually oppressed by men never having true free will. In addition, Women were depicted as symbols of lust, seduction, and evil who bring destruction to men, undermining the true values of women. Furthermore, Women were expected to remain loyal to men while men have no expectation for themselves which promoted gender inequality. Exemplified by these three elements, it is evident that The Odyssey is a misogynistic text depicting a society where women occupy subservient and inferior positions.
Hector and Achilles both show extravagant heroic qualities in The Iliad and the movie Troy. The character I admire most is Achilles considering he definitely knows how to express his mind and he knows what he wants. Achilles’ qualities include confidence, determination, and intelligence. Achilles may kill a numerous number of people, but he does show kindness and respect, he expresses himself, and cares deeply for his loved ones.
The Odyssey is an epic poem that was written by a man called Homer who is believed to have lived hundreds of years ago. In his 12,000 line story, he captures the adventure of a man named Odyssey who is trying to return home from war to his wife and son. He faces several forms of trouble and deterrents that encompass everything from monsters to gods to people. The reader can look at these events, the symbols, the motifs, and the relationships in the story between different characters in the story to determine the theme of the story. Each part plays a role in forming the themes, though it can sometimes be hard for the reader to analyze each part of the story effectively.
In Fences, the main character Troy obtains an occupation that changes his value systems, his character traits, and his overall ideology. Not only did it affect his lifestyle, it eventually affects those around him. The newly found ideology Troy obtains significantly effects the development of the story's plot.
In book eight of Homer’s The Odyssey, Odysseus is on the island of the Phaeacians and is waiting to return home to Ithaca. Meanwhile, Alcinous, the Phaeacian king, has arranged for a feast and celebration of games in honor of Odysseus, who has not yet revealed his true identity. During the feast, a blind bard named Demodocus sings about the quarrel between Odysseus and Achilles at Troy. The song causes Odysseus to start weeping, so Alcinous ends the feast and orders the games to begin. During dinner after the games, Odysseus asks Demodocus to sing about the Trojan horse and the sack of Troy. This song too causes Odysseus to break down and cry. Homer uses a dramatic simile to describe the pain and sorrow that Odysseus feels as he recalls the story of Troy.
Saunders, M. (2004, September 7). Try year-round school: The lazy days of summer may hurt children who struggle in school the rest of the time. Atlanta Journal-Constitution, pp. 14A, Retrieved November 6, 2004, from Lexus-Nexus.
Over the thousands of years that the epic story the Iliad has survived, there has no doubt been some form of alteration to Homer’s original. Last May, Wolfgang Petersen directed a movie based on the Iliad. This movie, Troy, has proven to be a very loose adaptation of Homer’s original, as are almost all stories that are made into movies, unfortunately. With its timeless storyline, amazing scenery, gorgeous actors/actresses and most of all, its reported two hundred million dollar budget, it is easy to see why Troy was hyped up to be a box office hit. However, the film critics were harsh on this movie, as they had every right to be, and it ended up being a total flop. Compared to Homer’s Iliad, Troy is rather disappointing. But, to be fair, one must keep in mind the limitations of a movie compared to those of a book, and the fact that the title is Troy, not the Iliad. It really is not as bad as expected. Troy is Homer’s Iliad gone to Hollywood. There probably are just as many similarities as differences from the original. The three major upsetting differences in Troy compared to the Iliad are the absence of the Gods, the weak character and plot development, and the addition, exclusion, and reversal of key points.
Madison, Alta. “In School: Every Day, Year - Round?” New York Times 14 Jan 2001: 16.
It was the second semester of fourth grade year. My parents had recently bought a new house in a nice quite neighborhood. I was ecstatic I always wanted to move to a new house. I was tired of my old home since I had already explored every corner, nook, and cranny. The moment I realized I would have to leave my old friends behind was one of the most devastating moments of my life. I didn’t want to switch schools and make new friends. Yet at the same time was an interesting new experience.
It was a gloomy Tuesday despite the fact that it was late August. I had missed the first day of school because I always hated the idea of introductions and forced social situations during those times. I hated my particular school ever since I started as a freshman the
Films have always been used to bring out various cultural artifacts and traditions. Through film, it would be easier for one to point out the culture in which one or the main character belongs to. The Iliad and Troy remains to be amongst the most renowned literal and film pieces that have been read, viewed and appreciated throughout history. Just as is the film Troy, which is based on the epic, The Iliad, Gladiator is a 2000 British–American epic historical drama film directed by Ridley Scott. The Gladiator features the character of Crowe, a fictional character, who is very loyal to Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius. Crowe is betrayed when Commodus, a very ambitious son to the then the emperor Marcus Aurelius takes over power after killing his father.
Summer vacation is legendary. An integral part of American culture, it is loved by students and loathed by parents. Its influence stretches as far as the economy and media of the country. Nevertheless, such a famed part of American educational customs is unnecessary and even detrimental to students. Its institution hinders learning and it can have a damaging effect on the families and students involved.