In King Nestor Remembers, the third book of The Odyssey, Telemachus has set sail with the goddess Athena towards Pylos to question King Nestor about the whereabouts of his father Odysseus. When they hit the shore Nestor is very hospitable and friendly right away to his guests. I was wondering why exactly people were always nice and offered gifts to their visitors at this time, and then I read a quote from King Nestor. “Zeus forbid- and the other deathless gods as well- that you resort to your ship and put my house behind like a rank pauper’s without a stitch of clothing, no piles of rugs, no blankets in his place for host and guests to slumber soft in comfort” (118). Nestor also offers them a chariot and fine horses to transport them to their next location. I realized that they might not just be doing this out of the goodness of their hearts, but in order to please the gods. This entire chapter just seemed to be Telemachus searching for information from Nestor, and receiving his story. Nestor sent him on his way after telling him all he knew and Telemachus’ journey is to continue. In Telemachus’ position, how would you keep yourself motivated to keep moving?
Another thing I realized was dramatic irony a few times. King Nestor referenced Athena a few times, by telling Telemachus that Athena had favored Odysseus, and may favor him as well. He said this without realizing that Athena was indeed there with Telemachus. The other thing that I noticed along these terms was foreshadowing spoken by Nestor. He told Telemachus that if Odysseus did indeed find his way back to Ithaca he would cut down all of his wife’s suitors, which as we discussed in class, does indeed happen. I thought the sophistication on Homer’s use of literary elements was brilliant, and well thought out.
I also checked out the notes on the translation in the back of the book and found some interesting things. One thing was a description of the warriors that Nestor names that fell at Troy. Achilles was shot with an arrow, shot by none other than Paris, in the heel, the only weakness of his armor. Also, when his Ajax’s mother Thetis offered the armor and arms of Achilles to Odysseus for being the bravest champion, Ajax killed himself for not having won. Another interesting tale given was that behind Philoctetes. The Achaeans were unable to take Troy, and learned that they would only be able to with Philoctetes and his bow that he had inherited from Heracles. His safe return from Troy concluded his well-known story. The last interesting note that I looked at was about the tradition of sacrifices to the gods. Apparently the tongues of the sacrificed animals were reserved for the gods, which is gross, why would you want a tongue? But apparently it was a very important offering for the gods. I think Athena was different than the perspective I got from when we talked about the gods in class. My opinion from the reading in class was that generally gods were vicious and Athena seems to be very helpful and willing for mortals. If you were in Telemachus’ position, where you knew Athena was with you, how would you react?
The hospitality of this chapter really throws me off as compared to today’s society. If some stranger came to my house and asked to spend the night and then have a car the next day to continue his journey, I’d punch him in the face. I am also positive I am one of millions, perhaps billions that would do the same thing. I cannot make the connection from this chapter to the real world, honestly how would you react if you were in Nestor’s position in today’s society? Would you invite this man looking for his father into your home?
Sunday, November 14, 2010
The Odyssey Book Three Blog
In King Nestor Remembers, the third book of The Odyssey, Telemachus has set sail with the goddess Athena towards Pylos to question King Nestor about the whereabouts of his father Odysseus. When they hit the shore Nestor is very hospitable and friendly right away to his guests. I was wondering why exactly people were always nice and offered gifts to their visitors at this time, and then I read a quote from King Nestor. “Zeus forbid- and the other deathless gods as well- that you resort to your ship and put my house behind like a rank pauper’s without a stitch of clothing, no piles of rugs, no blankets in his place for host and guests to slumber soft in comfort” (118). Nestor also offers them a chariot and fine horses to transport them to their next location. I realized that they might not just be doing this out of the goodness of their hearts, but in order to please the gods. This entire chapter just seemed to be Telemachus searching for information from Nestor, and receiving his story. Nestor sent him on his way after telling him all he knew and Telemachus’ journey is to continue. In Telemachus’ position, how would you keep yourself motivated to keep moving?
Another thing I realized was dramatic irony a few times. King Nestor referenced Athena a few times, by telling Telemachus that Athena had favored Odysseus, and may favor him as well. He said this without realizing that Athena was indeed there with Telemachus. The other thing that I noticed along these terms was foreshadowing spoken by Nestor. He told Telemachus that if Odysseus did indeed find his way back to Ithaca he would cut down all of his wife’s suitors, which as we discussed in class, does indeed happen. I thought the sophistication on Homer’s use of literary elements was brilliant, and well thought out.
I also checked out the notes on the translation in the back of the book and found some interesting things. One thing was a description of the warriors that Nestor names that fell at Troy. Achilles was shot with an arrow, shot by none other than Paris, in the heel, the only weakness of his armor. Also, when his Ajax’s mother Thetis offered the armor and arms of Achilles to Odysseus for being the bravest champion, Ajax killed himself for not having won. Another interesting tale given was that behind Philoctetes. The Achaeans were unable to take Troy, and learned that they would only be able to with Philoctetes and his bow that he had inherited from Heracles. His safe return from Troy concluded his well-known story. The last interesting note that I looked at was about the tradition of sacrifices to the gods. Apparently the tongues of the sacrificed animals were reserved for the gods, which is gross, why would you want a tongue? But apparently it was a very important offering for the gods. I think Athena was different than the perspective I got from when we talked about the gods in class. My opinion from the reading in class was that generally gods were vicious and Athena seems to be very helpful and willing for mortals. If you were in Telemachus’ position, where you knew Athena was with you, how would you react?
The hospitality of this chapter really throws me off as compared to today’s society. If some stranger came to my house and asked to spend the night and then have a car the next day to continue his journey, I’d punch him in the face. I am also positive I am one of millions, perhaps billions that would do the same thing. I cannot make the connection from this chapter to the real world, honestly how would you react if you were in Nestor’s position in today’s society? Would you invite this man looking for his father into your home?
Another thing I realized was dramatic irony a few times. King Nestor referenced Athena a few times, by telling Telemachus that Athena had favored Odysseus, and may favor him as well. He said this without realizing that Athena was indeed there with Telemachus. The other thing that I noticed along these terms was foreshadowing spoken by Nestor. He told Telemachus that if Odysseus did indeed find his way back to Ithaca he would cut down all of his wife’s suitors, which as we discussed in class, does indeed happen. I thought the sophistication on Homer’s use of literary elements was brilliant, and well thought out.
I also checked out the notes on the translation in the back of the book and found some interesting things. One thing was a description of the warriors that Nestor names that fell at Troy. Achilles was shot with an arrow, shot by none other than Paris, in the heel, the only weakness of his armor. Also, when his Ajax’s mother Thetis offered the armor and arms of Achilles to Odysseus for being the bravest champion, Ajax killed himself for not having won. Another interesting tale given was that behind Philoctetes. The Achaeans were unable to take Troy, and learned that they would only be able to with Philoctetes and his bow that he had inherited from Heracles. His safe return from Troy concluded his well-known story. The last interesting note that I looked at was about the tradition of sacrifices to the gods. Apparently the tongues of the sacrificed animals were reserved for the gods, which is gross, why would you want a tongue? But apparently it was a very important offering for the gods. I think Athena was different than the perspective I got from when we talked about the gods in class. My opinion from the reading in class was that generally gods were vicious and Athena seems to be very helpful and willing for mortals. If you were in Telemachus’ position, where you knew Athena was with you, how would you react?
The hospitality of this chapter really throws me off as compared to today’s society. If some stranger came to my house and asked to spend the night and then have a car the next day to continue his journey, I’d punch him in the face. I am also positive I am one of millions, perhaps billions that would do the same thing. I cannot make the connection from this chapter to the real world, honestly how would you react if you were in Nestor’s position in today’s society? Would you invite this man looking for his father into your home?
Monday, November 8, 2010
Let Your Voice be Heard
A major theme in A Doll's House is simply the fact that in Torvald's house, Nora's voice cannot be heard. He is so self absorbed in himself and his own business and that is all that he will talk about or do. Therefore, all that is acceptable for Nora to talk about is Torvald. She is banned from talking how she wants to, and even from eating macaroons. I actually accidentally stumbled upon a poem by HaliJo Webster on the internet in which she sends a pretty powerful message.
For all you do, I feel worthless.
where did my name go?
Everything lost.
No direction.
you have taken it all -
my dignity,
my voice.
Two in a room,
I disappear
like a child.
My voice is not heard.
Incredulous in your ignorance,
no idea of your ego
and raw male pride.
The first thought that popped into my mind after I saw this was, "Wow!" I related this poem so much to the way Nora is forced to live her life. This poem describes how a man can suck all the life out of a woman and truly turn her into a doll. Nora is honestly over powered by Torvald, she in essence disappears around him and becomes his pet. He takes everything away from her and does not even realize it. I think that this is what the miracle of miracles that Nora and Torvald talk about is; him treating a woman with equality and giving them rights. To not oppress them, but let their voice be heard.
For all you do, I feel worthless.
where did my name go?
Everything lost.
No direction.
you have taken it all -
my dignity,
my voice.
Two in a room,
I disappear
like a child.
My voice is not heard.
Incredulous in your ignorance,
no idea of your ego
and raw male pride.
The first thought that popped into my mind after I saw this was, "Wow!" I related this poem so much to the way Nora is forced to live her life. This poem describes how a man can suck all the life out of a woman and truly turn her into a doll. Nora is honestly over powered by Torvald, she in essence disappears around him and becomes his pet. He takes everything away from her and does not even realize it. I think that this is what the miracle of miracles that Nora and Torvald talk about is; him treating a woman with equality and giving them rights. To not oppress them, but let their voice be heard.
Friday, November 5, 2010
She Can Carry This Burden
While searching the web for something that has to do with the ideas and messages that Henrik Ibsen provides his readers in A Doll’s House, I stumbled across a perfect quote spoken by Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
“Whatever the theories may be of woman's dependence on man, in the supreme moments of her life he cannot bear her burdens.”
This relates perfectly to Nora and Torvald in marriage; for Torvald is always trying to play the role of dominance. By doing so, Torvald also made it so that Nora would be playing the role of the weak one. He wanted their relationship to be him providing for the two of them, and her being there for him to play with. He never took into consideration the fact that Nora may have the ability to comprehend and deal with tough situations. Her most supreme time was when she had to borrow money in order to save Torvald’s life. Obviously, because Torvald interpreted Nora as just his pet, he never suspected that she could be capable of making a deal with someone for the money. He was very sick, and she needed to act; her father had passed just before he became sick, so she could not get the money from him. She had to ask for the favor from Mr. Krogstad, and wrote him an I.O.U. on which she had to forge her deceased father’s signature.
Torvald could not have carried this weight that Nora had put onto her shoulders; she had to do it independently. The downfall of their marriage may very well have been the fact that Nora had to act independently; as well as the fact that Torvald could not accept that she was not always dependent on him.
“Whatever the theories may be of woman's dependence on man, in the supreme moments of her life he cannot bear her burdens.”
This relates perfectly to Nora and Torvald in marriage; for Torvald is always trying to play the role of dominance. By doing so, Torvald also made it so that Nora would be playing the role of the weak one. He wanted their relationship to be him providing for the two of them, and her being there for him to play with. He never took into consideration the fact that Nora may have the ability to comprehend and deal with tough situations. Her most supreme time was when she had to borrow money in order to save Torvald’s life. Obviously, because Torvald interpreted Nora as just his pet, he never suspected that she could be capable of making a deal with someone for the money. He was very sick, and she needed to act; her father had passed just before he became sick, so she could not get the money from him. She had to ask for the favor from Mr. Krogstad, and wrote him an I.O.U. on which she had to forge her deceased father’s signature.
Torvald could not have carried this weight that Nora had put onto her shoulders; she had to do it independently. The downfall of their marriage may very well have been the fact that Nora had to act independently; as well as the fact that Torvald could not accept that she was not always dependent on him.
Don't You Bring me Down Today
A thought about A Doll's House that continuously goes through my mind is why exactly Nora left Torvald. But then I found the best quote that I have experienced during this blogging process, the author is unknown, but it is truly fantastic.
Never let the hand you hold, hold you down.
Can you say brain blast? This pieced together the puzzle in my mind, because she was getting held down by Torvald. She could never be who she wanted to be, nor who he wanted her to be; they were two completely different personalities. But when Nora came into reality, that Torvald was bringing her down, holding her back and she needed to move on. A theme that I constantly bring up is the miracle of miracles. Maybe this huge miracle has many parts to it and the ability to move forward is one of them. That is what Nora finally realizes and she makes the decision not to be brought down any longer. Packing up and leaving her misery behind was the best thing for her to do.
Never let the hand you hold, hold you down.
Can you say brain blast? This pieced together the puzzle in my mind, because she was getting held down by Torvald. She could never be who she wanted to be, nor who he wanted her to be; they were two completely different personalities. But when Nora came into reality, that Torvald was bringing her down, holding her back and she needed to move on. A theme that I constantly bring up is the miracle of miracles. Maybe this huge miracle has many parts to it and the ability to move forward is one of them. That is what Nora finally realizes and she makes the decision not to be brought down any longer. Packing up and leaving her misery behind was the best thing for her to do.
Becoming Free
I recently read the play A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen. The main message the play is giving the world is the message of women’s oppression. Nora Helmer is the wife of soon to be manager of a bank Torvald Helmer, and throughout the play, he treats her as a pet. He gives her nicknames such as “my little lark” and truly seems to think of her as more of an object than a human being. Here’s the thing though; Nora, without Torvald knowing, took a loan from a man in order to pay for Torvald’s vacation in order to get him well. Torvald, however, would not think this as possible, or sensible for Nora, because she is a woman. When he finds out he is really angry with Nora for what she did to him by taking the loan without him knowing. Although the loaner sends him a letter containing the I.O.U. that Nora had written him, and Torvald forgives Nora, she sees what she truly is to him, and leaves him. I found a quote that I think really relates to this situation, spoken by Antoinette Brown Blackwell.
“You asked me one day if it seemed like giving up much for your sake. Only leave me free, as free as you are and everyone ought to be, and it is giving up nothing.”
She needs her freedom from their doomed marriage in which he fell in love with the girl he wanted her to be, and forced her to be. He used her as a pet, a toy, you may even say a doll, and kept her oppressed while he was free. She came to the realization that what they had was not love, but a fantasy. A man’s fantasy that she was forced into, and when they thought they had love this entire time, they actually had nothing. Torvald had his dream, that Nora was his singing lark, and Nora gave up everything for that; but in the end, what they both needed was to move on from their nothing, and hopefully find the miracle of love in the future.
“You asked me one day if it seemed like giving up much for your sake. Only leave me free, as free as you are and everyone ought to be, and it is giving up nothing.”
She needs her freedom from their doomed marriage in which he fell in love with the girl he wanted her to be, and forced her to be. He used her as a pet, a toy, you may even say a doll, and kept her oppressed while he was free. She came to the realization that what they had was not love, but a fantasy. A man’s fantasy that she was forced into, and when they thought they had love this entire time, they actually had nothing. Torvald had his dream, that Nora was his singing lark, and Nora gave up everything for that; but in the end, what they both needed was to move on from their nothing, and hopefully find the miracle of love in the future.
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