Formulaic Language

Find three examples of formulaic language (include them here) and explain how you think these might have been helpful when singing or speaking the Odyssey in the oral tradition.




I chose to discuss some of the formulaic language used in the Odyssey. One example is “The Owl-Eyed Goddess.” This refers to Athena, and it can be found throughout the book. Using this language gives the listener or reader a sense of the personality of the character. 

On Page 80, Book 6, the phrase “Godlike Odysseus” is used. It gives an idea of Odysseus’s power, popularity, and other qualities which resemble a God, even though he is not one. 
This last example is “Quicksilver Hermes.” Quicksilver generally refers something that moves rapidly. It’s a very interesting description of a character. 
Overall I think that this language is very important to give the reader a deeper understanding of the characters and the book. 

The Odyssey - Beginning Proem

“The proem is the very first part of the Odyssey. It begins with "Speak Memory -" and ends with "And tell the tale once more in our time." The proem sets up many of the major topics/themes of the Odyssey.  What do you think you might be able to tell about the topics/themes of the Odyssey just by reading the proem? Use evidence from the proem to support your claims.”


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SPEAK, MEMORY—
Of the cunning hero, The wanderer, blown off course time and again
After he plundered Troy’s sacred heights.


Speak Of all the cities he saw, the minds he grasped,
The suffering deep in his heart at sea
As he struggled to survive and bring his men home 
But could not save them, hard as he tried— 
The fools—destroyed by their own recklessness 
When they ate the oxen of Hyperion the Sun, 
And that god snuffed out their day of return.


Of these things,
Speak, Immortal One,
And tell the tale once more in our time.
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By now, all the others who had fought at Troy— 
At least those who had survived the war and the sea— 
Were safely back home. Only Odysseus
Still longed to return to his home and his wife.
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The first part of the Odyssey book begins with a proem. It’s a brief introduction into some of the things occurring before the Odyssey began. It tells the story of Odysseus, and how he is unable to return home. Odysseus is trapped in a cavern by the goddess Calypso. One of the main themes you’ll notice towards the beginning brings up the theme of cunning versus strength. The importance of intelligence and cunningness over muscle can be found throughout various places in the book. After the first couple lines, themes of capture and fighting are visible. Another theme is family / loyalty. This is shown towards the end of the selection of text. The poem speaks about how Odysseus wants to return home to his home and family. This leads to Penelope, who is waiting for Odysseus, who is showing her loyalty to Odysseus (Which you learn about out past this poem). 

Edward Covey

"Write about anything having to do with the book that interested about which you did not get to write or discuss yet." 

     Edward Covey was very important in Douglass' life and escape from slavery. Covey was a poor farmer that was known in the community for being a "n***** breaker." This reputation was very important to him. Douglass was sent to Covey in the 1830's so that Covey would "Break his spirit." Covey would often beat and whip these slaves for long periods of time. The turning point in Douglass' life was when he defended himself from Covey. The interesting thing is, Covey did not punish Douglass' or have him sent away. Covey needed to maintain his reputation to avoid embarrassment, and didn't beat Douglass again. Even so, it's surprising to me that Covey didn't find a way to punish Douglass without letting others know about his previous defeat in the fight. The only reasoning I can find behind this is that since Douglass wasn't his slave, only loaned to him, he couldn't kill him, or it was just easier for Covey to let Douglass maintain his dominance. I believe this win for Douglass was a great motivation for him and it made him feel more powerful. 

Education and Human Freedom

"In the autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, how is education related to human freedom?"



      During Douglass' autobiography, he speaks about he and other slaves were not allowed to receive an education. In the book, Douglass describes how his ability to read led him to reading abolitionist papers and learning about freedom. One specific moment in the book which was very important was when he was denied further education from Mrs. Auld by Mr. Auld. By restricting a slave's education and keeping him less knowledgable, they were more easily able to deceive and control their slaves. From the experience with the Auld's he became motivated to learn more. Douglass' education gave him a greater awareness and understanding of the world, which led him to escape slavery. With this education, he learned about slavery and freedom in the North.