The Odyssey

Is Odysseus a hero?

Everyone does hold a different opinion as to whether Odysseus can be considered a hero depending on how they view his actions throughout his travels. In my opinion, he was without much of a doubt.

By definition, a hero is someone who has earned distinction for his or her brave actions and noble qualities. This aspect can be identified in Odysseus as he fought gloriously on behalf of the Greek in the famous battle in Troy. He was in aspects considered a hero during the war distinguishing him from the rest that also fought in the war. However, due to his arrogance, which some may use to discredit his heroics, he did not credit his success to the gods thus ended up being punished by Poseidon.

That is not the end of him as he manages to survive all the gods managed to throw at him during his ten-year absence from home. He does manage to fight on behalf of the people to liberate them in various capacities. He was at the forefront on more than one occasion to lead his men as they battled everything that came their way.

In most arguments against his heroic status, most critics cite the fact that he did have some weaknesses such as his pride and women. These two factors delayed his journey to Ithaca on more than one occasion. However, I choose to understand that Odysseus was a man like everyone else and he was bound to err one time or the other. The most important point is the fact that the he learned from his mistakes and tried to move on every time he came to his senses. For one to be considered as a hero, they should be able to learn from their mistakes and be ready to move one. The fact that after the ten-year wander-about, he was able to learn his initial mistake and started to respect the gods.

The Passing by Nella Larsen

What is the theme of this story?  

The theme of the story “The Passing” is passing. The story concentrates on how Claire and even to some extent Irene try to pass themselves as whites yet they are just light skinned black women. Nothing is what it seems in this novel.

What is the author trying to say about race and the society she lived in?

Racism is a prevalent issue in the time and place that the author lived in. this is evidenced by the characterization of all the characters starting with their skin color. Each character when introduced is described depending on their skin color and attitude towards individuals of other races. For example, Kendry in the novel is described as a white racist individual who is abusive to Claire.

 In the novel, the author points out the fact that racism is just a skin-deep matter. If the color of the skin could be overlooked in some way, then all the people could get along. In the story, Kendry, a renowned resists ends up marrying who is black without knowing. The problem only comes in when Claire starts to darken drawing the attention and abuses from her husband.

Do you find it an effective way to discuss the ideas and problems of race?

Yes I do. In giving the characters different personalities, believes and backgrounds, the author has been able to bring the aspect of racism to fore. In addition, she has been able to propose a subtle suggestion as to the root cause and even eminent solution to the problem.

Gulliver’s Travels

What view of humanity emerges from the comparison Gulliver is forces to make between himself and his near-twins the Yahoos?

In the present society, the big and mighty always have their way. When Gulliver is requested to help the Yahoos in their ongoing war, he gladly strode into the war field without considering everyone else and practically wins the war for the Yahoos. He has an air of arrogance about him that comes with his size making him a giant among midgets.

How are the Yahoos to be differentiated from Europeans like Gulliver, if indeed they are different at all?

There is not much difference between the Yahoos and the Europeans such as Gulliver save for the size difference. Like their counterparts, the Yahoos have establishes political systems and laws that govern them. There are consequences, which Gulliver had to find out the hard way, for the wrongdoers. When Gulliver put out a fire by urinating on the house, he was held liable for his actions for breaking the law. His misdemeanor was not let go just because he had helped put the fire out.

What has happened to Gulliver’s self-image and self-respect by the time he returns to England?

During his stay with the Yahoos, Gulliver was practically humiliated after he put the fire out by urinating on it. Before this incident, he felt like the giant he was. However, he was completely humbled when the Yahoos decided that he was not untouchable anymore and decided to literary tie him down for his wrongs. The giant was left to beg for forgiveness from the tiny midgets. After the incident, his outlook of the Yahoos had been changed.