Please choose one of the following topics, compose a response of 400-500 words, and submit it here. You responses should address all aspects of your chosen topic and use examples from the lectures and readings assigned for Week 6. Please make sure to organize your thoughts carefully in your response, use complete sentences, and proofread your responses for spelling and grammar before submitting. If you quote any of the text from the readings, please make sure to cite your quotes by author and page or paragraph number. You can find the grading rubric for these responses on the syllabus.
Topics (chose only one for your response):
- At the start of the Odyssey, Odysseus is called polytropos, which translates literally to “many turned” or “much turning.” It has also been translated as “man of many ways” or “complicated” more figuratively. The word manages to encapsulate both Odysseus’ wanderings and his variable nature. What would be the one word you would use to describe Odysseus? Support your answer with details from the myth.
- How would you reconcile the civilized and savage nature of the character of Herakles? His bravery and his violence?