The Odyssey By Homer, The Blind Poet Demodocus Essay

Although viewed as an intangible, inexplicable phenomenon, power has been vital to every civilization since the creation of man. It has mesmerized monarchs and aristocrats, while motivating the poorest of the poor, all in hopes of harnessing this unique concept. Specifically, relational power has been a strong influence, relying on the personal connection an individual can create with groups of people. No era or nation has been exempt from this and it has manifested itself through totalitarian regimes, strong central governments, and gaps between the rich and the poor. In particular, this concept of power has been evident in a multitude of ancient myths in which power is wielded by mortals through a variety of different mediums such as rhetoric, brute strength, and intelligence which highlights the significant themes a society holds in high regard. Certain forms of rhetoric have been able to wield a unique type of power. In the Odyssey by Homer, the blind poet Demodocus sings for the Phaeacian royal court about the war in Troy. Demodocus â€Å"made them see [the Trojan War] happen† with his mastery of language (Odyssey, VIII, 541). Although he does not have his own individual sight, his supernatural ability makes up for up for this weakness. Demodocus is blessed by the gods to be able to make others see which has its own merit because of its potential power. In this case, he paints the scene of the Trojan war when he sings about it with precise detail and truth. His audience canShow MoreRelatedThe Odyssey by Homer1210 Words   |  5 Pages Homer’s â€Å"The Odyssey† takes place ten years after the events in â€Å"The Iliad†, to which the Odyssey is an indirect sequel, and the fall of Troy; even though the story is believed to have been composed some time during the eight century B.C.E. it is estimat ed to be set sometime between 1300 and 1000 B.C.E. in Mycenaean Greece during the Bronze age. In this novel all Greek heroes have returned home after the fall of Troy, except for Odysseus who after a three year journey has been held captive by theRead MoreEssay about Homers The Odyssey1646 Words   |  7 PagesHomers The Odyssey The Odyssey is a companion to The Iliad, a story of the Trojan War. Both The Iliad and The Odyssey are epic poems written by Homer. In The Odyssey, Homer relates the misadventures of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, that occur during the decade following the defeat of Troy. In doing so, the fates of his fellow warriors are also made known. The Odyssey begins on Mount Olympus, in the palace of Zeus, king of the gods, where a discussion takes place regarding the woes of humans andRead MoreOdyssey and Odysseus Outstanding Qualities2184 Words   |  9 Pagesï » ¿Odyssey Review/Essay Questions 1.What aspects of social and political life in Homeric times are reflected in the â€Å"Odyssey†? =The aspects in the social and political life in Homeric times that are reflected in the Odyssey are the leadership and hierarchy. These are depicted by kings, warriors and peasants who sometimes live un-heroic simple life.Other than that it shows the culture of the Greeks wherein if you will court a lady,you should bring gifts. 2.What is the purpose of the many allusionRead MoreComparing Virgil s Aeneid And Homer s Odyssey2766 Words   |  12 PagesJourney, fate, conflict and divine intervention demonstrate the morals and ideas of the age and cultures in which both Virgil and Homer lived. The lives of the main characters, Odysseus and Aeneas must fulfill their destiny with direct interference from the Gods and Goddesses. With the gods and goddess not always sharing the same motives or best interest of the main character would make the journey to achieve their destiny extremely difficult. The gods and goddess can be vengeful just as much asRead MoreThe Odyssey Study Guide2304 Words   |  10 Pagesï » ¿Study Guide Questions: Homer’s Odyssey Directions: Provide clear and accurate responses to the following questions. Incorporate quoted evidence for support , provide page numbers, and insightful analysis (how or why the information/quote is important). Use blue/black ink and make your responses legible. Book I 1. What does the invocation (the first 13 lines) say the poem as a whole will emphasize? 2. What first impression does this book give us of the gods? How much of a roleRead MoreOdyssey Historical Background6500 Words   |  26 PagesThe Odyssey ~ Background Information * The novel covers a 10 year period. * The novel was written approximately in 720 B.C. * The novel takes place in 1230 B.C. ~ during the Bronze age. * The Iliad (written first) and The Odyssey are based on historical events that took place about 1230 B.C. * Both novels are considered epic poems * The Odyssey is defined as a journey. This is the story of Odysseus’ journey back home after the Trojan War. From The Odyssey, Homer chose theRead MoreEssay on The Odyssey21353 Words   |  86 PagesThe Odyssey Set in ancient Greece, The Odyssey is about the hero Odysseus long-awaited return from the Trojan War to his homeland, Ithaca, after ten years of wandering. The current action of The Odyssey occupies the last six weeks of the ten years, and the narrative includes many places - Olympus, Ithaca, Pylos, Pherae, Sparta, Ogygia, and Scheria. In Books 9-12, Odysseus narrates the story of his travels in the years after the fall of Troy, and this narrative includes other far-flung

Edgar Allen Poe Essay - 709 Words

Edgar Allen Poe Edgar Allen Poe: A Brilliant Writer Edgar Allen Poe was one of the most brilliant writers of the nineteenth century. His short stories and poems consist of horror, mortality, romantic struggle, and psychological concept. Poe’s tales labeled him as a master in his study of instability of self-control, the restrain of emotion, and access of feeling. His literary works were based on his personal background; therefore, many have similar characteristics. Poe was a manic depressant, and frequently wrote while under the influence of morphine and alcohol. Poe gives an example of his influenced writing in the story Ligeia. The story portrays Ligeia and her husband as opium addicts (Bonaparte, 236).†¦show more content†¦For example, The Raven portrayed a man mourning over his lost wife, Lenore. Other critics believe his thoughts on romance are based on the women that were involved in his lifetime. For instances, To Helen 1831, could define the relationship between Poe and his foster mother (Davidson,32). The eye is a horrific symbol in some of Poe’s stories. Poe’s focus of the cat’s eye in The Black Cat was to show the insanity of the husband. Maybe Poe uses the focus of the eye because the eye is considered to be a window to our soul (Rose). Most of his stories have a continual motive of obsessive-compulsive behavior. For instance, the narrator in the Tell Tale Heart was obsessed with the beating of the hideous heart! Or in the Black Cat the character was obsessed with the killing the cat. In both of those stories the narrators was not afraid of the police, yet their presence made the characters lose their insanity. That is a characteristic of someone that is compulsive, and will act without thinking of the consequences. Poe’s characters often recall visions that they see in dreams. Edward Davidson acknowledges, â€Å" Poe sets forth the dream not as a refuge from the world’s chiding, but as the region of understanding and â€Å"truth† of which this known world is a mere shadow†(Davidson 11). Poe rarely expressesShow MoreRelated Edgar Allen Poe1501 Words   |  7 PagesEdgar Allen Poe Edgar Allen Poe was a great writer and made many contributions to the works of literature. He is known as the father of the American short story and also the father of the detective story. To understand Poe’s literary contributions, his early life, literacy life, and works must be examined. Each aspect of his life revolves around the other. Edgar Allen Poe was born in Boston on January 19, 1809. He was born to a Southern family who belonged in a traveling companyRead More Edgar Allen Poe Essay860 Words   |  4 PagesEdgar Allen Poe Edgar Allen Poe is a writer of the 1800’s. He has written many classics and has a unique style. Edgar fits into a gothic romance style that was prevalent at the time of his writing. Science at the time was making leaps and bounds and often scientists were immoral and hypocritical. This is reflected in Edgar’s sonnet to science were science has been destroying all that Edgar finds wonderful in the world. Edgar has a tough life with many losses which is also reflectedRead MoreEdgar Allen Poe And King1063 Words   |  5 Pages Casandra Crawford Mrs. Dean English 11 March 14, 2015 Poe and King What is thought of when the word ‘Horror’ is said. One would usually think of a scary clown, an ax murderer, and demons. Many minds would wander over to the brilliant horror author, Stephen King, and his many wondrous villains. Many intellectuals would have briefly wandered over to Edgar Allen Poe, and his gift to entice the readers into his stories. Poe and King are both monarchs of the Horror genre and it would be very easy toRead More Edgar Allen Poe Essay1637 Words   |  7 PagesEdgar Allen Poe Edgar Allen Poes life was bombarded with misery, financial problems, and death but he still managed to become a world-renowned writer. Although he attended the most prestigious of schools he was often looked over as a writer and poet during his career. His stories were odd and misunderstood during their time. However, now they are loved a read by millions. On January 19, 1809 Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts at a lodging house. His parents David and ElizabethRead MoreThe Raven By Edgar Allen Poe1233 Words   |  5 Pagesproper use of it a poem may not be as strong as others. Poetry is a form of art, and a poet uses language as a painter would use color to portray their art. Edgar Allen Poe is one of the greatest poets in history because his mastery of literary elements such as allusion, allegory, symbolism, and figurative language. â€Å"The Raven† by Edgar Allen Poe is a fascinating poem in which he displays excellent use of language. There are many symbols in this poem which help the reader understand the change in theRead MoreThe Death Of Edgar Allen Poe1165 Words   |  5 PagesEdgar Allen Poe had an unusual and complex relationship with the concept of death throughout his lifetime. Having been born into a family of traveling actors Poe’s unhealthy obsession spawned from a very young and impressionable age. Edgar’s dissociation from the tragedy of death was due to the fact that he would watch his mother kill herself on stage night after night; pigs blood filling her corset as the curtains drawn to close. During those two years Poe learned that death wasn’t final andRead MoreThe Raven By Edgar Allen Poe1494 Words   |  6 PagesIn 1844, Edgar Allen Poe published one of his most famous poems â€Å"The Raven.† â€Å"The Raven† is about a man reading books trying to keep his mind off a woman named Lenore he loved that died. Later, while he is napping, he wakes up from a knocking on the door. He gets up and opens the door of his chamber, but no one is there. He goes to his window then opens the shutters. A raven flies right in and sits on a bust of Pallas, goddess of wisdom, on top of his chamber door. The narrator sits there askingRead MoreEssay on Edgar Allen Poe763 Words   |  4 PagesEdgar Allen Poe Edgar Allen Poe, an America writer, was known as a poet and critic but was most famous as the master of short stories, particularly tales of the mysterious and the macrabe. The literary merits of Poe’s writings have been debated since his death, but his works have continued to be popular and many American and European writers have declared their artistic debt to him. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Poe was orphaned in his early childhood and was raised by John Allen, a successfulRead MoreThe Symbolism Of Edgar Allen Poe1491 Words   |  6 PagesSymbolism in Edgar Allen Poe’ Works -14090304 Maggie æâ€" ¹Ã¥ ­ Ã¦â€¡ ¿Fang Ziyi- As a master of short stories of horror, Edgar Allan Poe is knowledgeable, learned and imaginative. He could skillfully manipulate the words in his literary works to create everything people can think of. The masterful use of the symbols, objects intensify the readers’ nerve as the typical elements of horror in Poe’s short stories, and therefore it is also a feature which makes Poe s stories different from other writers. In Edgar AllenRead MoreEdgar Allen Poe Poem1111 Words   |  4 Pagesits autumn tint of gold, From the lightning in the sky As it passed me flying by, From the thunder and the storm, And the cloud that took the form (When the rest of Heaven was blue) Of a demon in my view - Edgar Allan Poe Alone, the simple yet complex poem by Edgar Allan Poe, can be viewed to be born from many different origins. What we do know about the poem is that it is simply beautiful. Even though its beauty is known by the contrasting metaphors and what not, we do have to take notice

Annotated Bibliography Arts Education Free Essays

Arts Education in America: An Annotated Bibliography Statement of Scope: The purpose of this bibliography is to attain information from credible sources on arts programs in schools. The goal is to provide enough information so that the reader is then able to form their own opinions on the benefits, problems, and policies on arts programs at varying levels of education. Those looking to find detailed information will find this bibliography to be a good starting point. We will write a custom essay sample on Annotated Bibliography: Arts Education or any similar topic only for you Order Now Parsad, B. , and Spiegelman, M. 2012. Arts Education in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools: 1999–2000 and 2009–10 (NCES 2012–014). National Center for Education Statistics, Institute of Education Sciences, U. S. Department of Education. Washington, DC. Web. 24 Jan. 2013 This source is a presentation of unbiased information about both the overall arts education programs and specific sections including: visual arts, music, dance, and theater/drama. The report utilizes a plethora of charts, graphs, and other visual aids to help organize and present the information. Parsad and Spiegelman first present their findings on overall arts education programs including the percentages of schools offering visual arts, music, dance and theater classes. They then dedicate ten to fifteen pages discussing the particulars of each section of the arts listed above. There is so much information in this article that it would be great for someone looking for a broad spectrum understanding of arts education programs. The visual aids complement the information presented and would be easy to incorporate into a variety of works. For someone who is looking to get very specific information about a specific program then this would be a good source to start with, the way the report is divided makes it very easy to find information on a specific sections of an arts program, i. e. music or drama. It would provide the reader with enough information that they could ask their own questions and be able to look further into a specific topic. Catterall, Dumais, and Hampden-Thompson. March 2012. The arts and achievement in at-risk youth : findings from four longitudinal studies. National Endowment for the Arts. Research Report #55). Web. 24 Jan. 2013. This research report is a presentation of years of studies conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts and similar organizations, most being government funded. The authors arrange the report in such a way that the bulk of the report is given through the use of visual graphs and charts, which are accompanied by conclusive statements like â€Å"Teenagers and young adult s of low socioeconomic status (SES) who have a history of in-depth arts involvement show better academic outcomes than do low-SES youth who have less arts involvement. They earn better grades and demonstrate higher rates of college enrollment and attainment. † (12) Most of the graphs simply relate percentages of students with low and high levels of art engagement to achieve certain things like high school graduation, entering a bachelors program, and attaining a steady professional level career. For every study and graph presented or reviewed there is clearly cited sources, if any confusion remains the appendix and cited pages are very clear about how to find more information. Being that this is a report of findings from a national organization it is not biased to or for support of arts programs. For anyone looking for specific statistics to use in a presentation or report of their own, this research report could be very helpful. As previously stated the bulk of the information is presented through graphs and charts that utilize percentages, and is therefore very easy to take and use in a presentation without having to do much work yourself. For someone looking for a more scholarly breakdown of the benefits of arts education on high-risk students this report will not be as helpful, as it would be time consuming to trace the information presented back to the original sources. Dwyer, M. Christine. 2011. Reinvesting in Arts Education: Winning America’s Future through Creative Schools. President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. Web. 24 Jan. 2013. The reports emphasizes the essential role that arts education programs play in improving student engagement and building creativity. Dwyer discusses, in a lengthy and wordy overview, the current Arts Education programs and policies shortcomings. â€Å"It is widely agreed that the U. S. public education system is not adequately serving a significant portion of our nation’s children and that public K-12 schools must change dramatically o achieve the Administration’s goal that the United States become a global leader in postsecondary attainment by 2020†¦ School leaders and teachers will need to step up to the challenge of finding new ways to engage many more students in meaningful learning†¦ † (27) More importantly, this report discusses possible solutions such as reinvesti ng in arts education, and argues for creating arts-rich schools that can engage students in ways that complement the study of the arts and other traditional subjects such as literature, history, science, and mathematics. Another key takeaway from this report is it shows readers the link between arts education and achievement in other subjects. Being that this source is a report by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, it attempts to present evidence to support the positions of the president and his corresponding political party. As political and wordy as this report is it would most likely benefit someone looking into the politics side of arts education, it would not be as helpful for someone looking for developmental and long term benefits of art involvement in schools. Rabkin, Hedberg. 2011. Arts Education in America: What the Declines Mean for Arts Participation. Based on the 2008 Survey of Public Participation in the Arts. National Endowment for the Arts. (Research Report #52). Web. 24 Jan. 2013. This report presents its findings after researching important question related to arts education in America. Questions like: Has participation in arts programs declined? What does it mean for teachers and students? How has this affected participation in other extracurricular activities? How does this affect support for programs? The article presents the questions to the reader and then follows up with information that supports both positive and negative claims about the answer. Charts are used when needed to simplify information into an easily digestible visual aid. There are numerous sources used as evidence for the information presented, as well as suggestions for further investigation into the questions presented. This report has a very neutral stance towards the information presented. There is good information presented for varying arguments and the ultimate decision is left to the reader. This source would be a fair report to use in a work, especially if in an argumentative essay you need information for the view that opposes yours. However for someone looking for highly specific information this report will only be useful for an introduction into the questions being asked about the national education programs. Oxtoby, David W. 2012. The Place of Arts in Liberal Education. Liberal Education, v98 n2 p36-41 Spr 2012. Oxtoby uses a great deal of logic to explain his opinion on the place of arts in liberal education and he uses statistics to support his views. In his article, he states that diversity in the curriculum is a keystone to success in any liberal education program. He also claims that part of that diversity needs to include a program where students can express their creativity. Being able to express their creativity and the stimulation provided by arts programs lead to more successful students, both in academics, community involvement, and professional work environments. This article is a good source of simple and sound logic in support of arts programs being included in all liberal education. Oxtoby’s statements and presentation of the information is biased towards supports arts programs, but he always includes evidence to support his ideas. Also, while he does not approve of excluding arts in liberal education there is never any negativity in his statements, only more supporting evidence for his ideas. Some readers will find this article to be dry and uninteresting unless they already have some knowledge and opinions on the place of arts in education programs. How to cite Annotated Bibliography: Arts Education, Essay examples