Reaction to the Odyssey and answer to question

After reading this weeks assignment, I found some things interesting. One thing I found interesting was how King Alcinous wanted Ulysses' approval so much. Once he found out they were not the best in sports, he found other things they could be the best at and showed Ulysses. When Ulysses said they were the best dancers in the world, Alcinous was overjoyed.

Something I found confusing was why they gave Ulysses so many gifts. They just met him and they throw a banquet in his honor. They also provide him with an escort back to Ithaca. When Ulysses said they had the  best dancers, he received so many gifts. The king demanded he be showered in gifts of one compliment. I don't understand why he gave so much to a complete stranger.

Something I found surprising was when Ulysses went on a rant about his athletic ability. He went on and on about his ability to throw, shoot, etc. I thought he was more calm than he was when he was insulted about his skill. That was surprising to me.

My question was: What does "Child of morning, rosy-fingered dawn" mean?

I see it may times throughout the book and I wondered what it meant. I found out that it symbolizes a new beginning to whatever is coming. It can also foreshadow a difficultly coming in the future. Another thing I found out about it was that it helped storytellers keep track of what they were saying.  Finally, represents the book as a whole because of the 24 books and the books starting at day and ending at night.

Reactions to The Odyssey and response to pictures

In books 2-4, a lot more happened then in the first book. One thing that confused me was how everyone always switched their opinions on if they thought Ulysses was alive or not. Also, Telemachus was making offerings to the god that was holding his father back, which kind of confused me at first, but then I realized he wouldn't know about that. Something that surprised me was how when Minerva turned herself into an eagle to fly away. I thought the point of her disguise was that they wouldn't know she was a goddess, but then she revealed herself to Nestor and Telemachus. I found it interesting how Nestor's story went and how the story of Agamemnon went. It was interesting to hear another side of the story. Telemachus's and Menelaus's conversation was also interesting.


The pictures all had heroic qualities in them.  They showed people doing things that benefited other people and overcoming fear. That fits perfectly for our class definition, which is: a hero is a selfless person who is courageous and overcomes fear to benefit others despite any obstacles. For example, firemen were helping put out a fire. They are overcoming their fear of fire to help the people in the fire. Another example is a picture of some soldiers putting the American flag on a piece of land. They had just fought and won a battle, benefiting America as a whole.

Reactions to the first book of The Odyssey

After reading the first book of The Odyssey, I have some things to share.

First of all, I found some things interesting, such as how Minerva had a whole plan of how Telemachus was supposed to find Ulysses. She followed through with that plan and disguised herself to tell it to Telemachus. Another thing I found interesting was why Ulysses hadn't come home yet, and partly it was that the gods hadn't decided for him to come home yet. Neptune was keeping him from returning because of Ulysses blinding his son.

I also found some things confusing, such as why the suitors were still around. Telemachus should have kicked them out earlier so they wouldn't be wasting his animals. Why did he wait so long to find his courage to tell them to leave? Also, why did Minerva need to disguise herself to go talk to Telemachus and tell him the plan? Why didn't she just walk in there normally?

Finally, I found some things surprising, such as when Telemachus was talking to his mother. I didn't think he needed to be so harsh. She only wanted to not be reminded of her lost husband, Ulysses. Telemachus was very stern and also sent her away.

Active reading also helped me comprehend the reading because it forced me to think through what was happening and the meaning behind some words or actions. It also helped me visualize and get a picture in my head of what was going on.