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Odysseus and Athena
Athena is the goddess of wisdom, courage, and inspiration, so it is only natural for her to find favor in intelligent and cunning mortals like Odysseus. Athena had been the guide for Odysseus throughout the Trojan War and his journey home. Athena was always looking out for Odysseus and protecting him in his times of need. The goddess provided Odysseus with the courage and inspirations to defeat the Trojans and make it home alive to Ithaca. Of course, Athena did not want to give Odysseus all the answers to his problems in order for Odysseus to reach his potentials and exhibit his intelligence and skills as a tactician. Often Athena's aid to Odysseus is indirect. Athena would appear in dreams to remind Odysseus of his goals and or she would disguise herself as a mortal to interact with Odysseus. Throughout Odysseus's journey, he received guidance from Athena but he was still tested to see if he could overcome his obstacles. During his long journey home, many times did he question whether Athena was still with him as he faced dire situations. Many times did he thought that the gods had forsaken him and that he was ready to give up. Not only until the end did he realized that Athena was with him the entire time.
Athena is the goddess of wisdom, courage, and inspiration, so it is only natural for her to find favor in intelligent and cunning mortals like Odysseus. Athena had been the guide for Odysseus throughout the Trojan War and his journey home. Athena was always looking out for Odysseus and protecting him in his times of need. The goddess provided Odysseus with the courage and inspirations to defeat the Trojans and make it home alive to Ithaca. Of course, Athena did not want to give Odysseus all the answers to his problems in order for Odysseus to reach his potentials and exhibit his intelligence and skills as a tactician. Often Athena's aid to Odysseus is indirect. Athena would appear in dreams to remind Odysseus of his goals and or she would disguise herself as a mortal to interact with Odysseus. Throughout Odysseus's journey, he received guidance from Athena but he was still tested to see if he could overcome his obstacles. During his long journey home, many times did he question whether Athena was still with him as he faced dire situations. Many times did he thought that the gods had forsaken him and that he was ready to give up. Not only until the end did he realized that Athena was with him the entire time.
Job and God
The relationship between Job and God had been consistent throughout the story of Job. Job is a good man who loves and worships God and God loves and favors Job for his strong faith. When Satan suggested that everything be taken from Job to test his faith, God agreed that Satan may torture Job but that Job's life cannot be taken. Although Job lost his family, possessions, and health, he did not turn away from God and instead showed his love to God. Job believed that there was a reason for his suffering and that he may atone for it by preying to God. It is this unyielding faith and love from Job that God favors him. After Job's torture was over, God gave everything back to Job plus more. Job constantly had faith and God was always watching over him.
Both Job and Odysseus had interactions with divine figures, but when they did not receive blessings Odysseus differs from Job. Odysseus questioned the gods and doubted if they were still with him, while Job never lost faith and continued to prey. The religious attitude of the Hebrews is more faithful and appreciative towards their god than the Greeks, The Hebrews believe in an all loving God who will provide blessings to anyone that shares the same love for him. The Greeks believe their god can provide blessings but can also destroy humans if the gods so chose. The Greeks seem to believe that their gods pick favors and can toy with human lives for amusement for the better or worst. The Greek gods can be selfish and illogical from times to times. The Hebrews appreciate their god more than than the Greeks appreciate their gods.
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2. Women actually played large roles in the Odyssey given the time when women were viewed as inferiors. Women of the Odyssey held respectable positions and had a lot of power. They were able to guide men while caring for them.
Faithful consort
Penelope, Odysseus's wife, remained faithful to Odysseus all the way throughout his journey. She had to look after Odysseus's kingdom and raised their son alone. Penelope had many suitors but did not fall into temptations and held them off. She waited as long as possible for Odysseus to return and even kept her will strong as she may have to remarry. She is a loving wife and a generous queen. Many times, Penelope is the image of hope and motivation for Odysseus to return home.
Temptation
Circe, Calypso, the sirens are very powerful female figures for they are able to influence men and hold considerable amount of power over them. These ladies use temptations to lure men in and persuade them. Circe and Calypso attempted to seduce Odysseus to stay with them and forget about his journey. The sirens used their songs and charms to seduce men overboard their ships. Even Nausicaa used her womanly charms and compassion to help Odysseus when he washed up on the shore after facing Poseidon's wrath at sea.
3. When Odysseus finally reached Ithaca, he was disguised as an old beggar and his dog, Argos, recognized him immediately but Odysseus could not greet his dog to maintain his cover. This recognition was unintended. When one of the maids was tending to the "beggar," she recognize the same scar that Odysseus had and unintentionally recognized him. Odysseus's wife was another person who recognized him. At first she did not know, but after he strung the bow and shot it through the holes then she recognize it was her husband. This recognition is intended. The unintended recognitions of Odysseus occurred when Odysseus did not want to reveal his true self and the intended is when he was ready to reveal who the beggar really was.
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