Later that evening when the king and queen are alone with Odysseus Arete recognizes the clothes that he is wearing as ones that she herself had made for her daughter Nausicaa. She interrogates Odysseus alot. While still withholding his name, Odysseus responds by recounting the story of his journey from Calypso’s island and his encounter with Nausicaa that morning, which involved her giving him a set of clothes to wear. Odysseus claims that it was his idea to come alone. Alcinous is so impressed with his visitor that he offers Odysseus his daughter’s hand in marriage. He respectfully declines and says he has a child and wife of his own.
To me when Odysseus declines marriage it is showing his drive or love for his wife. He respects her so much that he hasnt given up on their love. He could of easily had altercations with Nausicaa or even married this girl but he doesnt want to. Even though he was used on Calpysos island he still hasnt given up on his love. This impresses me greatly. Also how he can make up a story to tell Arete and make it sound as if it is true. He is just doing this to pertect himself and the gods.
No comments:
Post a Comment