Essay on Deception and Disguise in The Odyssey - 1402 Words

Deception is defined as a crafty procedure or practice meant to deceive or defraud. People tend to view this as a sinister action. No matter how sinister it can be, it can also be utilized to gain information and knowledge. How a person uses deception varies among different people. Generally, the more clever people tend to utilize deception very efficiently. Odysseus masters deception in the Odyssey by disguising himself. Odysseus isnt alone for Athena also uses disguises. With that being said, disguises allow Odysseus to succeed in killing the suitors. Athena was just as important in disguising herself because she played such an important role in killing the suitors. She did so by disguising herself as other people to help Odysseus†¦show more content†¦Athena goes above and beyond the situation by setting up the journey. She does so by walking around town disguised as Telemachus, inviting men to meet up at nightfall at a ship she has borrowed. When it is finally time to dis embark, Athena makes the suitors fall asleep and, in the form of Mentor, informs Telemachus of the arrival of his crew. She leads Telemachus to his ship while the crew gathers the necessary items to sail. Athena helps Telemachus take action to find his father and even prepares his search. After assisting Telemachus, Athena ventures to the Island where Calypso lives to free Odysseus. Odysseus is then given a boat by Calypso to return to home. On the way home, he lands on a strange place which is unknown to him. Athena, cognizant of Odysseus arrival, travels to the palace of Alcinous disguised as one of Nausicaas friends. Athena enters the palace and gives Nausicaa advice to venture to river so she would clean herself up to make her presentable to men. In doing this, Athena has sent Nausicaa to meet up with Odysseus at the river. It was then Odysseus turn to be disguised. Odysseus was endowed with increased beauty and godliness. Thus, Athena created an illusion that he is much more g ood looking and godly than ever imaginable. This disguise allows Odysseus to appear much more presentable to Nausicaa when Odysseus first arrives. Athena, daughter of Zeus, made him seem taller and sturdier and caused the bushy locksShow MoreRelatedEssay about Deception and Disguise in Homer’s Odyssey1156 Words   |  5 Pages Homer’s Odyssey challenges the common view on deception as employed only maliciously. Both a mortal, Odysseus, and one of the most revered goddesses, Athena, have the common noble goal of bringing Odysseus back home to his family after nearly two decades of absence. To achieve that goal, they mainly use deception and disguise in various forms that their physical and mental powers allow. 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