The Warrior Bees

I wanted to talk about the Virgil's symbol of the bees which is similar to the bee simile in the Iliad. In Homer's bee simile in the Iliad he is describing the King's and their warriors in a cluster "fluttering in swarms together this way and that way" (2.90). In this simile the bees are in swarms and dangerous, however, there are only forming groups and marching not really acting in a hostile manner.

In the Aeneid, Virgil uses two bee similes one which appears in the prophecy given to Latinus when he is worrying about the marriage of his daughter. The simile begins simply as a portent at the laurel tree, with "bees/ in a thick swarm, born through the limpid air/ with humming thunder, clustered high on top/" (7.85-87). Here the bees are in a swarm that is discordant and their noise is described as thunder which shows that it is a foreshadowing of war and uphevel that causes them to group together. This omen becomes a simile for the future events of Turnus and his men grouping together to fight Aeneas who is the "stranger advent" (7.91) whom the soothsayer tells Latinus of and the cause for the bees swarming.

Another bee simile shows up during Aeneas's time in the underworld. Here Aeneas views a thousand nations who are compared to "bees in meadows at the height of summer/ hover and home on flowers and thickly swarm on snow-white lilies, and the countryside/ Is loud with humming" (6.948). This description of the bees has them not as warriors but docile bees swarming and in contrast to the previous simile the bees are humming in a countryside setting as opposed to thundering.

The Symbolism of the Entrance

I want to bring attention to the reoccuring image of gates throughout the poem, and mull the significance of their symbolism...

Consider how Juno opens the gates of war; Aeneas leaves the underworld by the gate of false dreams rather than by the gate of true spirits; gates of Troyare breached in Book 2; In Book 9 Turnus breaks through Trojans gates and escapes once locked in.

The caverns, thresholds, doors, and gates all suggest the sexual entrance of the areas of which they are established to protect, and the breaking/entering of them almost appears as a rape.

Keep these images in mind in order to discuss parallels to the gates in Milton's Paradise Lost.

History 101

    Reading book 8 with some basic knowledge of Roman history adds quite a bit to the analysis.  I had very little memory of Roman history so I began to google like crazy! After re-reading this book it became clear to me that Aeneas = Augustus.  

    During book 8 we are given an exact moment in Augustus' life, The Battle of Actium, which coresponds to Aeneas' own conquest.  In this battle, Augustus is fighting Antony over, supposedly, a woman - Cleopatra.  Of course, becoming the Emperor of Rome may have had more to do with this battle than defending his sister, Octavia's honor.  Antony married Octavia in order to force an unsteady truce with Augustus.  Soon after, however, he marries Cleopatra (some even say before he divorced Octavia). Probably

    More similarities exists within the book:   First, Augustus is fighting two foes, Antony & Cleopatra. Aeneas is fighting two foes as well, Turnus & Mezentius.  Moreover, in this book, Aeneas brings together two gods who formerly did not get along, Juno & Hercules.  This bringing together of the two is representative of the Pax Romana which Augustus brings to Rome.  And lastly, Aeneas helping the Estuscans is an example of how Rome aided its neighbors & rather than just conquering & pilfering a land they would protect & rule it.

   Knowing the history behind the information provided in this book explains why nothing really happens.  Virgil is offering an examination of Rome's glory/history for the readers.  In addition, he reveals his patrons greatness while at the same time furthering the theme of good overthrowing evil.

What is Destiny?

The idea of destiny is introduced early on in the poem. “He came to Italy by destiny.” This refers to Aeneas’s epic journey from Troy to the new found land where he is “destined” to be. However, throughout the poem, Aeneas seems to be forced to go places due to the Gods wishes and orders. There’s this idea of following your destiny, yet it seems that it is already decided by the Gods. For example, Aeneas meets Dido and falls in love. Unfortunately, he cannot stay with her though since the Gods do not wish him to rebuild a new empire there. He is then forced to leave but again, this is not due to his own free will.

Destiny for many in this poem is something that happens after you make it happen. Therefore you have to be involved. Aeneas leads a difficult life in the sense that he abides to the Gods wishes and commands. This is also largely due to the fact that there is a stronger sense of religion in this poem opposed to The Odyssey and The Iliad. However, I still question this idea that it’s part of Aeneas’s destiny to rebuild an empire as part of his destiny when he’s constantly being told what to do by the Gods. Furthermore, you would think that the Gods would help him out a little and monitor Juno. Juno seems to be interrupting his quest for destiny at every corner; especially in book VII when she involves Allecto. In the end, Aeneas has no choice but to do what’s asked of him and that will ultimately determine his destiny.

Odysseus and Aeneas

It appears that Aeneas is a figure that represents a culture while Odysseus represents his own character. Odysseus goes to the underworld to ask Tiresias the way home and receives prophecies about his own life. Aeneas, on the other hand, receives prophecies not only for his own future, but for the futures of all Roman heroes that are still to come.

Experiencing this underworld section makes me wonder if Aeneas is actually in search of spiritual growth, after all, according to Virgil, Pius living will result in rewards in the afterlife. We discussed in class that Odysseus is not a character that necessarily changes and experiences growth throughout his journey. Aeneas, however, being a character created in a "religious" world, appears to be in search of a better self. He always seems to fulfill his responsibilities to his family,country, etc. as does Odysseus. Aeneas, unlike Odysseus appears to do this without being selfish. Aeneas is in constant battle to put others ahead of himself. Odysseus wants to get home, but he definitely has a selfish side. He puts himself before his men and does whatever he has to do, despite its ethical substance, to reach his goal. This idea returns us back to my initial statement. Odysseus and Aeneas went to the underworld for two different reasons. Odysseus traveled to the underworld in search for HIS way home. His trip was one of self preservation. Aeneas, on the other hand, comes to the underworld to see a future he will build.

The two depictions to the underworld appear quite different according to Homer and Virgil. For Homer death brings the same ending to all. Despite how one lives on earth everyone is doomed to exist in the underworld. For Homer, his heroes live hard and die in search of glory. This idea of living life in the fast lane puts forth the perspective that one should live life to the absolute fullest while on earth because the result after death is not a happy one. Virgil, on the other hand, demonstrates that one who lives a good life is destined to enter a glorious afterlife while those who are wicked will be in eternal torment.

Dido, the woman scorned

I personally found the figure of Dido more complex and fascinating than that of the supposed hero of the epic, Aeneas. The passion she expresses both during the love affair and after the rejection is one that was missing certainly in the proud Helen and also in the loyal Penelope.

Not only is Dido a female ruler, but also a woman who takes a chance on love again after the murder of her husband. Betrayed by those closest to her, such as her brother Pygmalion, she risks betrayal again in her relationship with Aeneas. And unfortunately this man too turns his back on her. I realize that he was given no choice by the gods, but at the same time he knew what was expected of him when he began the relationship. Additionally, he had ordered his ships be readied before even telling Dido that he was leaving. He knew he had to leave her at some point and the pitiful final attempt he makes at reconciliation when he sees her in the Underworld is yet another example of too little too late.

I realize that much of these events were orchestrated by the gods, and that neither Dido nor Aeneas truly had control over the situation. It seems that the power given to the gods by the ancient Greeks is not only a way of explaining the unexplainable in terms of nature, but also the unexplainable in terms of man. Every amoral action of an individual can be explained by “the devil made me to it” attitude or in the case of the ancient Greeks, “the gods made me do it.”

Setting Up a Blog for your own classes

Some of you have expressed interest in setting up and using a blog in your own classes, so here are some suggestions on how to get started. I find that using online blogging sites is easier than programs like Blackboard. The two best online blogging tools/sites are: Blogger (google-based, which I use) and WordPress. I find Blogger easier as an interface when you are trying to get students to all post to the site.

Setting Up a Blog with Blogger:

1. You will need a google account (or you will be prompted to create one). Go to www.blogger.com.
2. Click on the "get started" link and it will walk you through the process.
3. For step-by-step help on how to create a "team blog" i.e. have multiple authors (your students) write to the blog, click here: team blog
4. the "Layout" tab will let you change the layouts and add elements to your blog.

Play around with the options -- you don't need to know HTML, and it's pretty intuitive. Let me know if you have any questions: I'm not an expert, but can probably help you with basic things!

Relevance for 9th Grade Audience

"I wonder why do you hold such an angry grudge against me? Is it because I am dirty, and wear foul clothing upon me, and go about as a public beggar? The need is on me, for such is the lot of vagabonds and men who are homeless. I too was one who lived in my own house among people, prospering in wealth, and often I gave to a wanderer according to what he was and wanted when he cam to me; and I had serving men by thousands, and many another good thing, by which men live well and are called prosperous, only Zeus, son of Kronos, spoiled it all-somewhow he wished to. So, woman you should now beware leste you lose all of that glorious look with which you shine among the handmaidens..." (Book 19, lines 71-83)

When teaching The Odyssey to 9th graders, as most of us know, it is important to make some aspect of the text relevant to the students, or we lose them. The above passage directly addresses the issue of fate vs. free will and our lack of ability to completely control what happens in our lives. A direct text to text comparison can be made to Of Mice and Men ("The best laid plans often go awry"). In this passage, Odysseus is addressing the importance of treating others, even those who are supposedly below your station, kindly and/or with respect because you may one day lose your good fortune, and be of a similar lowly status as a result of forces beyond your control.

In addition, this passage addresses the issue of deception in disguise, and the idea that things may not always be as them seem.

From Nil: Action as a Response to Mortality

It is apparent that Odysseus and Achilles have chosen two pathways as a response to algining themselves with their impending mortality-as warrior, and as a servant to their community.

Like Achilles, Odysseus realizes that death is a distinct possilbity in his battle at Troy. Although neither hero welcomes death, the glory that would be achieved with dying in battle is a cultural code which cannot be ignored. This notion, is however short-lived in the mind and conscience of Achilles. Achilles reflects on the true cost of battle after the death of Patroclus in his sonnet immediately prior to re-entering the war. He again reiterates this in his meeting with Odysseus in Hades when he reappears in The Odyessey. Although Achilles realizes the futility of his life as a warrior and understands that death is looming near, his obligations as a soldier outweigh the obligations he feels to himself as a mortal man.

The second pathway is cloesly linked with that of the first. Both Odysseus and Achilles are compelled to enter the war at Troy because of their sense of community, that is their sense of responsibility to Agamemmnon and Menelaus. They are called upon by these other kings and their moral obligation precludes any sense of mortality that either may feel. Achilles re-enters the war after the death of Petroclus as an act of revenge, but he returns the body of Hector as an act of service to the community. Granted it is not his community, but his hand in the destruction of this community again links him morally to its well-being.

just a few observations...

     After Tuesday's class I started looking for things such as weaving & shining women which seem to repeat throughout the tale.  While we do see Penelope standing by the pillar and shining, another thing maybe worth discussing in class further is the constant reference to Odysseus as a bird (in particular a bird of prey).    This occurs many times and the characters always do the work for us when they analyze Homer's symbol as a representation of Odysseus.  I guess Homer didn't want us to miss that! 

     Another lens I looked through the story with was one that looked for mirrors of other portions of the tale or even the Iliad.  I find it interesting that Odysseus has to invade his own country (in disguise as a beggar).  It is perhaps intended to bring the story "full-circle;" he left to invade Troy and now upon his return, he must invade Ithaka. Additionally, again we have our hero wearing a disguise upon his entry, which we learned in previous book (book 3, I think) that he did the same thing in Troy (only Helen recognized him).

     In response to Stephanie's blog, I think that he did change in regards to resisting temptation.  In the last few tales he resists the urge to fight the suitors who taunt him, & he resists the urge see & tell Penelope who he is.  The taunting I feel is almost a test he must pass because we learn that the Gods not only allow the taunting , but encourage it.  Earlier in the tale Odysseus, cannot resist temptation in many instances (in particular with Polyphemus, the Cyclops).  Later he avoids temptation when having his men tie him to the mast.  And finally, he resists the temptation on his own when he returns home.

Motivations and Actions of the Gods

Homer does an impressive job of incorporating the Gods throughout The Iliad and The Odyssey. Although the main characters are mortals, they are constantly influenced by the Gods. I often find myself asking what exactly motivates the actions of the Gods. Although the relationship between the Gods is somewhat complex and ever changing, they can easily be swayed to one side or the other and even though they have the power to change things, many of them are restricted. Ironically, you see many of the mortals act more “god-like” than the actual Gods. Instead, many of the Gods appear to be selfish and egotistical. They have little concern for the general good of everyone and usually base their decisions on their personal gains and what can be acquired. Again these self-centered attributes are often the exact opposite than those of the mortals.

In addition, Homer portrays many of the Gods as deceitful or problematic. This can especially be seen when various Gods disguise their own identity. Athena does this throughout The Odyssey to help both Odysseus and Telemachus. Unfortunately, you also see many Gods change their identity right before someone is supposed to be killed – there is this idea of self hope and then before you realize it, you’ve been fooled. This was certainly the case with Hektor before his allotted amount of time on earth ran out. Homer integrates the Gods in practically every book of The Iliad and Odyssey, but leaves the audience to decide exactly how they should be perceived.

Homer's Time

As I read Homer's epics I wondered if Homer intended to only record the history of Mycenaean era or highlight aspects of the past society that are lacking in his present day Greece. I began to think about this when the Iliad discussed how the kingdoms and tribes of the Achaeans came together to fight the Trojans. During Homer's time perhaps there was not this kind of unity in Greece since there was the development of city-states and perhaps the Greeks were becoming more divisive whereas in this past era in the Iliad that Homer recounts the Greeks were able to unite despite their differences. I wondered if Homer intended to promote unity in this epic and if there was a need for it during his time.
Homer also stresses the necessity of other aspects of domestic society in the Odyssey such as xenia, the faithfulness of wives shown through Penelope who is contrasted with Aphrodite who is not faithful to her husband as well as wives holding up their houses shown by their leaning on the columns. I also saw the description of Telemachus putting his spear against a pillar which possibly signifies the responsibility of the son who must protect the wealth and household of his father. Although xenia and all of these aspects of past Greek society most likely existed during his time, perhaps Homer saw changes or devaluing of these aspects of society and he wanted to reaffirm old values.
If so then Odysseus could represent the past and the past returning to the present. I thought of this because people in the story often say how they believe Odysseus is lost forever meaning perhaps that past ways are lost forever. However, Odysseus remains in Calypso's cave, which in the navel and Eric saw the cave's description as being a symbol of the womb. If so perhaps Homer is saying that the past or Odysseus will return in the new generation starting with the womb if he is an allegory for the past. Therefore, although many characters believe Odysseus who represents the old ways or the past is lost forever, this epic shows that the past ways can return to the present, because Odysseus returns restored to appear youthful and glowing. In this way Odysseus or the return to past values can fit in the new society just as his return made things right in the new Ithaka that does not look like the old Ithaca that Odysseus left.

Who was the audience of Homer's epics?

Although Homer's epic poetry was composed for, and at the time of, oral performance (most likely to educate a largely non-literate population), I would see it necessary to address an audience that is the closest parallel to the protagonists of the tales, as they would benefit most from its morals. Consider, also, the length of an epic poem; it is far too long to be heard/read by an average citizen. It seems more likely that only a member of the upper or ruling class would be able to afford to spend the length of time necessary for recitation.

If you give credit to the speculation that Achilles's quest in the Iliad was written to be an 'anti-war' poem, think about to whom it would be best addressed. It would make sense to think the rulers - those responsible for the declaration of wars - were meant to be the listeners, as they would be in the position to be most influenced by it.

Further support for this hypothesis is in the introduction of Homer's Odyssey, in which the poet claims the poem is about "a man," an epic of the individual, hence applicable to all (wo)men who encounter it. The emphasis is solely on human will and the action of one person. This idea of individuality is contradicted, however, by the council of the gods immediately following the beginning and their consequent reference to the fallibility of humans who do not heed their advice. Furthermore, not only is his quest far removed from that of an average citizen, but Odysseus himself is referred to as being "godlike," thus removing all ties from the common person.

Closing thoughts on the Iliad...opening thoughts on the Odyssey

I am interested in analyzing why Homer brought Achilles through a type of transformation toward the end of the epic. What underlying factors brought Achilles toward this stream of conciseness that causes his anger to finally dissipate?

Isn’t it funny that the original conflict that we all expect the epic to revolve around, the war over Helen, is somewhat overshadowed by the conflict between Achilles and Hector? Who would have thought?!

Regarding the Odyssey:
Many argue that Odysseus appears to transform throughout his journey in the Odyssey. It appears that his hubris almost begins to give way to a sense of self awareness. Odysseus begins to learn that in order to be successful he must put his pride aside and actually think through situations. There are several points within the epic where Odysseus seems to gain insight on why lack of self control and overt pride will ultimately bring forth a negative outcome (The land of the Lotus Eaters, Helios’ Cattle, etc.) and others where he simply cannot help but to exert his power and feed his curiosity (The Cyclopes). What makes him change his ways toward the end of the epic? Despite his caution when returning back to Ithaca does he truly transform…after all…he shows no mercy on the suitors in the hall.

Course Website

There is now a website for this course: Encyclopedic Epic

It has all the basic course information, a link to the blog, and under the "Links" section, I will upload some useful links each week. If you come across links, pictures, information etc that you would like to share with the class, send them on to me and I will upload them. Sites useful for teaching purposes would be especially appreciated! My hope is to put together a list that you could potentially use in your own classes.

Singing Muses...

Welcome to the blog for our class. You should have received an email from me "inviting" you to become a contributer ("team member" in Googlespeak). Some of you will need to open Google accounts if you do not already have one in order to post to the blog. Let me know if you have any trouble. I look forward to reading your thoughts on the Odyssey!