[Reposting my comment from the home page]
These are subject to change, but these are my thoughts at the moment.
1) The gods seem to ALWAYS contradict themselves. This is very evident in Apollo's case when you couple Book Seven, line 40 with line 271. He just can't stand to let the mortals fight alone. None of the gods can. This includes Zeus, who still interferes with combat more indirectly (lightning, etc) even after barring the "lesser" gods from interference.
2) This leads me to, at times, see kleos in only the mortals. Book Seven, line 242: Hektor wants to fight fairly, and strike a blow which may be seen by Aias. Later, a form of respect, which may be seen as honor, can be seen in the break from fighting to respect the dead. They respect the honorable fighters who have died.
3) Zeus gets zero respect, and deservedly so. Apollo deflects an arrow in Book 8, line 311, after receiving orders to refrain from interference. Hera and Athene do not even want to listen to Zeus. They see him as a contradiction within himself. This is completely understandable. Zeus seems to be the only god who will not support a single side. Granted, this may show his wisdom of something the others do not know. However, the mere fact that he also interferes in battle and doesn't hold to his word of punishment for the gods' interference shows me that he has a complete inner contradiction.
I think its important that we realize this. The fact that the so called "gods" are just as disorganized and unrighteous as the mortals serve them is one of the MANY distinct diferrences between the faith of ancient Greece and our own faith.
ReplyDeleteAlright, time for ze first comment of da year...
ReplyDeleteRegarding each topic,
1) I find this really interesting, because at times, it seems as if the gods have their own agenda (similar to what was discussed in class), and then other times, it seems like they just like the thrill/drama of the fight. This could be applicable to how the gods are very similar to the mortals in thought-process, motives, etc. -- or basically, how they seem to have human characteristics.
2) It does seem as if the mortals strive to have some air of 'class' by offering friendship through a grandiose production when the fighting is either a. Too destructive, or b. It's time to go beddy-bye. :P As for the gods, again, thrill-seeking over production-value. And of course, it might not be strictly about production value, as some of the friendly confrontations in the book seem genuine, albeit usually motive-driven even then.
3) Although it was kind of hinted at in class, I think that Zeus is going to be 'dethroned', if you want to look at it that way, either by sheer ignorance of the other immortals, or by someone's directed effort to deface his name's reputation.
In all, I'm liking the book. The vast number of noteable figures and their actions make for an enthralling story, while the fighting makes for some good entertainment, haha.
I agree with Will, the fact that Zeus interferes in the battle even though he had already said that there shall be no interference, makes him very contradictory. Yes, he may seem like the "big/wiser" god, but when it comes down to it, he's just like the rest, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteDear Will.
ReplyDeleteI just really like your title. It made me chuckle.
Betsy Bevers...
or is there another e? Betsey? Betsee?