Comparing and contrasting Odyssey by Homer to movie O'Brother, Where Essay

Comparing and contrasting Odyssey by Homer to movie O'Brother, Where Art Thou - Essay Example works of art, several characters in the film have names similar to the characters in Homer’s work and the protagonist in the film, Ulysses Everett McGill, shares his name with the protagonist in Odyssey, i.e. the Latin form of the Greek name Odysseus which is Ulysses. Similarly, Odysseus and Ulysses Everett McGill both seem to have several enemies and few friends in these stories and an analysis of these characters in relation to the protagonists can help one in realizing the ultimate relationship between the film and the ancient epic poem. Thus, Athena is Odysseus’ friend and Poseidon, his enemy, while God is Ulysses’ friend in the film and the man with the dark glasses and dog (i.e. policeman) is his enemy. This paper undertakes a reflective analysis of why each one either helps or hinders Odysseus or Everett, what methods each person uses to accomplish his or her purposes and the overall efficacy with which these persons either oppose or aid Odysseus and Evere tt. A profound character analysis of Homer’s Odyssey confirms that Athena  , the daughter of Zeus and goddess of wisdom, has one of the most helpful friends of the protagonist Odysseus and she assists him with divine powers all the way through the epic. Thus, a careful reader of the epic realizes that Athena  implements significant methods to assist her friend and she is the one who raises her voice for Odysseus in the councils of the gods on Mount Olympus. In one of the most noticeable strategies to assist her friend, Athena  frequently accompanies Odysseus in disguise as Mentor, an old friend. The major reason for why she helps Odysseus is that she is fascinated by the brave and wily character of Odysseus. â€Å"As goddess of wisdom and battle, Athena naturally has a soft spot for the brave and wily Odysseus. She helps him out of many tough situations, including his shipwreck in Book 5 and the mismatched battle of Book 22. She does not merely impart sense and safety to h er passive charge, however.