The Odyssey and Lysistrata Lust Essay Example For Students

The Odyssey and Lysistrata Lust Essay Lust is defined as an intense longing or a sexual desire. It is a common theme in literature; particularly in classic Greek literature. The reason it is so prevalent in literature is that is prevalent in our daily lives. Everyone lusts after something or someone. It is an interesting topic to examine closely, and classic literature is an excellent medium for such an investigation. Two works I have studied, in which lust is a theme, are an epic, Homers The Odyssey, and a play, Aristophanes Lysistrata. In both The Odyssey and Lysistrata, lust is a theme that plays a major role in the course of the story, making the stories similar, but very different. We will write a custom essay on The Odyssey and Lysistrata Lust specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now The Odyssey is an epic that tells story of Odysseus as he returns to his home and his wife after fighting in the Trojan War. He is faced with many perils, trials, and tribulations along the way. One such trail is lust. It shows up in two instances in The Odyssey. One such instance occurs in Book X on the island of Circe, and the other notable instance occurs in Book XII on Calypsos island of Ogygia. In Book X, Odysseus and his men find themselves on the island of the sorceress, Circe. The men hear her singing and are overcome with lust for her. They say, There is some one inside working at a loom and singing most beautifully. The whole place resounds with it. Let us call her and see whether she is woman or goddess, (The Odyssey). Circe transforms Odysseuss men into swine. and when they had drunk she turned them into pigs by a stroke of her wand, and shut them up in her pigsties. They were like pigshead, hair, and all, and they grunted just as pigs do; but their senses were the same as before, and they remembered everything, (The Odyssey). It is up to Odysseus to save them. He does this with the help of the god Hermes, but is tricked into remaining on the island for a number of years without even realizing it. Circe says to him, so be it then; sheathe your sword and let us go to bed, that we may make friends and learn to trust each other, (The Odyssey). He is reluctant, but finally consents. He thinks he is only there overnight. However, he does not realize how long he is actually on the island until the time has passed. Then, it is too late. Odysseus stays on the island because of a mutual lust between him and Circe. Odysseus loves his wife, Penelope, deeply, but is overcome by his lust for Circe. The reason Circe holds Odysseus captive on her island for so long is her lust for him. She is certainly not in love with him, but she wants him. Thus, she makes the time pass very quickly so that Odysseus will stay with her. The second instance of lust occurs in Book XII when Odysseus is washed up on the island of Ogygia, after just barely surviving the perils of Scylla and Charybdis. His whole crew has perished, and he is alone. He is found by Calypsos handmaidens. At first Calypso treats Odysseus well. However, when Odysseus asks for a boat to leave the island, Calypso tells him that he may never leave the island. Calypso lusts for Odysseus so much that she holds him captive for many years. Odysseus, however, does not feel this lust for her. At this point in the epic, he wants nothing more than to reach his home and his wife, whom he loves very much. Finally, the gods tell Calypso that is time to release Odysseus, and she obeys. .u795efa4dc31751dafed1890aab7b5a80 , .u795efa4dc31751dafed1890aab7b5a80 .postImageUrl , .u795efa4dc31751dafed1890aab7b5a80 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u795efa4dc31751dafed1890aab7b5a80 , .u795efa4dc31751dafed1890aab7b5a80:hover , .u795efa4dc31751dafed1890aab7b5a80:visited , .u795efa4dc31751dafed1890aab7b5a80:active { border:0!important; } .u795efa4dc31751dafed1890aab7b5a80 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u795efa4dc31751dafed1890aab7b5a80 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u795efa4dc31751dafed1890aab7b5a80:active , .u795efa4dc31751dafed1890aab7b5a80:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u795efa4dc31751dafed1890aab7b5a80 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u795efa4dc31751dafed1890aab7b5a80 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u795efa4dc31751dafed1890aab7b5a80 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u795efa4dc31751dafed1890aab7b5a80 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u795efa4dc31751dafed1890aab7b5a80:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u795efa4dc31751dafed1890aab7b5a80 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u795efa4dc31751dafed1890aab7b5a80 .u795efa4dc31751dafed1890aab7b5a80-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u795efa4dc31751dafed1890aab7b5a80:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Cay EssayThe Odyssey is a tale of growth and development. Odysseus was, in a sense, defeated by the power of Circe. However, later in the story, as he continued to grow and change, he was able to be strong when faced with Calypso. He did not forget his goal of getting home as he had previously done. The comedy, Lysistrata, is based almost entirely around the theme of lust. The story tells of a war among the Greeks. Lysistrata, whose name means she who dissolves armies, is the wife of one of the soldiers. She, along with the other wives, is sick and tired of her husband always being away doing battle. In fact, she says to the women, Its your husbands. Fathers of your ch ildren. Doesnt it bother you that theyre always off with the Army? Ill stake my life, not one of you has a man in the house this morning, (Lysistrata). So, she comes up with a plan to end the war and have all the men return home. Her plan is to convince all the wives to withhold sex from their husbands until a treaty can be reached. She believes that the men will be so overcome with lust for their wives that they will come to an agreement and end the war. When Lysistrata first introduces her idea to the wives, she tells them, Only we women can save Greece! (Lysistrata). They are all very glad and excited to hear her plan. They claim they are willing to do anything that will bring the war to a close. However, when she tells them her plan, their tone changes. The women want their men just as much as the men want them. One womans response is, I couldnt. No. Let the war go on, (Lysistrata). Another woman says, Lysistrata, no! Id walk through fire for youyou know I would!, but dont ask u s to give up that! Why, theres nothing like it! (Lysistrata). But, eventually, Lysistrata manages to convince the women that this is the only way to end the war, and they reluctantly agree. Many of the women are weakened by their lust for their husbands. They try to make excuses in order to go home. One woman says, Ive got to get home! Ive a lot of Milesian wool, and the worms are spoiling it, (Lysistrata). Another woman goes so far as to put a helmet under her cloak and pretend she is about to have a child. However, Lysistrata responds to them by saying, You useless girls, thats enough: Lets have no more lying. Of course you want your men. But dont you imagine that they want you just as much? Ill give you my word; their nights must be pretty hard. Just stick it out! A little patience, thats all, and our battles won, (Lysistrata). And, Lysistrata is right; the men are weakening with their lust for their wives. They all echo the sentiments of this statement. Were at a standstill. Cant seem to think of anything but women, (Lysistrata). Eventually the men can no longer stand it, and they agree to make peace. Lysistrata and the women have won because of the power lust had over the men. When compared, The Odyssey and Lysistrata have one apparent similarity. That similarity is the power of lust. However, when the theme of lust in the two works is compared, one major difference can be seen. In The Odyssey, lust is conquered by Odysseus. In Lysistrata, lust is the conqueror. The Odyssey is an epic that shows Odysseus growth and development, as well as his strength to resist temptation. Lysistrata is a comedy that shows how weak men are when it comes to lust. Therefore, the two works have one basic similarity, but it is that very similarity that makes them very different. .u720146d7945efb0c6a69b950ffe24f2c , .u720146d7945efb0c6a69b950ffe24f2c .postImageUrl , .u720146d7945efb0c6a69b950ffe24f2c .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u720146d7945efb0c6a69b950ffe24f2c , .u720146d7945efb0c6a69b950ffe24f2c:hover , .u720146d7945efb0c6a69b950ffe24f2c:visited , .u720146d7945efb0c6a69b950ffe24f2c:active { border:0!important; } .u720146d7945efb0c6a69b950ffe24f2c .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u720146d7945efb0c6a69b950ffe24f2c { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u720146d7945efb0c6a69b950ffe24f2c:active , .u720146d7945efb0c6a69b950ffe24f2c:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u720146d7945efb0c6a69b950ffe24f2c .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u720146d7945efb0c6a69b950ffe24f2c .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u720146d7945efb0c6a69b950ffe24f2c .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u720146d7945efb0c6a69b950ffe24f2c .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u720146d7945efb0c6a69b950ffe24f2c:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u720146d7945efb0c6a69b950ffe24f2c .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u720146d7945efb0c6a69b950ffe24f2c .u720146d7945efb0c6a69b950ffe24f2c-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u720146d7945efb0c6a69b950ffe24f2c:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Hsc Visual Arts: Artists Who Use Bodily Fluids EssayIn conclusion, both Homers The Odyssey and Aristophanes Lysistrata contain the theme of lust. In The Odyssey, lust is overcome, and in Lysistrata, lust overcomes. The stories are linked by the idea of lust, but they are very different. I enjoyed reading both of these works, and I found it fascinating to examine them in regards to a topic that is so prevalent in todays society. It was interesting to take a look at these two tremendously different representations of the emotion of lust. These stories represented the extremes of this emotion, and I believe that most humans fall somewhere in the middle, sometimes giving into lust, and sometimes remaining strong. And let us all hope that, Never againshall we lose our way in such madness, (Lysistrata).

How the Three Types of Conjunctions Connect Ideas

How the Three Types of Conjunctions Connect Ideas How the Three Types of Conjunctions Connect Ideas How the Three Types of Conjunctions Connect Ideas By Mark Nichol This post defines and discusses the three types of conjunctions (words or phrases that serve as a bridge linking two words, phrases, clauses, or sentences): coordinating, correlative, and subordinating conjunctions. Coordinating Conjunctions Coordinating conjunctions, also called coordinators, join words, clauses, or sentences of equal importance. The most common coordinating conjunctions, frequently listed in the following order to reflect the use of the mnemonic FANBOYS, include for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. Others are neither, only, and â€Å"no more,† as well as several British English conjunctive phrases that combine one of the six conjunctions besides nor with that one (such as â€Å"and nor†). Examples of the ten listed conjunctions in use, accompanied by a description of their functions, follow: I walked, for I was in need of exercise. (rationale) I walked, and I ran. (addition) I neither walked nor ran. (alternative without contrast) I walked, but I ran, too. (contrast or exception) I (either) walked, or I ran. (alternative with contrast) I walked, yet I ran, too. (contrast or exception) I walked slowly, so I ran to catch up. (consequence) I don’t walk; neither do I run. (addition) I don’t walk; no more do I run. (addition) I would walk, only I run. (contrast) Note that the distinction between nor and or, which are generally accompanied, respectively, by neither and either (although the latter is parenthesized in the pertinent example because it is optional), is that with neither/nor, the choices do not affect each other, whereas with either/or, one choice cancels the other out. But and yet are virtually interchangeable, while the three addition conjunctions, and, neither, and â€Å"no more,† are listed in order of formality, with â€Å"no more† generally restricted to ritualistic or poetic usage. Only is used in the sense of â€Å"That [one idea] would be true if this [another idea] were not.† Correlative Conjunctions Correlative conjunctions include, among others, the following word or phrase pairs, which function to compare two pairs of words or phrases in a sentence that have equal weight; each is followed by an example: as much/as: Vacations like that can be a pain as much as they are a pleasure. as/as: This party is as dull as I expected it to be. both/and: Both the car and the truck are new. either/or: Either go now, or wait until later. just as/so: Just as you enjoy going to the theater, I like watching movies. neither/nor: Neither my father or my mother was born here. no sooner/than: No sooner had she read the letter than he arrived. not/but: It is not me but her who is to blame. not only/but also: I am not only tired but also angry. rather/than: I would rather play tennis than golf today. the/the: The more you read about it, the greater a problem it seems to be. whether/orv We couldn’t tell whether the baby is a boy or a girl. Some sentences incorporating correlative conjunctions are easier to construct than others. Those involving either/or and neither/nor, and â€Å"not only†/â€Å"but also,† are often erroneously composed because the first word or phrase is incorrectly situated in the syntax of the sentence. Note, for example, that in the following sentence, the placement of â€Å"either be able to† suggests that â€Å"carry on† will have a counterpoint later in the sentence: â€Å"Smith should either be able to carry on investing via his equity plan or by using the tax shelter within the new savings account.† However, the counterpoints, separated by or, the second of the two correlative conjunctions, are â€Å"his equity plan† and â€Å"using the tax shelter,† so either should immediately precede the first of the two choices, just as or immediately precedes the second choice: â€Å"Smith should be able to carry on investing either via his equity plan or by using the tax shelter within the new savings account.† Likewise, in â€Å"People did not only see him as a great athlete but also as a great man,† the suggestion is that people did two things in relation to the subject, including seeing him and something else. However, the intended meaning is that they saw him in two contexts, so â€Å"not only,† like â€Å"but also,† applies to saw and should therefore follow it, while â€Å"not only† immediately precedes â€Å"as a great athlete,† just as â€Å"but also† immediately precedes â€Å"as a great man†: â€Å"People saw him not only as a great athlete but also as a great man.† Subordinating Conjunctions Subordinating conjunctions, which join independent clauses and dependent clauses, or introduce adverbial clauses, include, among others, the following words and phrases: after although as â€Å"as far as† as if â€Å"as long as† â€Å"as soon as† â€Å"as though† because before â€Å"even if† â€Å"even though† â€Å"every time† if â€Å"in order that† once â€Å"provided that† â€Å"rather than† since so â€Å"so that† than though unless until when whenever where whereas wherever while why An adverbial clause is the beginning of a sentence such as â€Å"After searching the desk, I checked the file cabinet.† The same sentence can be inverted so that the subordinating conjunction links the independent clause â€Å"I checked the file cabinet† and the dependent clause â€Å"searching the desk.† Filling a similar role are conjunctions technically known as complementizers, such as that and whether, which turn a clause into a sentence’s subject or object. Examples include that in â€Å"John said that she was going to be here† (although that as a complementizer is generally optional) and whether in â€Å"I don’t know whether I can attend.† (Here, as in many but not all usages, if is interchangeable with whether.) Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:100 Whimsical WordsProbable vs. Possible15 Names and Descriptions of Effects