It is interesting to compare Odysseus’ mourning in different sections of the book. In chapter 10, which we translated, Odysseus weeps upon hearing that he must go down to the underworld, then once he is satisfied, asks how he should undertake this adventure and prepares to go. However, when on the island of Kalypso, he sits on the beach every day and weeps for his home.
I see the main difference between the two is a presence/lack of a plan of action. Regardless of the circumstance, Odysseus weeps and wails in knowledge that he cannot escape fate; however, when a task is required of him to fulfill that fate, he then stops mourning and takes action. As he tells Kalypso, “I will endure it, keeping a stubborn spirit inside me” (V.223) In contrast, on the island of Kalypso, he has no way of leaving as she has no ships, and therefore just cries.
I do not have much experience in classical literature, but I do enjoy comparing it to contemporary culture. When comparing Odysseus to modern action or adventure heroes, it is clear he weeps and wails much more. Even though some more recent movies have shown a softer side of heroes, perhaps even allowing them to shed a tear or two, it in no way compares to the great mourning that Odysseus shows. Clearly in Homer’s time, it was culturally acceptable (and probably expected) to have large displays of public mourning. Perhaps this also relates to ideas of fate. Today the idea of “fate” is not as widely accepted, and many believe one should not cry over something when he or she has the power to change it. Regardless of today’s culture, I do not think Odysseus’ great shows of emotion diminish him as a hero; in fact, I have a greater respect for him because of them.
I really liked how you compared the text to modern literature, in regards to our view of fate (that we really don’t have a set course and that we can change almost anything) vs. the classical view (something that cannot be altered, as it is decreed by the Gods/the Fates).
I agree with you about Odysseus; as humorous as his wailing/weeping may have seemed when we translated it in book K (10), it is his continual display of despair on Kalpso’s beach that really gets to me. He’s just sitting there in such a deep and emotional state of dismay–it’s worthy of our pity. He’s at the edge/boundary (the ocean), which is now a sort of nemesis, since Poisedon has grown to hate him with a passion. It’s hard to imagine being stuck on an island for 7 years with a goddess, when all you want to do is go home…and he some how survives it (when I can’t imagine any other figure of the time/literature that could have done the same…can you imagine any of the other heros of the time that would give up the chance at being immortal?)…but that’s what makes him Odysseus.
When we first translated the bit about Odysseus rolling around and weeping, I was surprised at the display, too, but mainly because I expected that a Homeric hero would be more stoic, brave, &c. &c. Your comparison to modern expectations is really interesting on that front. I think Odysseus does show a really good sense of proportion and doing what’s suitable to the situation, though - he definitely weeps over what’s fated, but in an almost modern way (as you were saying) stops wailing and takes action when he can. On rereading, the contrast to Achilles is very apparent to me - I’m thinking of Achilles’s over-the-top reaction to Patroclus’s death, refusing to eat, sleep, or stop mourning, whereas Odysseus certainly mourns in book 10 but then “has his fill” and finds out what is to be done.