The Odyssey is not just a story. It is a story about
several stories as told by Odysseus. Odysseus is sharing his adventures through a
flashback. He begins his story in what is known as medias res which means in the middle
of things.
To the King and Queen of Phaeacia, Odysseus
begins telling of the Lotus Eaters and the Cyclops and Circe and Calypso. Each adventure
told is a flashback on what has happened to Odysseus on his way home form the Trojan
War. The Trojan War lasted ten years. Then it has taken another ten years for Odysseus
to finally make it home.
He shares this story of traveling
home with the the Phaeacians. They long to hear every detail of Odysseus' ten-year
adventure.
Odysseus arrives at the palace and begs the
assistance of King Alcinous and Queen Arete. He gives an edited version of his
"adventures" to date...
After
telling each individual story, the Phaeacians help Odysseus travel home. Although he
reaches Ithaca, his story is far from over. Now, he must fight the suitors who are after
Penelope's hand in marriage. Of course, Odysseus wins the battle and the story ends in a
happily-ever-after fashion.
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