Jane Doe
Professor Martin
Eng. 2332
7 November 2005
Scholarly Article Evaluation:  Homer’s Odyssey
	In this analysis of Homer’s Odyssey, written by Frank Bernhard, the author uses reflective thinking and reasoning to analyze structure of Homer’s The Odyssey.  In his opening evaluation, Frank Bernhard questions Homer’s writing style by stating, “A major puzzle in reading Homer’s Odyssey has always been why the hero himself does not appear until book 5…” (179)  Throughout his article, Bernhard speculates why Homer chooses to present The Odyssey in such a manner that is non-chronological.  In Homer’s Odyssey, an analysis of Homer’s Odyssey, Bernhard, uses concrete examples and clear words to effectively articulate his claim that the sequence and cause of events in The Odyssey were purposely created by Homer to elicit optimism and generate various interpretations as determined by the readers.    
	In answering the opening question proposed by Bernhard as to why Homer does not present the main character, Odysseus, until book 5, Bernhard argues that the Homeric method is used to create a contrast between two females who are significant to Odysseus; his mortal wife, Penelope, and the immortal goddess, Calypso.  In omitting Odysseus’ presence in the first five books, Bernhard believes that Penelope’s faithfulness and devotion to Odysseus are intensified.  In the heart of Odysseus, Penelope embraces every virtue of familial love that he yearns for while on the Island of Calypso.  However, Bernhard makes a valid point that, Calypso is significant not only in the fact that 
Odysseus has been with her on the island for seven years, but “She is the last of Odysseus’ adventures before he reaches the island of the Phaeacians, and the one with which, having come full circle, his tale at King Alcinous’ court ends” (Bernhardt 179).  
	However, Bernhard uses creative thinking to examine other interpretations for the underlying meaning in the structure of The Odyssey.  In his article, Bernhard makes another effective speculation that embraces the optimism that is so common in Homer’s writings: “[So] long as Odysseus remains secluded and hidden with Calypso, Odysseus’ state is neither that of the living nor that of the dead” (Bernhard 180).  By this interpretation, Bernhard presents concrete examples of a few of the seven deadly sins presented before Odysseus as a test of his endurance that could be symbolic to the seven years spent on the island of Calypso.  
	As illustrated by Bernhard, prior to Odysseus’ trip to the Underworld, Odysseus and his men are faced with many challenges that succumb them to commit the sins of  sloth, greed, envy, lust, and pride. To illustrate the shortcomings of Odysseus’ men, Bernhard uses a concrete example to describe the first of Odysseus’ trials —the Lotus eaters episode.  On this particular trial, Odysseus rescues his self-indulgent men who fall victim to sloth.  To add effectiveness to the argument that Odysseus was held captive on the Island of Calypso not only for the temptations of his men, but through some fault of his own as well.  In describing the sins committed by Odysseus, Bernhard uses implicit descriptions; “Committing the sins of both wrath and pride when Odysseus calls to Polyphemus from his ship to let him know who bested him” (179).  Unlike many of the other mishaps, this is a perfect example used by Bernhard to describe one of the trials that 
Odysseus can be held directly accountable.  The example of the Polyphemus episode not only provides concrete evidence for Odysseus’ faults but it gives readers and accurate portrayal of Odysseus.  Most of the examples in Bernhard’s article discuss the faults of his men, but this example is directly related to the faults of Odysseus.  
	Next, Bernhard presents Odysseus’ trip to the Underworld as the enlightenment of Odysseus and a turning point in the story.  Bernhard uses an effective choice of words to describe Odysseus’ trip to the Underworld that ultimately leads to the wisdom and self control that help guide him through his future trials. “Watching the anguish of the dead heroes is the beginning of repentance.  Consequently, he (Odysseus) learns moderation and overcomes temptation by having himself tied down when passing the island of the Sirens…” (Bernhard 179).
	According to Bernhard’s interpretation, “Following the enlightenment of Odysseus, he is, at long last ready to advance to Purgatory” (179).  This purgatory, or condition of suffering, as determined by Bernhard, is the Island of Calypso.  Odysseus is held captive on the island for seven long years that relate to the seven deadly sins committed by him and his men.  To exit this state of purgatory or living hell, Bernhard suggests that Odysseus must conquer a few last trials.  Through Odysseus determination to return to his family and homeland, Bernhard suggests that “Odysseus is now ready for paradise” (Bernhard 179).  This is very effective example used by Bernhard in stating that Ithaka is Odysseus’ paradise.  This gives the reader a vivid image of the admiration that Odysseus has for his homeland and his family and how important it is for him to return.