DECOSTO, WELMER F.

1. How do Great Books shape and influence people’s perspective about their history and culture?
 Great book shows the events of the past that relates to our history. The story of Iliad
and Odyssey influenced our concept about our history. We know that in the past, war
already existed and it will repeat again in the future. Moreover, our concept between
the power of men versus women today is different from what was told in the story. The
great books opened our mind that no one is superior than anybody. We are all equal in
all aspects as we are all humans. Moreover, the story of Medusa serves as our reflection
that no one has the right to oppress other people and we must fight for our rights. In
the Great books, gods interact directly with humans and they are superior than us. This
leads to our faith to our Almighty God and pray for His guidance.
2. Reality and myth are two juxtaposing ideas in literature. How are these two concepts
interrelated in the story of Medusa?. Cite examples.
 In the story of Medusa, the idea of reality and myth coexists. In the myth medusa was a
rape victim and treated unfairly. She was a rape victim but she was the accuse and
persecuted by the hand of Athena. This happens in the real society when rape victims
are the one accused by seducing men. Moreover, in the myth, Medusa was transformed
from a beautiful maiden into a monstrous gorgon with snakes instead of hair and a
petrifying eyes. This can be related in reality that rape victims suffered from trauma and
feel isolated from the public. Furthermore, in the myth is based on the constellations
which we can see in the night sky.
3. Binary opposition is a concept in literature that shows opposing ideas in a spectrum. Cite
evidence/s of binary opposition in the Iliad and Odyssey in relation to power, relationship and
justice.
 In relation to power, men are superior than women. Men, are known for their strength
and women are treated as powerless and oppressed. For example, the suitors of
Penelope who seek only for throne and power. In terms of relationship between
humans, people helped each other to achieve goals like Greek versus Trojans. In
relationship between humans and gods, humans do everything to please the gods to
help them but the gods are arrogant and even punish those who have done something
wrong. In terms of justice, justice is serve by defeating their opponents who made
mistake. For example, the abduction of Helen is such a big crime and the Greeks
slaughtered the Trojans as revenge and for justice.
4. The following are recurring themes in the Iliad and Odyssey. Explain each.
a) Incest
 Incest is having a relationship with a family member or closely related and it is a
forbidden act. In the Iliad, incest is one of the recurring themes. For example, Paris
abducted Helen, the wife of King Menelaus of Sparta. When Paris died, Helen married
Demophobus, brother of Paris. Another example is Clytemnestra's affair with Aegisthus
who is the cousin of her husband, Agamemnon.
b) War
 War is the major event in the Iliad caused by Paris who abducted Helen.
Menelaus, the king of Sparta, together with the Greek army declared war
against the Trojans for the insult made by Paris. For nine years of the Trojan
 war, the Trojans remained undefeated. Series of attacks and revenge happened
and it cost lives of brave warriors. And finally, in the tenth year, the Trojan war
ends with the Greeks as victor by the trick made by Odysseus.
c) Repetition of History
 History repeats itself. In the story of Iliad and Odyssey, there are small acts that
cause series of crimes and revenge. When Paris abducted Helen, Menelaus seek
for revenge that leads the Trojan war. Another example is the death of Patroclus
that triggered the rage of Achilles and he killed Hector as revenge. Then Paris
shot a deadly arrow to Achilles ‘ heel as revenge for the death of Hector. And
Paris was killed by Philoctetes who avenged the death of Achilles. The idea of
revenge revolve around them until their lust of revenge was quenched.
d) Triumph
 In the story of Iliad and Odyssey, the warriors always seek for military victory.
They fight fearlessly as a matter of honor and to be a hero. They even
celebrated their victory against their enemies. For nine years, the Trojans
remain undefeated. And in the 10 th year the Greek finally gained the triumphant
victory.
e) Ego
 Most of the characters in the Iliad and Odyssey have ego in their heart. They
value their pride. For example, when Agamemnon take Breseis as replacement
of Chryseis, Achilles was furious and have a heated argument with his
commander-in-chief. He refused to take part in the succeeding battle. Ego is one
of their trait that worsen the Trojan war.
5. From among the characters in the Iliad, Odyssey and Medusa, who is the character that best
represents your reality?
 Odysseus best represents my reality. His craftsmanship make him more cunning.
I also have that craftiness in doing my projects and assignments but not as equal
as Odysseus. His love for his family serves as his inspiration to fulfill his dreams
even if it takes a long journey far from home. Me too, I'm away from my parents
but they are always in my heart. I am doing my best to fulfill my dreams in the
middle of battlefield in school with pen and paper as my sword along with
understanding the reality.