Tuesday, September 29, 2015
In Medias Res: Narrative v. Chronological Order
In class we observed that the narrative order of the Odyssey, the order the event are retold in the epic, is different from the chronological order, the order the events occur in time. The epic begins in medias res, literally in the middle of things. What is ONE reason that the story begins in this way? Why doesn't the story begin with Odysseus leaving Troy?
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One of the many reasons The Odyssey is very unique is the fact that is start in the middle of the story. Readers first start the story not with Odysseus but with his son Telemachus, from him they learn how long Odysseus has been away and the effect it has had on many people. In fact, readers don’t hear Odysseus side of the tale until four books in to the story and even then the events of the entire story are jumbled. Although the story is a bit confusing at times for this reason, it makes a lot of sense for the story to be structured this way. I believe the reason the story is written this way is because the reader is learning information that the characters are learning at the same time. This keeps the story interesting and suspenseful, even more realistic. The characters are often learning this information from other characters own personal stories. This lets the reader learn more about not only the present time in the book, but the past as well. Today, people learn information the same way, through stories and other people information. Again this makes the story more realistic to the reader as they are learning the events from others not in chronological order. With the book being set up in this way, the reader often follows only one characters journey at a time. If the book was set up in chronological order, the story would jump from character to character leaving the story confusing and hard to follow.
ReplyDeleteThe Odyssey is a very special book. It is very different from other books because it is written in medias res or in the middle. Instead of reading about the book in chronological order in which you would learn about Odysseus going on his journey and getting captured by Calypso, the reader first learns about Telemachus, who is Odysseus’s son, and how Telemachus goes on to try and rescue his father. As a matter of fact, for the first four books the author only writes about Telemachus and we don’t meet Odysseus until book 5. As you are reading the first few books, it gets more and more confusing as Homor is jumping back and forth between the two characters and their journeys. Although it is very confusing at first, eventually it does make sense as to why Homor wrote The Odyssey this way. I think that the story is written this way because it puts a sense of mystery into the story. In the beginning when Telemachus is starting the search for his father; the reader doesn’t know what happened to Odysseus and neither does Telemachus which puts suspense and mystery into the readers mind and makes them want to read more. Also, once you start to get deeper into the story the reader learns information about the characters the same time as the book does. The reader also learns backstories about the different characters. If the book had been in chronological order then the reader wouldn’t be able to learn these backstories because they would have been in the beginning of the book. Also, if the book had been from chronological order by the time Telemachus had left to save his father; Odysseus would already be halfway home.
ReplyDeleteOne of the main reasons I think this version starts in the middle is to give more information that would help the reader understand something later in the book. The book’s first main character is Telemachus and his father, Odysseus, is not introduced until book five. I think Telemachus is introduced first because he makes the reader think differently about Odysseus’s journey when he is introduced. It is quite Ironic how the book is named The Odyssey, but the first main character in the version introduced is his son and Odysseus is not introduced until about a quarter of the way through the book. I think learning about Odysseus’s son, Telemachus, helps us understand more about Odysseus. Although to some people this may be confusing and an odd way to structure a book, I think it makes it more interesting, and more information can be discovered and inferred when it is structured like this. Also, while this helps us understand Odysseus’s journey and life, it also obviously gives more information about Telemachus and other characters from the middle of the book. Introducing Telemachus first makes us follow him easier through the book and we understand that he plays a key part in the book. And even throughout the book, all the chapters and mixed up from the original story. This might make it confusing but also helpful for the reader to understand the future before they read about something that happened before it. Starting the book in the middle is an effective way to give an alternative perspective on many different characters like Telemachus. Although most of the story is about Odysseus’s journey, the readers already learned or inferred a lot of information about Odysseus before he was even introduces. Also, when Telemachus is talked about later in the book, we already know a lot about him.
ReplyDeleteUnlike many other books, The Odyssey begins in media res, or in the middle of the story. This means that the story is told in narrative order rather than having events happen chronologically. Before Odysseus comes into the story, the focus is first shown on Telemachus, Odysseus’s son. Readers learn how Odysseus’s absence has affected Telemachus and Penelope, which is the main importance of the story until the fifth book, where the reader first hears the story through Odysseus himself. Even as the book dives into Odysseus’ personal journey, the events are still not in chronological order. While this type of structure can be very confusing for the reader at times, it makes a lot of sense in the way that new information is revealed consistently and the story is kept suspenseful and exciting. If the reader often learns information at the same time that the character learns the same information, it adds a dimension of suspense as the reader is more engaged with what is going on between the characters. Also, the way that characters are introduced in the book’s narrative order makes much more sense than if it had been written in chronological order; the reader learns each character’s backstory, which again keeps him or her more engaged. Had the story been told in chronological order, it would have jumped from character to character and wouldn’t have been nearly as engaging or as practical. These backstories also would have taken place in the very beginning of the book, and they wouldn’t have the same past to present connection that they currently do. Therefore, while narrative order may be somewhat confusing at times, it’s helpful to the reader because it distributes information consistently and keeps the story suspenseful and engaging.
ReplyDeleteThere are many reasons that the Odyssey was written the way it was rather than in chronological order. I think that one of the main reasons that this was done was for the father-son aspect we’ve found many times in the story. It starts out with Telemachus wishing for his father, and then setting off on a journey. Then it tells of Odysseus, his father, and his journey. Much of Odysseus’s story is told through people who Telemachus visits on his journey. Because of this, the reader can learn of both stories at once. This intertwines them, creates one out of two. It creates a connection. This could be thought of as a way to make up for Telemachus’s and Odysseus’s lack of connection leading up to the point when they first see each other again. When the story is told in this order, it also adds a sense of urgency to both of their adventures. Without the exposition explaining Odysseus leaving and Telemachus suffering at the hands of the suitors, one would not understand why Telemachus would like to get his father back so quickly. And without giving some backstory about what Odysseus was leaving at home when he first left to fight in the Trojan War, the reader would not understand why he wanted to get home so badly. They’d wonder why he did not just stay on one of the many paradises he was stuck on. When the story begins with Telemachus’s distress, and Penelope’s grief, it makes it much easier to see why Odysseus is in such a hurry to return, and to see the father and son connection.
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ReplyDeleteThe part that sets the Odyssey apart from other books is that it starts in middle. Allowing readers to start out confused as the reader starts with little to no information that soon becomes clear as the story unravels. The reason that the story starts in the middle is that it allows for flashbacks that add more suspense to the story without repeating old events. For Odysseus, the story of how he became stranded with Calypso, or how he was alone at all was important, but not enough in the story’s beginning. The fact that it was important, but still distant allowed the reader to focus on the story at hand, while still remembering about Odysseus and how he has a part in the current story. Then right when Odysseus’s story starts to matter less, the reader go back to him in a cave. It then follows him escaping, and the reader knows why he wanted to leave and how he left. But how did he get to the cave? Well that is soon answered with first a distant flashback to the Trojan War, then Odysseus retells his past and slowly makes his way to the present. The way of storytelling pasts helped create connections between the past and the current. In turn, once the reader is caught back up to the present, it is about the actual middle of the book. Then the reader is actually in the middle of the story chronologically, while also being In the middle of the story page wise as well. Starting in the middle created more suspense to get to the same place if it was told in chronological order.
ReplyDeleteThe Odyssey is different because it starts almost at the end. When Telemachus goes out to find his father, many things have already happened to him. He explains these things in the middle of the book. The story is a little hard to follow, but it is a cool way to explain the complex story of Odysseus and the hardships he faced. One reason that Homer made the story this way was because you needed to understand why Telemachus was coming after him then what happened to him. Chronological order would have also made sense, but this way of writing it was innovative. With Odysseus telling the story, you got to hear his side of things, but if you actually heard things how it happened, it may have been different. Odysseus got to make himself look better if he wanted to and lie about certain things, but we will never know because the only way we heard the story was by Odysseus telling it. He could have told the Phaecians a complete lie to boost his fame and become more famous and no one can verify the story because everyone that was there either died or was a god/goddess. If the story started with Odysseus leaving, Odysseus might not have become as famous which would have resulted in a less interesting story. Telemachus would have come into the story very late which would have thrown off the book a bit because it would be a lot of action for the middle of the book. In conclusion, Odysseus’s story was in the middle of the book because it made for a more interesting story because Odysseus could have told any details that he wanted.
ReplyDeleteA feature that is special to the Odyssey is that is begins in the middle of the book. I believe that the reason the author chose to write is this way is because it helps make the book more interesting. Though it may be a little bit harder to understand at first, in the long run it gives the book a much more grown up perspective. As a kid, it might be easier to read the book in chronological order because it would make more sense but now that we are older it gives us information that we are able to understand and relate to different parts of the book. Also, it allows us to think deeper as to why something happened earlier in the book. For example, when you start in the middle and you learn about something that happened at that point, once you get into the part of the book where it shows you the beginning you can understand the reasons or affects that it had on something in the middle of the book. Another reason that I think media res is important is that it creates suspense in the book. I think this because by starting in the middle it makes you want to know what happened in the beginning and it gives you something to look forward to when you read.
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ReplyDeleteIn The Odyssey, the epic is narrated In Media Res because it allows for the story to become more streamlined. The Odyssey begins with a brief introduction to the state of Odysseus’s palace in Ithaca, delving into the story of the character Telemachus, the title character’s son, as he prepares to set out in search for his father. All mentions of the past events culminating to this point are barely evident, and are instead recalled by other characters as the story progresses. For example, when Telemachus is being hosted at Menelaus’s court, the great king of Sparta and his wife, Helen, recall their experiences during the Trojan War. A very clear portrayal of the events and Odysseus’s significance during the war is presented in a concise manner through Menelaus’s and Helen’s stories, providing all the information needed without addressing the smaller events that would be necessary in a chronological narrative. However, this is not the only instance in which the utilization of In Media Res aids in streamlining the story. During his time in Alcinous’s court, Odysseus describes the perils of his arduous journey in depth; a tale that covers several “books”. Each “book” contains three events, two minor events that are briefly touched upon and one major event that serves as the focal point of the section. If the epic was presented chronologically, each event addressed in Odysseus’s narrative would have to be at least one “book” to ensure the story flows correctly and that the reader properly comprehends the situation. By conveying the tale as a past occurrence, the author can decide to remove details of low importance, much like one would do when verbally telling a story to another. When sharing a story chronologically, it is almost impossible to skip a detail without scattering and confusing the plot; however, when it is done In Media Res, as in The Odyssey, it gives the author the opportunity to provide the reader with only the pieces absolutely necessary to understand the text.
ReplyDeleteThe Odyssey is a very different epic for many reasons. One of the main reasons being that the story is told out of order. The story starts off with Telemachus. Not with the main character Odysseus. I believe that this is to help the reader understand the significance of Telemachus. Telemachus gives crucial information concerning the rest of the epic. He tells much about Odysseus, the journey Odysseus has taken and what it takes to live without a father. Due to the reader having read so much about Telemachus the reader is able to understand the relationship between Telemachus and Odysseus. Father son relationship is a very big idea in this epic. The narrative orders makes the reader pay much more attention to the Epic. It is purposely not put in the chronical order so that the reader must notice every small detail. The way this epic is told allows there to be a large amount of suspense. If the story were told in order by the end of the novel the information would be dull and boring. The information at the begging of the epic may give the reader an even better understanding of what later occurs. If the book were told in chronological order the whole story of Telemachus going out to find Odysseus would have little significance as Odysseus would already be on his way home. The first book gives a very good opening to the novel by explaining a few of the gods and the very important main characters.
ReplyDeleteA feature that is special to the Odyssey is that is begins in the middle of the book. I believe that the reason the author chose to write is this way is because it helps make the book more interesting. Though it may be a little bit harder to understand at first, in the long run it gives the book a much more grown up perspective. As a kid, it might be easier to read the book in chronological order because it would make more sense but now that we are older it gives us information that we are able to understand and relate to different parts of the book. Also, it allows us to think deeper as to why something happened earlier in the book. For example, when you start in the middle and you learn about something that happened at that point, once you get into the part of the book where it shows you the beginning you can understand the reasons or affects that it had on something in the middle of the book. Another reason that I think media res is important is that it creates suspense in the book. I think this because by starting in the middle it makes you want to know what happened in the beginning and it gives you something to look forward to when you read.
ReplyDeleteThe Odyssey itself has many great aspects. However, the most impressive part of the epic, or the reason why it stands apart from other books is the connection you make with the main character, Odysseus. One of the main reasons you are able to do this is because of the layout of the book. The epic starts close to the end of the chronological plot, and it is difficult to understand at first. There is a good reason why the author decided to write it like this though. You get to understand the characters on a deeper level. By the time you get to the end of the first book, you have met Telemachus and have learned about how much he cares for and wants to see his father. So by the time you get to the middle of the epic, and you read the beginning of the chronological order of the story; you are constantly asking questions like, what is Telemachus feeling like right now or I wonder what the suitors are planning now to convince Penelope to take their hand in marriage. Asking questions such as these to yourself makes the story much more interesting and exciting. If the story was in chronological order, then you would not be able to immediately develop strong feelings for Telemachus and Penelope which eventually make the book have a very anti-climactic ending. Basically, having The Odyssey not written in chronological order, it becomes a very enjoyable read.
ReplyDeleteThe difference between the Odyssey and other books, is that the Odyssey is told in media res. This means that the book starts off in the middle of the story, and not in chronological order like other books are typically written. What makes in media res so interesting in the Odyssey, is that it provides a unique perspective to the story and requires the reader to put events together. Odysseus is the main character in the book and it is primarily a story about his life and challenges. Telemachus, Odysseus’s son, starts the book off, while the following chapters the class has read have been about Odysseus’s journeys. By having the Odyssey begin with Telemachus the story begins in the middle, and then Odysseus takes over to provide contrasting perspectives of same situation. Also, having Telemachus start the story helps show that he is a key figure in it. If the story was told in chronological order, it would begin with Odysseus leaving Troy and then Telemachus’ story, but by having Telemachus start the story it shows how important he is to the plot. This is because so much has already happened in the story, which the reader will most likely not realize the main point of Odysseus’s journey is to make it back home to be with Penelope, his wife, and Telemachus. In media res style of writing helps give the Odyssey a distinct experience for the reader by keeping them engaged and requiring them to organize the story on their own.
ReplyDeleteIn The Odyssey, there are many unique things that make the book different from any other epics. The one thing that makes The Odyssey the most unique is the authors use of “In Media Res”, which means that the book started in the middle of the actual story instead of right when Odysseus was leaving for Troy. Some reasons the author’s use of In Media Res is important are; the beginning of the book grips the reader’s attention, it creates more flow throughout the epic, it introduces an important character in the epic, and the story is told from different perspectives of characters. The most important reasons the author uses In Media Res in my opinion is to be able to tell the story of the Trojan War from many different perspectives and to give a brief description of the main character in the epic, Odysseus, so we know what he is like when he enters the epic. The story of the Trojan War is told to Telemachus while on a journey to find information about his father from many different people who fought in the war with Odysseus including Nestor, Helen, Proteus, and Menelaus. While these important characters tell their stories about the Trojan War and Odysseus the reader finds out a lot of information that will help the reader better understand what happened during and after the Trojan War and what is going to be told later in the epic. For example, when Telemachus went to see Helen and Menelaus to seek information about his father, Odysseus, they told stories of Odysseus’ cleverness and how he used it to be successful in war. Helen told the story of when Odysseus dressed himself disguised as a beggar so he was able to infiltrate Troy’s walls and find out information on how to win the war. Menelaus tells the story of the Trojan War Horse, in this story the Greeks built a Trojan horse to “end the war and show a peace offering,” but that was not what it really was. Inside the horse Odysseus and his companions hid so they could infiltrate Troy and kill all of the Trojans and win the war. This shows how clever and quick-thinking Odysseus which would be shown again multiple times later in the epic.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that Homer’s Odyssey begins right in the middle, is a key element to tell the story of Odysseus’s adventures captivatingly. Any story that starts in the middle of action immediately draws the attention of the reader. One main reason this is so is in terms of connection to the characters. A large part of the Odyssey is about relationships. This goes for many circumstances: lovers, family and as travelers. Despite these many types of connections, the point at which the story begins in the middle and the actual story itself help illustrate father-son relationships. The book starts off with Telemachus, Odysseus’s son, beginning to want answers of where his father is and generating a spark or motivation to find him. It is right after this that the reader learns of Odysseus’s life the past ten years after the war took place. It is because of this key order of events the reader builds a connection. Father-son relationships are very powerful. They show love, loyalty, emotion and most importantly an unbreakable bond. This allows the reader to immediately fell the same heartache Telemachus feels about his father being gone. If the story had begun with Odysseus leaving Troy, then the epic would be lacking a crucial element: a moral. The reason that old novels are still read today is because of the morals and life lessons they teach. If the story had not started where it did, there would be no story of this father son relationship and how it affects everyone involved greatly. If the story had not started with Telemachus, then there would not have been much of a story.
ReplyDeleteThe Odyssey is told in media res. This means that the books are not in chronological order. An example is that the start of the epic tells of Odysseus’ voyage to reach his home in Ithaca after the Trojan War but later in the epic it talks about the Trojan War, the Trojan horse and other stories from the war. This makes reading the book more difficult to understand and the readers have to pay closer attention to the smaller details. In the beginning of The Odyssey Telemachus, son of Odysseus, is talked about more than Odysseus. This signifies that the epic is more than Odysseus’ struggles to get home and the hardships he endured. Stating Telemachus’ struggles allows the readers to understand why Odysseus has to return as soon as possible. The struggles in which Telemachus has to endure are the suitors. The suitors have gathered from different kingdoms with the goal of courting Odysseus’ wife, Penelope. Odysseus must return home before it is too late and a suitor has taken his wife. Letting the reader know this information builds suspense and eagerness to know if Odysseus will survive the hardships that are implicated by Poseidon and return home to his wife and son. If the epic was told in chronological order the role of Telemachus would not be as important as it is now. The epic introduced Telemachus early in the story but if it had been told in chronological order he would have been introduced later which would have decreased the significance of his role. If Telemachus was introduced later he would not have been viewed as a major role in The Odyssey. Usually how long a character is involved in the plot signifies how important they are. Overall, the epic being told in media res makes the reader focus more on the little details in the story and it increases the role of a few characters.
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