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  • Essay / "O brother, where are you? » and The Odyssey: a comparison

    Similarities between the Odyssey and “O brother, where are you? » When it comes to exploring the cultural and moral similarities between ancient literature and modern adaptations, "O Brother, Where Art Thou" and The Odyssey are a perfect subject to delve into. The Odyssey has been the subject of countless translations and interpretations over many centuries, making it sometimes difficult to understand the cultural context of the original text, despite the time difference. , this epic story still resonates with us and reflects many situations we experience in our lives. Comparing “O brother, where are you? » to the Odyssey, this essay can examine the similarities between the two works and delve further into them. understanding of their lasting relevance. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get an original essayThe more modern adaptation of the film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” ". The film presents a good comic journey of three escaped convicts. Ulysses, the main hero of The Odyssey, and Ulysses Everett McGill, the leader of the team of convicts in “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” “, both have similar goals and qualities when compared. Interestingly, Ulysses is the Roman variation of the Greek name Ulysses. Both demonstrate leadership and are very goal-oriented. Yet both can easily veer off course and take their eyes off the main goal, further distancing them from their family. Ultimately, their main goals are to try to get home by any means possible. Both are overall more goal-oriented by being able to see their families again. They both experience spiritual growth throughout their travels. Comparing The Odyssey and “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” », the journeys experienced change their overall perspective of life. They both experience spiritual and character growth. With all the difficulties we all encounter throughout life, both translations/adaptations show that the mistakes we make do not define who we are or what we can become. Throughout Odysseus' journey, he commits many reckless acts. By committing adultery, he risks the lives of his crew with his reckless plans. He relies solely on strength to get through battles rather than planning or quick thinking. In comparison, Odysseus uses his mind to his advantage. He uses acts of lying or fraud. With his criminal history of obtaining fake licenses in order to succeed, it shows that he does what he feels is necessary to get ahead or get out of any situation. Overall, he is shown to care deeply for his wife and children. He even had to lie to his two prison buddies about the treasure in order to escape imprisonment and prevent his wife from remarrying. The plot common to these two stories revolves around the main characters trying to reunite with their families after a long absence. They both try to return home with many obstacles and difficulties blocking their path. They desperately want to return to their normal lives. I feel like in both stories, temptations were the majority of what derailed the characters. They are always trying to reach their destination, but there are always things that lead them astray. In The Odyssey, Odysseus' many temptations occurred as he traveled through distant lands. He was able to find food and shelter thanks to the livestock and people who lived there. He and his team stole whatever they deemed necessary for their journey, such as food and supplies. They havefinally did what they had to do to survive. He was very good at connecting and building trust with the people around him, which eventually led him to catch up and lose track of time. Sometimes he stayed in one place too long. Odysseus and his crew experienced similar situations. They would have to steal food and items that they could sell to be able to survive during their long journey. Stealing cars, trinkets and even a pie. When Delmar and Pete were both baptized at the beginning of the film (as the church members all gathered at the river to be baptized), it showed that they both wanted to leave their tortuous past behind them and start building a better life. Ulysses joked about the stupidity of this situation throughout the film. However, in the end, he was almost hanged by the sheriff who had been chasing them since their great escape. I enjoyed the adaptation of O Brother more because it brought a better comedic personality to the story. The addition of the old folk music sung throughout the film makes it more enjoyable. Throughout the film, we see the struggles these three men go through as their troubling pasts catch up with them. Even sometimes putting their lives in danger. You can see throughout the film that every similarity to The Odyssey has been well thought out and gives good modern references to a great tale. Odysseus was punished by the gods for fighting the Trojans in the Trojan War. With O Brother's story, the fact that they are fugitives makes it much more difficult to return to normal life. Having to avoid the law and not wanting to be noticed by others forces them to disguise themselves or hide their faces. At the very beginning of the story, they begin their rebellious adventure with the encounter of a blind railway worker. He tells them the prophecy: “You seek great fortune, you three who are now in chains, and you will find fortune. Even if it won't be the fortune you're looking for. But first you have to go through a long and difficult path. A road full of perils, you will see things. You will see a cow on the roof of a cotton house, and so many surprises. I can't say how long this road will last. But do not fear the obstacles that stand in your way, for destiny has a reward in store for you. Even if the road is winding and your hearts grow weary, you will still follow the path, even to your salvation. (Joel Coen, O Brother, Where Art Thou? First scene). As the group had never seen or met this man, this surprised them. Through the story, they discover the treasure that Ulysée is said to have hidden during the armored vehicle job he claimed to be carrying out. After Ulysees revealed to the group that there was never any treasure. The journey they took was growth for them. Risking their own lives to save Tommy, their new friend, from almost being killed by the KKK group. When separated from Tommy and Pete, both members of this group, they risked their own lives to save the people they cared about. Odysseus shows moments of concern for his group. He uses teamwork with his men to outwit Polyphemus. He understands the risk of having to sacrifice men to accomplish the tasks at hand. He shows that he cares about the men he is on this journey with. "My friends! We will not yet descend into Hell, however sad we may be, before our fateful day. Come, since we have food and drink on board, let us not starve ourselves; now it is time to eat! This shows that he takes a moment to care for the men around him His leadership qualities are demonstrated when he takes the time to ensure that his men...