The Importance Of Book Xi To The Odyssey

In the beginning of Book XI, Odysseus goes to Hades where people confront him from his past, present and future. He is confused and dazed and seems to change as the different characters address him. All of the elements of Book XI show that it is the most pivotal book in Odysseus's voyage homeward and in the development of his character.

In Book XI, Homer reinforces major themes that repeat through the rest of the story that show Odysseus he can get home using the ideas seen throughout the text. Hospitality is a theme in Book XI that occurs in many of the other books of The Odyssey. The soldiers give hospitality toward Hades and Persephone though their sacrifices so that Odysseus can visit the Underworld. This is an example of irony in the book because the reason that Odysseus and his men are in this situation is because they did not give a sacrifice to Poseidon as they were supposed to do. This time, however, Odysseus did as Kirke instructed and made "offerings of flesh to the gods below--to sovereign Death, to pale Persephone" (186), allowing entrance to Odysseus to go to Hades and learn his future.

Fate, one of the most important themes in Greek culture, is expressed in Book XI in many ways. The whole basis of this book consists of Odysseus going to the Underworld to learn his and his shipmates' fate. First, Odysseus goes to Teiresias to find out his fate. Teiresias tells him how he will get home safely, about the suitors in his house and how he will kill them, and even how Odysseus will eventually die. After Teiresias tells Odysseus the information he needs, he says, "and all this shall be just as I foretell" (189), assuring Odysseus he will play out his fate correctly.

Homer also emphasizes loyalty in this book of The Odyssey by using the ghost of Elpenor. When confronted with the fact that one of his crewmembers has died without his knowledge, Odysseus promises Elpenor that he will give him a proper burial, proving his loyalty after his return by sending "his shipmates to bring Elpenor's body from the house of Kirke" (209), showing his loyalty and true concern for his friends and shipmates.

This book unites characters and events from the past, present, and future to help Odysseus see why he needs to get home quickly. Odysseus's mother is the most important character from the past with whom Odysseus reunites. Odysseus did not know his mother died while he was away and found out while he was looking for Teiresias. Odysseus states, "now came the soul of Antikleia, dead, my mother...seeing this ghost I grieved" (187). She asks him how he came to Hades, a place that is "no sight for living eyes" (190). Odysseus tells her he came to see Teiresias, then asks her about the rest of his family. She tells him Penelope is grieving for him and his son has taken over his kingdom. Odysseus then asks, "what was the bane that pinned you down in Death?" (190). She answers that she died of a broken heart, longing for her son to return. This conversation is a direct link to Odysseus's past.

Homer uses the character of Elpenor, one of his soldier, as a voice of the present. Elpenor tells Odysseus that he died while drunk on Kirke's roof. This is not only significant but also ironic: Odysseus is on a ship with his men and yet does not know that one of his own men is dead. This shows Odysseus may be a good warrior but not a good leader. The only thing that Elpenor asks for from Odysseus is to bury him because he is in "limbo" and needs to move on. Odysseus replies, saying, "Unhappy spirit, I promise you the barrow and the burial" (187).

As to the future, Odysseus gets knowledge of his son Telemakhos in Book XI, so he unites with the idea of his son and what will be. Odysseus left for Troy when Telemakhos was born, so father does not know son and son does not know father. In this book, Odysseus's mother tells him, "Telemakhos has care of all your garden plots and field, and holds the public honor