yes! im like the only person on here who also did that poem at school. Here is the notes we did in class, i hope theyre ok...
1. Name of text: Ithaca
2. Composer: Constantine Cavafy
3. Text Type: Poem
4. Target Audience: Universal
5. Context: Cavafy is one of Greece’s most famous poets, who lived and wrote in Alexandria, Egypt. This poem is influenced by Homer’s poetry.
6. Write a summary of the main idea in this text:
This poem “Ithaca” was written and based on the ideas and images portrayed in Homer’s story of Odysseys’ voyage. It is an address to the one who is searching for the island of Ithaca, which is a metaphorical symbol of a voyage of self discovery, and of the goals or dreams one may have in order to achieve this. The author tells us to not fear the “Lestrygonians”, “Cyclops” and the “Angry Poseidon” for these are symbolic for the challenges and obstacles faced and overcome during the journey. These obstacles however will not be a problem if your thoughts remain noble. This journey should be as long as possible, so that knowledge and understanding can be gained along the way. Along the way, beautiful and sensual things may be experienced and seen, such as “mother-of-pearl and corals, amber and ebony”. The poet urges us to make the most out of every experience as they come our way, so as to enrich our lives in every way possible. He states that if you keep your head high, and always keep the destination in mind “Ithaca”, or your goals and dreams will reward you in the end. Without “Ithaca” in mind, you may not be able to get to your goals. No matter how this journey to “Ithaca” turns out, whether good or bad, one must remember the things learnt and the experiences witnessed. It is not just the destination that is important, it is the journey undertaken along the way that is most significant in this poem.
7. What type of journey is presented in this text?
There are different types of journeys presented in the poem, “Ithaca”. The first journey the poet describes is the physical journey. To reach your destination or your goals you must overcome many obstacles and challenges along the way. Although it may not be an easy road, what you learn along the way is invaluable. Imaginative journeys are described by the poet when he mentions imaginary monsters which do not exist. The “Lestrygonians”, “Cyclops” and “Poseidon” are all metaphorical symbols for the challenges and obstacles encountered along the way. In the entire poem the poet is attempting to analyse his inner-self and arrive at self discovery. On the journey described, you become wealthy and knowledgeable and hopefully get to know yourself better. The journey is seen as an analogy for intellectual pursuit and journey of ones soul. The “Egyptian cities” are a place of academic learning, where you may become more knowledgeable and wise through your learning.
8. What is the impact of this journey?
The poem is about a journey of self discovery. It tells us that we must overcome all obstacles and challenges in life, such as “Lestrygonians”, “Cyclops” and “Poseidon”, keeping our thoughts noble. Various kinds of enrichment will be found, such as “pleasurable perfumes” and “fine merchandise”, only if the traveller does not impose fears and obstacles within themselves. By visiting “Hosts of Egyptian cities”, one will learn and become a better person. Throughout this long journey, you will become wealthy in a spiritual way. If the journey has been successful, you will come out of it with so many rewards. Rewards that are not measured in a material way, but in the spiritual enrichment you have gained.
9. Which techniques have been used by the composer to convey these ideas about “journeys”?
The poem is a metaphor for the goals and path to self discovery. It uses the journey to “Ithaca” to convey this meaning. The use of the imaginary monsters, the “Lestrygonians” and “Cyclops” and “Poseidon” are symbolised as obstacles and challenges which may prevent you from this journey. However the poet urges us to keep our thoughts fixed on the journey we wish to take and these will not be a problem. The poet is using 2nd person- “When you”, “You would”,” If your”, it creates a sense of intimacy. It makes you feel as if he is talking to you personally. It also has a sense of command, it does not state “if” or “maybe”, it uses strong works such as “When” and “Then” and “Always”, which makes you feel enticed to do so. The repetition of “Then prey the road is long” emphasizes that the journey may have good experiences, as well as bad experiences, which will be overcome. The tone of the poem has a very flowing rhythm. It is very didactic, however it is positive. The 1st stanza talks about the challenges and obstacles, or the negative influences, which may be encountered. Whereas the 2nd stanza displays things to look forward to on the journey- places to go, things to purchase and learning from those who have knowledge.
10. What have you learned about the process and consequences of this journey from this text?
After reading this poem, “Ithaca”, I have learnt that it is not just the destination that is important, it is the journey undertaken along the way that is most significant. The poem is a journey about self discovery, which will happen as soon as you overcome and accept the challenges and obstacles which may come your way. I have also learnt that taking things as they come your way, such as the “fine merchandise”, will reward you at the end of your journey. Through this poem, the rewards are not measured in a material way, but in a way in which you become a spiritually enriched person due to the places you have been and attractions you have experienced.
11. What connections can you make between this text and other texts in the Stimulus Booklet?
“The town where time stands still” by Shirley Geok-lin Lim is a very short text which explores the motivations that drive people to travel. “Ithaca” is a poem about a voyage of self-discovery and any goals or dreams one may have to achieve this. Both “Ithaca” and “The town where time stands still” include the belief that journeys are motivated by a desire to gain profit, achieve pleasure, overcome forces associated with the place, be enlightened or inspired, and to gain positive growth or alteration. In “The town where time stands still” the author speaks about a spiritual type of journey, a transformation that might accompany a physical journey from one place to another, and in the case of the poem “Ithaca”, you become a spiritually enriched person as a reward due to the journey you have undertaken. The author of “The town where time stands still” speaks of travel as having another meaning other than a holiday or vacation. It has an imaginative quality that offers an internal change or experience in response to an external geographical environment. Places have the power to inspire awe, wonder, salvation and reconciliation. This conveys the message of the poem, that it is not only the destination that is important, it is the journey undertaken along the way that is most significant, and this is also conveyed in the poem, “Ithaca”.
