“Ithaca” by C.P. Cavafy Essay

Every superstar is given the opportunity to take the odyssey that is life, however it is grave to take out the move around as memorable as one possibly after part. The metrical composition Ithaca by C.P. Cavafy suggests that what is most important in life is the experience that is incorporated with the journey, not necessarily just reaching the ultimate intention. It is the quest, not the destination which matters most. This message is conveyed by the metrical composition through the use of allusion, fiction and symbolism.The poem, Ithaca, is based loosely virtually the great epic the Odyssey by ancient Greek poet Homer. In the Odyssey the character Odysseus trying to limit his course home to his kingdom, Ithaca. The character faces many vicious creatures and other challenges he must terminationure in ordain to make it to the net goal. This is alluded to in the poem, by making reference to one of the characters starting out on his journey to Ithaca (line 1). C.P. Cavafy also refers to mythological creatures such as the Cyclopes and the fierce Poseidon (line 5), as well as the Lestrygonians (line 6) posing as obstacles during the journey, just as they did in the Odyssey. The allusion to the myth of the Odyssey is appropriate for the meaning the poet is trying to convey.References to the Odyssey aspirate thoughts of going on a journey, which may include obstacles, new experiences and the opportunity to gain a riches of cognition. This is primeval to what the poem Ithaca is suggesting about the journey of life. The journey of life is all about the experiences that one encounters, the knowledge that is gained, and the deeper appreciation for the journey, not just for attaining the goal. The poem is somewhat faithful to the myth of the Odyssey. C.P. Cavafy does not distort the myth in any way, but rather leaves out many of the events that occurred in the Odyssey that perhaps were not relevant to the central theme being portrayed. The general idea of the journey to Ithaca is kept intact throughout the poem.The central theme of the poem Ithaca is based on the meaning of life, and the journey that one takes through life. The importance of praying that the bridle-path is long (line 10) is stressed continually throughout the poem. The poet emphasizes the idea that one should not hurry the voyage at all (line 23). Experience and wisdom are gained throughout time and the aging process.It is also learned through the poem that it is important to take time for things that one finds enjoyable. Such things as mother-of-pearl and corals (line 16) represent those things which make us joyful. It is suggested that one is supposed to enjoy and obtain these niceties while they last. The journey of life is something that a soul only gets to encounter once, so experiencing things which bring joy to a mortal are important.In the poem the speaker advises those embarking on the journey to visit hosts of Egyptian cities (line 19) to learn from th ose who have knowledge (line 20). Learning from those who are wise and intelligent can prove beneficial for carrying on with the journey. C.P. Cavafy also mentions that the elements that make a person rich in life, are the experiences and the great wisdom he/she has gained (line 23) along the way. If a person finds himself at the hold back of the journey, and sees nothing of value around him, Ithaca has not defrauded him (line 31) for Ithaca is not the final destination but the passage one takes and the wisdom one obtains. If a person can recognize that the journey, and what the journey brings, is more important than the final destination or goal, then that person has understood the true meaning of life and what Ithaca means.As humans we are all given the chance to embark on a wonderful journey through life. Some choose to focus on the final goal and choose to dedicate their lives for the end destination. The poem Ithaca by C.P. Cavafy suggests that one should not focus ones entire life on the end goal but instead enjoy the journey, and take as much as one possibly can from it. The author uses Ithaca as a metaphor for life in the poem. It can be understood from this poem that Ithaca represents the journey of life the beginning, the end and everything in between.