The Odyssey

Ancient civilizations pass on their contributions to society through oral traditions now written down. They felt the best way to continue their livelihood was to create fabulous stories that encompassed the general ideal of the people. These stories were used as tools for teaching societal standards, displaying consequences, and modeling expectations. Today new look back … Read more

Pawns are often used in literature to manipulate the storyline. In many cases, these people are minor characters. They usually support the main idea, but are just tools that the author uses to convey the message and not very significant to the true meaning of the novel in question. But there can also be people … Read more

His youth was spent in Le Havre, where he first excelled as a caricaturist but was then converted to landscape painting by his early mentor Boudin, from whom he derived his firm predilection for painting out of doors. In 1859 he studied in Paris at the Atelier Suisse and formed a friendship with Pissarro. After … Read more

Homers The Odyssey, a magnificent story of lust, deceit, greed, and heroism, still fascinates scholars and casual readers alike today in the same way it fascinated its audience at the time it was written. The Odyssey, a journey of determination, patience, and virtue, tells the tail of Odysseus, the main character, on his voyage home … Read more

The development of the male warrior, throughout literature, has a direct relationship with the development of western civilization. The attributes a warrior holds, fall respectively with the attributes that each society held as valuable. These characteristics, started by societies ideals, become the warrior’s only reasons for continuing their heroics. The ideals however do change with … Read more

There are many qualities one must have to be a good leader. Without these qualities he wouldn’t be able to make it through many hardships. A good example of someone who shows these qualities well is Odysseus I the story “the Odyssey” by Homer. In the story Odysseus is witty, strong, and loyal. Odysseus shows … Read more

The classic epic The Odyssey and the Old Testament show many differences in the Greek and Hebrew religions. The Greek religion is polytheistic and the Hebrew religion is monotheistic. In comparing the nature of the gods there are many differences. In comparing the relationships between Odysseus and Athena on one hand, and Job and God … Read more

“Furthermore, we have not even to risk the adventure alone, for the heroes of all time here gone before us. ” (p. 1 A Heroes Adventure). This quote from Joseph Campbell tells you the essence of a hero. Odysseus might be a hero in the book but Telemachus was the one who went through the … Read more

In “The Odyssey”, Athene helped Odysseus numerous ways physically and mentally by aiding him, Telemachus, and Penelope. In book I, Athene urged Telemachus to give up boyhood, act like a man, present his case to search for his father to the assembly, and take stronger steps to search for his father. After Telemachus presented his … Read more

In The Odyssey by Homer, hospitality plays a very important role. There are certain rules of hospitality needed, such as inviting a stranger into your home, not asking them their name before they have dined at your table, and sometimes even gift offerings. If these rules of hospitality are not carried out, the consequences are … Read more

An epic hero is the central hero of an epic, a long, narrative poem about the deeds of gods or heroes. He possesses qualities superior to those of most men, yet remains recognizably human. These heroes have a tragic flaw. This is what makes them a hero instead of a god. Gods are perfect. Odysseus … Read more

To many, a hero is someone who saves something or someone else. Although Odysseus seems to be the hero in Homers The Odyssey, his name problematizes the nature of his heroism, and ultimately, of his identity. In Greek, the proper noun Odysseus also functions as a verb meaning to be against or to oppose. Paradoxically, … Read more

In The Odyssey, Odysseus had to face many challenges during his travels; a few of these difficulties were a cannibalistic Cyclops, huge whirlpools, determined suitors, along with many hardships. Odysseus fought constantly to return to his homeland of Ithaca, but to accomplish this Odysseus had to be clever, resourceful, and have great leadership qualities. Odysseus … Read more

Throughout history, women have been looked at as the lesser gender, mortal or immortal. They are always stereotyped as not equally important as men. I strongly disagree with this idea, especially in the book The Odyssey. In The Odyssey, Homer suggests that the women characters in the book are more important than the characters of … Read more

The disagreement between Telemachus and Penelope arises from differing opinions on the entertainment of Phemius. Phemius is singing the tale of the Greek warriors of Troy and their homecomings when Penelope descends from her chambers to protest this choice of music. She scolds him, and orders him to stop because he has reminded her of … Read more

Many forms of popular culture today are inspired by themes, characters, and other references in various types of classical literature. John Denvers song Calypso parallels with a number of the themes in Homers the Odyssey. The Odysseys themes involving Odysseus journey back home and the aid of gods and goddesses directly influence Calypso. The first … Read more

A hero is “a man noted for his special achievements” according to the dictionary, but if you ask most people what a hero is, you will get the same general response. They will probably say “someone who does something for other people out of the goodness of his heart. ” Odysseus, who is the main … Read more

Early in the Odyssey we see Telemakhos as a rash, untrained boy. He clearly is not Odysseus’ equal as a host, leader, or fighter. However, as the book goes on we see Telemakhos become more and more like his father, in every respect as he is taught and guided by some of the best examples … Read more

Homer, name traditionally assigned to the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, the two major epics of Greek antiquity. Nothing is known of Homer as an individual, and in fact it is a matter of controversy whether a single person can be said to have written both the Iliad and the Odyssey. Linguistic and … Read more

The almighty, powerful, feared beings in Greek mythology are the gods! They have many powers and the ability to take the life of anyone in an instant. But many of them also have another side. What many people don’t know is that they are not all horrible creatures. Many times, gods help and even befriend … Read more

The Odyssey, though named for the great warrior and story focus Odysseus, cannot be soley regarded as a single man’s journey. The growth in intellect, maturity, and strength the Odysseus undergoes is reflected distinctly in his son, Telemachus. In the first books, other characters continue to treat him much as a child, and in many … Read more

The Odyssey is an epic composed by Homer, an early Greek storyteller. This epic was the basis for Greek and Roman education. Epics are long poems marked by adventure. The main character in an epic is an epic hero. The epic hero is a figure of great stature and may be a character from history … Read more

Lust is defined as an intense longing or a sexual desire. It is a common theme in literature; particularly in classic Greek literature. The reason it is so prevalent in literature is that is prevalent in our daily lives. Everyone lusts after something or someone. It is an interesting topic to examine closely, and classic … Read more

In The Odyssey, Odysseus had to face many challenges during his travels; a few of these difficulties were a cannibalistic Cyclops, huge whirlpools, determined suitors, along with many hardships. Odysseus fought constantly to return to his homeland of Ithaca, but to accomplish this Odysseus had to be clever, resourceful, and have great leadership qualities. Odysseus … Read more

In The Odyssey written by Homer and translated by Richard Lattimore, several themes are made evident, conceived by the nature of the time period, and customs of the Greek people. These molded and shaped the actual flow of events and outcomes of the poem. Beliefs of this characteristic were represented by the sheer reverence towards … Read more

The story, The Odyssey, was written by Homer and translated to English version by Samuel Butler. The main character in Odyssey was Odysseus, Kind of Ithaca, who after 20 years of wanderings returned home from the Trojan War and a long difficult journey which the powerful gave to him. He found himself recognized only by … Read more

Is Odysseus, the main character of Homer’s The Odyssey, really an epic hero? An epic hero embodies several heroic traits such as; having superior or super-human strength; being intellectual and courageous; and being a strong and responsible leader. An epic hero struggles and is overwhelmed with difficulties. An epic hero is on a quest of … Read more

On a website posted by teachers at Harker Heights High, an epic hero is someone who embodies the values of a particular society. He is superhuman. An epic hero is b raver, stronger, and cleverer than an ordinary person. He is on a quest for something of great value to him or his people. The … Read more

The Odyssey, by Homer, is about Odysseus, the king of Ithaca. Odysseus fights in the Trojan War and wins. He travels towards Ithaca but does not reach it because he is not in favor of Poseidon, god of the sea, who prevents his return. For many years, Odysseus wanders the seas and has many adventures. … Read more

During the night Odysseus tosses and turns, worrying about the outcome of his encounter with the suitor. Athena appears to himin a dream and promises that he will aid in the struggle. Penelope also unable to sleep and prays to Artemis, begging that she be rescued from marriage to another man, even if it means … Read more

Women were very important to the Greeks, and they showed this value in many ways. In The Odyssey Homer shows us the different ways women were looked upon through female characters, such as Penelope, Naussica, and Anticlia. With Penelope, a faithful and loving wife to Odysseus, Homer reveals to us how the Greeks believed wives … Read more

Heroes are almost perfect people. Odysseus was a great Greek Hero. Just like all of us though, he had exceptional abilities and faults. You notice many examples throughout the Odyssey that which was authored by Homer. The traits you notice are his tall tales, and his extravagant curiosity. Also, he is very attractive, extremely clever, … Read more

Homers poem The Odyssey depicts the tendency of people to ignore the consequences of their actions. Odysseus punished Penelopes suitors without thinking of consequences that he would have to endure. He did not acknowledge the consequences because that would prevent him from doing what he wants to do. Odysseus wanted to kill the suitors; they … Read more

By being filled with vigour and by being well written, the Odyssey sets the mood for many of the adventures allowing the reader to become caught up in the story and sympathise with its characters. In Homers description of the adventure, you feel overcome with curiosity while reading. The plot of the Odyssey consists of … Read more

The Greeks have been known for their hospitality and politeness, especially when treating guests- whether strangers or not. This is demonstrated near the beginning of the Odyssey when Telemachus went to Pylos to visit Nestor. Nestor, not knowing who he was taking into his home as guests, treated them with great honor and respect. “Now … Read more

In “The Odyssey”, Athene helped Odysseus numerous ways physically and mentally by aiding him, Telemachus, and Penelope. In book I, Athene urged Telemachus to give up boyhood, act like a man, present his case to search for his father to the assembly, and take stronger steps to search for his father. After Telemachus presented his … Read more