Topics for Further Study
- In the "lying speech" to his wife in Book 19, Odysseus tells Penelope (referring to himself in the third person): "Odysseus would have been home long ago, but he felt in his spirit that it would be better to go all about the world collecting possessions." Reflect on Odysseus's character as Homer has depicted him in the poem so far. Do you believe he was driven solely by greed? Why or why not? The Greek word chremata, which can be translated as "possessions," may refer to money or other valuables, but its literal meaning is "things that are useful or needful." What types of "useful" or "needful" items does Odysseus gather during his travels?
- What are the values of a hero, such as Achilles, Hector, or any other major characters in the Iliad? How do these values compare to those of Odysseus in the Odyssey? What differences do you notice, and which set of values do you think is more likely to foster a harmonious, ordered society? Why? How do these values compare to those prevalent in our current society?
- How are the gods depicted in the Odyssey? What differences or similarities do you observe between this portrayal and the one found in the Iliad?
- Read Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poems "The Lotos-Eaters" and "Ulysses." Do you think the sentiments expressed in "Ulysses" were intended as a response to those in "The Lotos-Eaters"? Why or why not? Does Tennyson's portrayal of Odysseus align with Homer's depiction? In what ways?
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