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154 Odyssey Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Looking for the Odyssey essay examples and writing tips? This article contains the Odyssey literary analysis how-to guide, prompts, title ideas, outlining tips, and examples.

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Homer’s Odyssey remains one of the most impressive masterpieces of the Greek literature. It’s not surprising that students often are assigned to write an essay on this poem.

Brainstorm the ideas you’re willing to discuss in the paper and make a list of all the key points. Look through the essay samples represented below for inspiration or check the list of the Odyssey themes and ideas below.

• Symbolism in the Odyssey. What do Odysseus struggles symbolize? How can you compare the Odysseus trials and adventures to our lives? Can we say that our lives are similar to the hero’s journey when we’re on the way to achieve something we desire.
• Hospitality theme in the Odyssey. How do people welcome strangers? Explore the ways Odysseus was welcomed when he returned home and when he was welcomed by the king and queen.
• Theme of loyalty in the Odyssey. Think, why loyalty is important. Explain why Penelope and Telemachus stayed loyal to Odysseus even when they received the message about his death.
• Theme of revenge in the Odyssey. Why does the theme of vengeance is important in the poem? Analyze it from the point of view of Odysseus and Poseidon. You can also compare and contrast vengeance in “Odysseus” and Christian teachings. Think if it is acceptable to kill in the name of vengeance.
• The role of women in the Odyssey. Discuss how does the female characters influence the plot of the story. What roles do they play in Telemachus and Odysseus journeys?

A thesis statement is the main point of your paper summarized in one sentence. It usually appears in the introductory paragraph of the text.

Below you’ll find a list of the Odyssey thesis statements that you might want to use for inspiration.

• There are parallels between the Odyssey and Near Eastern mythology, especially the Epic of Gilgamesh .
• The central themes of the Odyssey are wandering and homecoming.
• Women in the Odyssey are presented as inferior to men; even goddesses are described as angry and short-sighted.
• The key symbols in the Odyssey are the bow, the sea, and the shroud.

When writing your paper introduction, keep in mind that you have to engage your reader and make them want to read the entire text. Avoid phrases like “In this essay I’m going to discuss…” at the beginning of the paper.

A good idea is to start your Odyssey essay with an interesting fact about the epic poem or a quote. For instance, if you’re planning to focus on Odysseus as an epic hero, you can use a quote about heroic qualities of a person.

Below you’ll find a list of the Odyssey hook ideas.

• “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” (Joseph Campbell)
• “Show me a hero and I’ll write you a tragedy.” (F. Scott Fitzgerald)
• “Nobody – that’s my name. Nobody — so my mother and father call me, all my friends.” (the Odyssey)

Regardless of what Odyssey essay topic you will choose, you should tell your readers about the background and event developments of the poem.

Analyze the content and provide connections between the events or/and characters and your essay key idea. Make sure that all the paragraphs are logically connected.

When writing the Odyssey essay conclusion, make it bright and clear. Restate the thesis statement and add your personal impressions on the poem.

After you finish your paper read it again carefully and add some touches you might miss during the writing. Proofread the essay and get rid of all grammar, style and spelling mistakes. Did you know that some professors can cut out up to 20% of grade because of errors?

Still not sure how to complete your essay on Homer’s Odyssey and get the best grade? Check IvyPanda’s essay examples below, written by professionals for your convenience!

• The Role of Women in the Odyssey and Ancient Greece. Describe the most notable women in the epic. How do they aid/deter Odysseus’ journey? Analyze their purpose in the story. What does Homer’s portrayal of femininity tell us about the treatment of women in Ancient Greece?
• Exploring the Ideas of Loyalty Through Odysseus’ Crew. Mention what we know about Odysseus’ crew and how he leads them. Analyze the incidents with Circe, Elpenor’s death and burial Talk about the Sirens, Scylla and Charybdis, and the Cyclops. Why does Odysseus’ crew stop listening to him? How are they punished for it?
• How Does Homer Celebrate Nostos in the Odyssey? What is nostos? How is it portrayed in The Odyssey? Explain why coming home is the most important thing to Odysseus. Reflect on his encounter with Achilles in the Underworld. What is Homer trying to teach us with that brief scene?
• The Relationship Between Odysseus and Athena in the Odyssey. Describe both characters separately. Why does Athena aid Odysseus? In what ways does Odysseus repay the goddess for her assistance? Summarize the importance of being favorable to the gods.
• The Difference in Portrayals of Violence in the Odyssey. Examine what role violence plays in Ancient Greek culture – i.e., Athena is the goddess of war. Mention violent incidents with monsters such as the Cyclops and Laestrygones. Analyze the slaughter of the suitors and the torture of the unfaithful servants. What is the difference between Odysseus’ violence and the violence done to him?
• The Odyssey’s Portrayal of Fatherhood and Father-Son Relationships. Look at the relationships between Telemachus and Odysseus, Polyphemus and Poseidon, Odysseus and Laertes, Orestes and Agamemnon. What are the responsibilities of the father in each of these cases? What are the sons’ responsibilities? How are father-son relationships characterized in the epic?
• What Stands in the Way of Odysseus’ Return Home? Examine all of the trials that Odysseus had to go through. Why is it that the sea is never on his side? What obstacles keep extending his journey? Mention Poseidon and Polyphemus, Circe, Aeolus, and Helios, and their impact on Odysseus.
• How Does Hospitality in the Odyssey Differentiate Monster From Man? Explain the importance of xenia in Ancient Greece. Provide good examples of hospitality from the epic, such as those of Telemachus and Penelope, kings Mentes and Nestor, and Circe. Contrast them against the bad instances, such as the Cyclops and the suitors. What does hospitality tell us about a person’s character?
• Homer’s Representation of Justice in the Odyssey. What lesson is Homer trying to teach his audience about justice and gods? Analyze Odysseus’ struggle against the suitors and the omens around it. Explore the incident with Poseidon and the Phaecians and the role of divine prophecy. How are we to understand what is just in The Odyssey’s world?
• The Odyssey: A Subversion of the Hero’s Journey. How are the events of The Odyssey different from a typical epic poem? How are they similar? Analyze Odysseus’ character and the changes he goes through. Examine the idea of returning home rather than leaving to set out on an adventure. Thanks for reading! If you haven’t found what to write about, use our topic generator and get more original ideas. For more information about The Odyssey, check the links below.
• Examples of Hospitality in The Odyssey by Homer While the tale has various mythical and magical motifs in the form of Gods, Goddesses, nymphs, witches, and magic; one of the most interesting and a rather unusual aspect of the story was the astounding […]
• Deception Role in “The Odyssey” by Homer He also pretended to be a beggar to test the loyalty of others and to devise his plan of overthrowing the other suitors.
• Father-Son Relationship in The Odyssey by Homer In Odyssey therefore, it is expected that the relationship of Odysseus and Telemachus is as admiring as it is; the father is proud of his son, who is courageous and the son is proud of […]
• The Ghosts in Homer’s The Odyssey I find the ghost one of my favorite because of the hope and information he gives Odysseus.”The ghost reveals to Odysseus that Poseidon was busy punishing and killing the Achaeans “. From the encounter with […]
• Homer’s “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey”: Main Themes The Iliad and the Odyssey are anti-war poems, even though the actions in the stories are mainly conflict-oriented. They are anti-conflict because the aftermath of the fights is tragic, and every individual always engaged in […]
• Disguise in “The Odyssey”: Character Development & Athena’s Impact Athena also had to pour a sea fog around Odysseus to protect him, and then she assumed the shape of a little girl and showed him the way to the palace.
• Roles of Women in “The Odyssey” by Homer Of course, she is not a mortal woman as she is a nymph and is beyond the laws of human society. Of course, the woman is meant to be devoted to her husband and her […]
• “The Odyssey” by Homer Throughout the story, there is a constant struggle of the growing Telemachus to imitate the actions of his father and then eventually become like him that he comes to an end of his journey.
• The Symbol of Weaving in the Poem “The Odyssey” The Penelope image is associated with the goddess of the house, the keeper of the hearth, and all households. During his wanderings, the goddess is the patroness of Odysseus.
• Women in Literature: Oedipus the King and The Odyssey Two major works of literature, ‘Oedipus the king’ and ‘The Odyssey’, provide some of the best examples of how the role of female characters is portrayed in different ways and how these women influence the […]
• Divine Comedy and The Odyssey as Epics It is a poem about the supernatural more than about a hero, which is the first difference between the current poem and ‘The Odyssey’.’Divine Comedy’ has 14, 233 lines, the number that is almost equal […]
• Role of Fate and Divine Intervention in Oedipus and The Odyssey This is because while the gods are obviously responsible for choosing the path that one’s life is to take, it still takes the free will of the involved person to follow that path.
• Odysseus as Husband Being a good father and an excellent husband, Odysseus did everything he could to return home, however, there were a number of barriers, however, having returned home Odysseus killed all people who wanted evil to […]
• The Power of “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey” Nowadays The significance of Iliad and Odyssey in the modern world can be explained by the fact that they are the first ancient epics, which have survived to this day.
• Gender Role Expectations in “The Odyssey” by Homer The reason is that many behaviors of these female characters are masculine in their nature, and they need to be further discussed with reference to examples.
• Women in The Odyssey and The Epic of Gilgamesh In particular, the women’s power in the story was shown in their ability to influence significantly men, who were depicted as the wisest and most powerful beings.
• The Role of Hospitality in the Homeric World-Odyssey None the less the Homeric world gives a glimpse of the noble men and women who live within that society, they appreciate and acknowledge the little favors and hospitality extended to them and in some […]
• Importance of the Book “The Odyssey” by Homer It is a book with a story that has lasted for ages due to its major themes such as the relation between father and son, the role of women, the significance of hospitality and the […]
• Greek/Roman Humanities: Epic of Gilgamesh and The Odyssey The earliest works of fiction included the work of fiction the Epic of Gilgamesh that dates from the beginnings of civilization in Mesopotamia and Homer’s Odyssey, greatest ancient works of literature attributed to Homer.
• The Journey to the Land of the Dead: Homer’s “The Odyssey” Homer is regarded as a legendary Greek due to his great works of literature such as “The journey to the Land of the Dead”.
• The Meaning and Impact of the Closing Book of The Odyssey Critics such as William Merritt Sale argue that Homer’s purpose in creating the mythic poem of The Odyssey was to represent the inherent struggle of the human condition when faced with the choice between the […]
• Telemachus Journey From Boyhood to Hero: Homer’s The Odyssey As described by Arnold van Gennep in “The rites of Passage,” the concept of the rites of passage is a ritual event used to signify the process of transition of a person from one social […]
• “The Odyssey”: The Relationship Between the Monstrous and the Human When looking at the relationship between the monstrous and the human in Odyssey, it can be seen that monsters represent, in many instances, the darker side of humanity.
• The Expression of Sarcasm in The Odyssey The suitors laughed and teased Telemachos of his struggles to defend the beggar. Odysseus simply examines the bow and one of the suitors mocks him saying he is a connoisseur.
• Human Potential in Rig Veda, Genesis and Homer’s The Odyssey Human beings need to meditate from time to time to find out specific modes of behaviour they need to observe. The value of hard work is used to explain how human beings need to be […]
• “Bhagavad-Gita”, “The Odyssey” and “The Epic of Gilgamesh”: Contrast and Comparison The sole aim of all the religions is to make the people realize the value of life and to make the most of the same but doing holy acts and by not indulging in undesirable […]
• The Plays “The Iliad,” “The Odyssey,” and “Agamemnon”: Understanding of Leadership Finally, the story of Agamemnon told in The Iliad and Agamemnon taught us that a capable leader must remain humble and self-aware.
• Sophocles II and The Odyssey: Book Analysis Penelope’s hand is one of the allusions in The Odyssey that offers the reader a comprehensive picture of who Odysseus was and how powerful he was.
• Culture of Ancient Greece in The Odyssey by Homer The Odyssey is one of the oldest and most well-known epics in the world. This can be attributed to Homer’s ability to describe the culture and life of the people of the ancient era with […]
• The Poems “The Song of Roland,” “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” and “The Odyssey” The emphasis on bravery and dignity in Roland represents a stark contrast to the characters of Odysseus and Gilgamesh. Therefore, Roland as a character is vital in the evolution of heroic characters in epic narratives.
• “The Odyssey” by Homer as a Vehicle for Creative Works One of the characters that can be interesting to examine in a more broad way is Telemachus. It works well to tie in a sense of loss and longing for a father with Telemachus, allowing […]
• Community Conflict in The Odyssey The Iliad heroes, Diomedes and Glaucus, provide a glimpse into the constructs of community and conflict. Such a story is that of Glaucus and Diomedes who recognized their ancestors as heroes, resulting in mutual respect […]
• Characters in The Odyssey: Athena, Poseidon, and Polyphemus In the epic poem The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus encounters Athena, Poseidon and Polyphemus are surrounded by unique myths and occupy a distinct place in Odysseus’ journey.
• Deception in King Lear, The Odyssey and Gilgamesh The forms of deception in the book seem to come effortlessly to Odysseus, and the stories he tells throughout the book serve to protect him and his family.
• The Oldest Epics of Ramayana and The Odyssey Thus, the main similarity is the narrative about the difficulties of the protagonists, and the difference is the presence of magical characteristics.
• Heroism and the Spirit of Adventure: The Odyssey and Gilgamesh Interpretation In fact, the ancient epic is famous nowadays mainly due to the fact that some of the works are considered as the first official mentioning of a hero.
• The Role of Women in Great Epic Works: “The Odyssey” and “Gilgamesh” To summarize the influence of both women on Gilgamesh, it is possible to cite Kelley to describe Gilgamesh’s advice to him during one of the toughest period of the epic: When the gods created man, […]
• Plot Analysis of Homer’s The Odyssey Through the meeting of Telemachus with Menelaus, the author emphasizes the significance of hospitality as a primary value and develops such features and discretion, leadership, and heroism of the son of Odysseus.
• The Relevance of the Book “The Odyssey” The book’s central motif is the adventurous journey, the complete transformation of the king of Ithaca from the Trojan battle.
• Manhood in Homer’s Poem The Odyssey From the point of view of the author of the poem, the heroism of Odysseus lies in the fact that he remains faithful to his homeland, the island of Ithaca, nothing scares him in achieving […]
• “The Odyssey” by Homer and Its Legacy: A Romantic Vision of the State Odysseus is known all over the world as one of the most outstanding models of leadership anthemed in the literature of the ancient world.
• Themes in Books VIII-XI of Homer’s “The Odyssey” For instance, Retief and Cilliers argue that Book XI of The Odyssey largely shaped the perception of Hades, or the Greek land of the dead, as well as of the Ancient views on death and […]
• The 11 Book of Homer’s “The Odyssey” The 11th book of the Odyssey tells about the trip of Odysseus to the Underworld. He expresses pity that Odysseus is also in the land of the dead and tells about his journey in Hades […]
• An Exemplary Hero: Homer’s “The Odyssey” The masterpiece describes the life of Odysseus and his journey especially after the infamous fall of Troy. One outstanding fact about Odysseus is that he is the main hero of the epic.
• Varying Moral Worlds in The Odyssey and Aeneid Some of the issues that differ between the two societies, as highlighted in the two poems, include marital love, representation of the underworld, the idea of fate, and pride/hubris. It is believed that the intention […]
• Comparative Literature: “The Odyssey” and “The Aeneid” The Odyssey and The Aeneid are some of the major epics created by the western civilizations. On balance, it is possible to state that the two epics share a lot of features as Virgil’s work […]
• “The Odyssey” by Homer Discussion With this knowledge, it is necessary to examine the role played by the other characters in the poem. On the other hand, Penelope knows that she is expected to remain faithful to her husband.
• ‘Homer’s The Odyssey’ by Bernhard Frank Literature Analysis Bernhard makes use of clear words and concrete examples as well as numerous quotes to articulate his belief that the cause and sequence of the events in this book were created on purpose by Homer […]
• Monstrous and Human Relationship in “The Odyssey” In each stage of the adventure readers are introduced to an ever increasing similarity between what is monstrous and what is man to the point that the line between the two blurs resulting in actions […]
• The Comparison of Gilgamesh and Odysseus This paper is aimed at discussing the journeys undertaken by the main characters; in particular one should focus on their motives of the protagonists and the way in which both Gilgamesh and Odysseus were transformed […]
• Greek Culture in Homer’s “The Odyssey” Therefore, a critical analysis of the story enlightens the contemporary society on the aspect of hospitality in relation to the people of Greece.
• Analysis of Job’s and Odysseus The strong character traits of the main characters Odyssey and Job in the epic The Odyssey and The Story of Job help develop their plots from the beginning to the rise of conflict and their […]
• Gods and Humans in “The Odyssey” by Homer For instance, the journey of Odysseus back to Ithaca feature him as an important figure to Calypso therefore helping in building up the story as his return remains the center of all agony that begets […]
• The Concept of Moral Principles in Literature Works He formulated the trick of the great wooden horse to give victory to the Greeks. The prince was also supposed to strike a balance of generosity to the citizens.
• How Did Telemachus Grow and Develop Throughout the Odyssey?
• Xenia in the Odyssey and What It Tells Us About the Hospitality Customs in Ancient Greece
• A Comparison of Monsters and People in the Odyssey
• A Comparison of the Themes of Kleos and Nostos in the Odyssey
• Athena and Poseidon – What Was the Gods’ Influence on Odysseus’ Journey?
• An Analysis of the Greek Expectations of Heroism Through Odysseus
• Homer’s Commentary on Hubris Through His Criticism of Kleos in the Odyssey
• Was Odysseus’ Revenge on the Suitors Justified?
• Examining the Role of the Servants in the Odyssey
• How Did Odysseus Succeed and Fail as a Husband to Penelope?
• ‘Man of Twists and Turns’ – An Analysis of Odysseus as a Morally Gray Character
• A Study of the Antagonists in the Odyssey: What Differentiates Friend From Foe
• What Is the Role of Ghosts in Odysseus’ Journey?
• Penelope’s Character in the Odyssey – How Odysseus’ Wife Is Different From Other Women in the Epic
• An Examination of the Family Relationships in the Odyssey
• Why Are Homeric Similes in the Odyssey Effective?
• The Importance of Loyalty Throughout Homer’s Odyssey
• The Role of Metaphors in the Odyssey and How Homer Used Them
• The Uses of Irony Throughout the Odyssey’s Books
• The Impact of Perseverance on Odysseus’ Journey
• Why Was the Odyssey Written Out of Chronological Order?
• Dactylic Hexameter as One of the Most Significant Literary Devices in the Odyssey
• An Analysis of the Last Book of the Odyssey: How It Differs From the Rest of the Epic
• The Role of Allusions to the Iliad in the Odyssey
• How and Why Is Sarcasm Expressed Throughout the Odyssey?
• An Examination of the Narrator in the Odyssey and Its Relation to the Oral Tradition
• Symbols in the Odyssey – An Analysis of the Most Common Motifs Appearing in the Epic
• The Language of Homeric Epic Poems: Its Iterations in the Odyssey
• How Different Translations of the Odyssey Change Our Perspective on the Subject Matter of the Epic?
• The Study of Greco-Roman Cultures Through the Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh
• A Comparative Literary Analysis of the Odyssey and the Aeneid
• The Contrasting Themes of the Iliad and the Odyssey
• The Portrayal of Women in Epic Poems Through a Study of the Odyssey and Oedipus Rex
• In What Ways Did James Joyce’s Ulysses Draw Inspiration From the Odyssey?
• An Analysis of Humans Through the Lens of the Odyssey and Rig Veda
• Contrasting Depictions of Heroism Between Beowulf and Odysseus
• A Comparison of Homer’s Odyssey and Dante’s Divine Comedy as Epic Poems
• What Can We Learn About the Ancient Greek Gods Through the Odyssey and Theogony?
• Ideas of Morality in Homer’s Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid
• A Literary Analysis of the Homeric Hymns and the Odyssey: Do They Really Have a Different Author?
• How does Odysseus escape Charybdis the second time?
• How does Odysseus use his cunning to escape from the Cyclops cave?
• What was Odysseus revenge on the suitors? Was it justified?
• Which part of Odysseus’s epic journey is fighting the suitors?
• What does the sun symbolize for Odysseus and his men?
• What are the parallels between loyalty to Odysseus and loyalty to the Gods in the Odyssey?
• Which excerpt from The Odyssey best shows that the ancient Greeks greatly valued the idea of home?
• What makes Cyclops ask Poseidon to interfere with Odysseus’s journey home?
• Why does the Cyclops invite Odysseus back to the island?
• What were the Ancient Greek gender roles, and how are they expressed in Homer’s epic?
• How does Antinous suggest Telemachus get rid of the suitors?
• What does Odysseus do on the island of Cicones that best shows the trait of leadership?
• How does Odysseus convince Penelope he is Odysseus?
• How does Homer use suspense to make the story of The Odyssey more interesting?
• Which Greek values are found in The Odyssey?
• In the Odyssey – Amphimedon, what motivates Odysseus to dress as a beggar?
• What prevents Odysseus from killing the sleeping Cyclops?
• How did Odysseus display the characteristics of a hero in The Odyssey?
• What motivated Odysseus to reveal his name and put his men in more danger?
• Which part of the Odyssey is about learning patience and humility?
• What are some of the apparent values in the Iliad and the Odyssey?
• Which excerpt from the Odyssey best demonstrates the importance of perseverance in Greek society?
• Why Odysseus is an example of a dynamic character?
• Why is the theme of disguise so prevalent throughout Homer’s Odyssey?
• Which excerpt from part 2 of the Odyssey best supports the conclusion that Odysseus is clever?
• What does Mentor do for Odysseus in the Odyssey?
• Which excerpt from the Odyssey demonstrates the importance of hospitality in Greek society?
• Which events are part of the road of trials in Odysseus’s heroic quest?
• Are women the source of many difficulties for Odysseus in The Odyssey?
• What excerpt from part 2 of the Odyssey best establishes Odysseus’s weakness?
• Why The Odyssey is an epic poem?
• How fate and free will play a part in The Odyssey?
• Why does Odysseus leave home?
• Who is Irus?
• How did Odysseus get the scar on his leg?
• How does Odysseus escape from Polyphemus?
• How does Athena help Odysseus?
• What are some examples of Odysseus leadership?
• Who is Calypso?
• Why does Poseidon hate Odysseus?
• Why did Odysseus seek Teiresias?
• What does Athena fear?
• How Odysseus was cunning with the Sirens?
• What’s the role of Phemius in the Odyssey?
• How is Odysseus an epic hero?
• Why does Odysseus go to the Underworld?
• Who is Melantho?
• What is the main message in The Odyssey?
• How does Eurycleia recognize Odysseus?
• What are Odysseus’s strengths and weaknesses?
• How long did it take Odysseus to get home?
• What can be inferred about the Cyclops?
• What is the land of death in The Odyssey?
• Why does Zeus tell the story of Aegisthus to Athena?
• How performers memorize an epic poem?
• Why Telemachus murdered the maids and Melanthius?
• What does Tiresias tell Odysseus?
• Did Atreides make it home in The Odyssey?
• What does Theoclymenus believe about Odysseus?
• How long did Odysseus stay with Calypso?
• Short Summary
• Summary & Analysis
• Literary Devices and Symbols
• Questions & Answers
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The Odyssey Literary Analysis

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The Odyssey

The odyssey essay questions.

Argue against the claim that The Odyssey ought to be read as a tragedy because of all the pain inflicted upon its protagonist, Odysseus.

Although Odysseus' name means "Son of Pain" and he is made to suffer greatly before achieving his nostos (homecoming), the fact remains that he ultimately does achieve nostos. When he returns to Ithaca, he finds that his immediate family has remained faithful to him, and is able to reclaim his rightful place as the king of Ithaca. Although the amount of hardship he has had to endure may make such an outcome seem implausible, the implausibility is better explained by the epic nature of the work, rather than by calling it a tragedy.

Works like The Odyssey offer us insight into the customs and beliefs of the ancient cultures that produced them. Describe one such custom that The Odyssey makes clear was important in ancient Greece.

One example of such a custom is that of hospitality: it was thought that guests might always be gods in disguise, and therefore ought to be treated with the utmost respect. To this end, guests were often fed, clothed, and so forth, prior to the host asking after their lineage and purpose in their land.

Is Odysseus a just man? Provide evidence to support your answer.

Although Odysseus has character flaws and may not hold what we consider a modern conception of justice, he does seem to act justly in most regards. He only deceives Polyphemus after Polyphemus has rejected the custom of a guest-gift and eaten several of Odysseus' men; he only disguises himself in Ithaca in order to test his family and the suitors. And, perhaps the most important piece of evidence in favor of his being just, he only punishes those servants and suitors who wronged his household while he was away; he lets the innocent live.

Discuss fidelity in the poem. Was Odysseus faithful to his household?

Although Odysseus has many affairs on his journey home, the implication is always that he had to do so in order to progress towards home; there were many moments when it would have been easier for him to give up or surrender, but he never truly lost sight of home. (The year he spent with Circe might be seen as a counterexample to this; nonetheless, the fact remains that he returned to his quest and did not forsake his homeland). At minimum, it is evident that the text's notion of fidelity is not reducible to something as simple as sexual relations.

Discuss fidelity in the poem. Was Odysseus' household faithful to him?

Many servants of Ithaca betrayed Odysseus and sided with the suitors, but the "principle players" of his homeland -- the Swineherd, Telemachus, Penelope, Argos, and Laertes -- remained faithful to him despite his absence. This fidelity is symbolized best by Argos, who seemingly staved off death until he could see his master home safely. Penelope, too, could easily have remarried, and was under tremendous pressure to do so; yet she employed every possible means of keeping the suitors at bay in order to continue waiting for her true husband to return to her.

The Odyssey Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Odyssey is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

The Odyssey Book 9

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What universal themes does Homer explore in the Odyssey?

Check out these themes below:

What do you learn about the character of Odysseus through the poet's introduction in Book 1?

In Book I, we learn that Odysseus fought in the Trojan War, that he has been on the island of Ogygia for eight years, that Poseidon is planning to make his journey home extremely difficult because Odysseus blinded his son, and that his Odysseus'...

Study Guide for The Odyssey

The Odyssey study guide contains a biography of Homer, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About The Odyssey
• The Odyssey Summary
• The Odyssey (Part One) Video
• Character List

Essays for The Odyssey

The Odyssey essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Odyssey by Homer.

• The Underworld in The Aeneid Versus The Odyssey
• A Musing Contrast
• Homeric Formalism
• The Evolution of Civil Justice
• Modus Operandi - The Ways of Greek Literature

Lesson Plan for The Odyssey

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to The Odyssey
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• The Odyssey Bibliography

E-Text of The Odyssey

The Odyssey e-text contains the full text of The Odyssey by Homer.

• Books 13-16

Wikipedia Entries for The Odyssey

• Introduction

Odysseus - Free Essay Samples And Topic Ideas

Odysseus, the protagonist of Homer’s Odyssey, is a complex character whose cunning, loyalty, and enduring spirit have been extensively explored in literature and arts. Essays might delve into Odysseus’s character traits, his interactions with other characters, and his journey’s symbolic implications. Additionally, discussions could explore the varied interpretations and representations of Odysseus across different cultures and historical periods. A vast selection of complimentary essay illustrations pertaining to Odysseus you can find in Papersowl database. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Is Odysseus a True Hero?

Odysseus was a true hero, he showed this through courage and determination and in many other ways. In book one Odysseus shows a great amount of bravery. Combining with his extreme strength, bravery, and high level of intelligence shows how he has supernatural abilities. His bravery comes in to play extremely in book 1 because he fought very well in the trojan war. His troops left him in the middle of the war and he stayed and fought and ended […]

Odysseus Leadership

In The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus is faced with many daunting obstacles. With each obstacle, Odysseus evolves and reveals strong leadership qualities. The abundance of leadership protects Odysseus and his crew and allows Odysseus to return to Ithaca; therefore, Odysseus represents an ideal leader because he conveys an immense amount of compassion, cunning intelligence, and extensive bravery. To begin, Odysseus shows endless consideration for all of his men which makes him a strong leader. He always looks out for his […]

Greek Values in the Odyssey

Many Greek rhapsodes have been telling the world about the story of The Odyssey, by Homer. This story was written and peaked in a time of believing in many gods and Greek values. These values in one way or another have crept into The Odyssey. Odysseus has set the example of a Hero's Journey during the poem, but not only is he going through the Journey, but teaches Greek values such as Xenia, Nostos,don't defy the gods, and Kleos, through […]

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Examples of Odysseus being a Good Leader

DO's Of Being a Good Leader DO USE INGENUITY WHEN FIGHTING YOUR ENEMIES: Odysseus showed good leadership when he saved the remaining men from his crew from the cyclops. In order to do this, he hid his men in cattle to escape from the cyclops. In the Odyssey, Odysseus states, I tied them [rams] silently together then slung a man under each middle one to ride there safely, shielded left and right. This shows how Odysseus came up with a […]

Odysseus in Book 9

In book 9 of the Odyssey, Odysseus uses trickery to escape the cave of the Cyclops, and once he escapes, reveals himself. He always portrays himself as self-absorbed because of his knowledge, experience, and actions. Odysseus tricked a wine drunk and blind Cyclops, humiliated him by killing his goat, then taunted him from the safety of his ship. I believe Odysseus' actions came from strictly fear and flaunt. He can be viewed as being self involved, so it would only […]

The Role of Women in the Odyssey

In Homer's The Odyssey, there are a number of women presented in the storyline from goddesses, lower-class women, to upper-class women. Throughout his journey, Odysseus interacts with a number of female figures that reveal the nature of women in Ancient Greece. The characters of The Odyssey show the respect of mortal women that women were respected and regarded in their society. The text shows examples of how women were treated as second-class citizens but also foreshadows the changes in gender […]

Is Odysseus a Hero?

A hero, by definition, is a person who is is admired or idealized for having noble qualities. Anyone, no matter shape or size, can be a hero as long as they are selfless, noble, smart, and can think through situations to make the best possible decision. Though many people view Odysseus, main character of the Odyssey, as a hero, he is anything but. Odysseus is not a hero due to his two traits of arrogance and selfishness. During the entire […]

Is Odysseus a Good Leader

“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others,” said Douglas MacArthur. In The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus shows these traits and many more during his journey home to Ithaca after fighting in the Trojan War. Odysseus must brave monsters, Cyclopes, giants and more, but he is devoted to returning home to his wife and son. Though only Odysseus makes it home in the […]

The Penelopiad and the Odyssey

Have you ever heard of the saying, There are two sides to every story? All throughout reading The Penelopiad, I had to keep this saying in mind, in recognizition of Homer's, The Odyssey. Homer and his wonderful storytelling skill absolutely glorified Odysseus' heroism, yet I found that there wasn't enough proper insight into the victims of his venegence. What Margaret Atwood set out to do through her The Penelopiad was to offer an alternate perspective of the events in Ithaca […]

Events Experienced by Odysseus

The Odyssey is a well-known poem written by a Greek writer Homer and is considered as one of the most ancient masterpieces of literature. The story of the poem takes place when Odysseus, the brave and strategic warrior fought in the Trojan War in Troy for ten years in Ancient Greece. While away, Odysseus faced many challenges at sea. He went through a lot including being held captive for many years by the gods, especially by Calypso, a charming goddess […]

Odysseus: the Complex Hero of Homer’s Odyssey

As I read Homer's Odyssey the main character, Odysseus is the person that only tries to please himself. Even though Odysseus obtains the trust of his men, he fails his risk of the journey home. Multiple times in the epic Odysseus handles others, perpetrate in immoral acts and brimful of hubris. He was the kind of person tries to take accelerated way because of that men were murdered and his boats demolished. Odysseus was the man that would only satisfy […]

The Odyssey Books Summary

Book 1 10 years after the Trojan War, Odysseus still has not returned home. By this time, his son Telemachus has grown up and his wife, Penelope has gained many suitors that want his family’s wealth. The suitors dishonor Odysseus and his family by eating all of the family’s livestock. Odysseus has been missing for a long time, so people try to take advantage of his absence by winning over Penelope. They think Odysseus is probably dead. Athena likes Odysseus […]

About Odysseus’ Qualities

The Odyssey reveals six dominant traits of Odysseus that either exemplify his heroism or cause him many problems. Through his long, adventurous and ultimately successful quest back home, Odysseus’ traits of determination, righteousness, and cleverness exemplify his heroism. First, his determination: He always did whatever it took to get back home and no matter how difficult the circumstances. He showed amazing strength and never gave up. While this was demonstrated in several ways, one of the strongest instances was on […]

Comparison of Modern Hero Thor and Odysseus

History tells us how one becomes a hero and how unique their journey is. This essay emphasis on comparing the journeys of two well-known heroes, a modern hero Thor and Odysseus a great hero from Greek Mythology. Odysseus is also named “a man of many turns” and Thor is known for "god of thunder” both are endured for a long, tough journey to find wisdom. Thor is a hammer using god who associates with lightning, thunder, and storm with a […]

The Story of Odysseus Moral Lessons

"The story of Odysseus is a long, perilous, and meaningful tale depicting journeys only the most courageous would partake in. I guess that's the point right? Odysseus is a marvelous Greek hero. Odysseus has many traits that are sought after and praised in Greek culture. The reason he is wanted so, is because he doesn't just use his strengths for himself, but instead he helps better the lives of those around him. During, ""The Odyssey"", through dangerous trials and harrowing […]

Odysseus’ Journey in Homer’s the Odyssey

As said by Arthur Ashe, “Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome”. People tend to think the goal is everything, but the goal or the destination could not exist without the journey there. Journeys teach things that cannot be learned after reaching a destination. It is what occurs during traveling that is important for the outcome. Odysseus’ journey shaped him into the man he was when arriving back home, he could […]

Loyalty in the Odyssey

In the novel The Odyssey by Homer, characters in the book are found to have an abundance of loyalty. For a few examples penelope to odysseus, telemachus odysseus and a few more. Homer develops this message by putting the characters through situations where loyalty will be important. There are also examples of disloyalty in the book and there are certain consequences also. Penelope shows many signs of loyalty towards Odysseus. For many years Odysseus is away from home and during […]

Odysseus is an Epic Hero and Example of being a Leader

An epic hero is an example of being a leader, sacrificing yourself for someone else, and having courage. In The Odyssey, Odysseus achieved all of his demands to be a hero throughout his journey. Odysseus is an example of an epic hero due to being a leader and being brave. Odysseus journey adds to the meaning of the work as a whole because it demonstrates that Odysseus is a hero. Odysseus being a hero proves the significance of his culture. […]

Odysseus as an Epic Hero

The Odyssey is a heroic story about Odysseus and his crew trying to get home from Troy to Ithaca but end up taking longer than expected as they face many obstacles in their way. In The Odyssey, Odysseus shows many traits that show that he is an epic hero. During the time Odysseus lived, the traits of being a hero included being a great warrior, having hubris, and having great intelligence. Odysseus shows all of these traits throughout the story. […]

Why Odysseus is a Good Hero

There is no question that heroes are flawed humans and this includes Odysseus. In the poem The Odyssey, written by Homer, Odysseus and his crew are trying to return to Ithaca but face many obstacles such as, tricking the cyclops, lotus eaters, land of the dead, the sirens and more. that reveal Odysseus’ true character. For example, his determination and cleverness is obvious but, he also reveals a major flaw. Odysseus has excessive amounts of pride that lead him into […]

Strengths and Weaknesses of Odysseus in Homer’s Poem

What qualifies men to be heroes? If a man who uses his wits to trick, not only women, but other men into doing exactly what he wants, is this man not a player? Heroes are presumed to overcome a great evil for the better of everyone and not just himself/herself. Odysseus from Homer’s The Odyssey believes that he is almost untouchable and unbeatable. Odysseus is a selfish man who failed his men, cheated on his wife and still managed to […]

Examining the Roles of Women in Homer’s the Odyssey

Throughout Homer's epic tale of fantastical beasts and heroic ideals, Odysseus encounters several women and goddesses on his arduous journey fraught with peril at every step. The Odyssey is a collection of 24 stories that tell of Odysseus' journey back to his homeland, Ithaca, after the conclusion of the fabled Trojan War. Although goddesses such as Athena and Calypso hold absolute strength and divine power over mortal women, even they are powerless in some aspects. In The Odyssey, women play […]

The Hero’s Journey of Odysseus

He is renowned as a legendary hero for his involvement in the Trojan War and his rigorous journey back home. An epic leader who is known to be courageous, cunning, and strong. A true warrior who surpassed countless adversities and challenges along his journey. His name is Odysseus, and not only did he exhibit meritorious qualities, but he also had his imperfect flaws. At the end of his journey, Odysseus transforms into a mature and humble hero as he had […]

“You’re a Hard Man, Odysseus”

"You're a hard man, Odysseus. Your fighting spirit's stronger than ours, your stamina never fails. You must be made of iron head to foot." -Eurylochus (The Odyssey). Odysseus and Tony Stark, (or Ironman), exemplify many of the same qualities and values throughout their own stories. They share similar strengths and traits, challenges and obstacles, and personal values. Though there are many parallels between heroes, Odysseus and Tony Stark seem to have the most relevant similarities and interrelation. Both heroes are […]

Odysseus Blames on Everyone in “The Odyssey”

Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus has the tendency to blame other gods for various types of acts, some of which Odysseus should not be the one blaming. An example of this is when Odssesus is telling his life story and he states "Calypso the lustrous goddess tried to hold me back, deep in her arching caverns, craving me for a husband. So did Circe, holding me just as warmly in her halls, the bewitching queen of Aeaea keen to have me […]

"The term hero is quite subjective. While one person may be seen as a hero to many, to others he may very well be the villain. Albeit Odysseus is considered to be a great hero in Greek mythology, is he still a hero by today’s standards? A basic definition of a hero would be a person who acts selflessly and at personal risk, and expects nothing in return. In myths and stories especially, heroes overcome great adversities and are able […]

Pan’s Labyrinth Greek Mythology

Pan's Labyrinth is a 2006 surreal fairytale film in which an 11-year-old girl named Ofelia deals with the reality of her bleak life on a military compound in 1944's fascist Spain with her sickly pregnant mother and her violent stepfather by seamlessly blending fantastical elements with reality. Ofelia in Pan's Labyrinth undergoes labors to reach an ultimate "happy" ending and the film draws from Greek myth, blending ancient narratives with modern culture and politics. Pan's Labyrinth, following the typical hero's […]

Is Odysseus Really a Hero?

A hero, by definition, is a person who is admired or idealized for having noble qualities. Anyone, no matter shape or size, can be a hero as long as they are selfless, noble, and smart. They must have a moral compass and be able to make the best of a situation. Heroes are not only limited to fictional works; they are all around us. They appear in real life, in comics, in books, and more. Though many people view Odysseus, […]

Odysseus as a Heroic Individual

Every culture around the world had their heroes, and he is the embodiment of the most admired values and ideals of the people, is someone who has courage and has risked or sacrificed his life for others. A hero was a leader who had not only physical strength, but mental strength as well. He was usually someone that got themselves into danger, and in cases where the average man would suffer, the hero would have enough stamina to survive. Odysseus, […]

Achilles and Odysseus

"Even the other characters realize it and point it out. For example Menelaos says ""no one of the Achaians labored as much as Odysseus labored and achieved"" (4.106). His men definitely may feel overworked but he always does what he says he’s going to do and beyond. So they can’t complain because he’s doing what they’re doing and more. His strength is unmatched which causes amazement by everyone. Due to Achilles being born a Demigod, he acquired many skills. He […]

Additional Example Essays

• Loyalty in the Odyssey Essay
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