Coming Home Odyssey

Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey” develops the theme of home by revealing that home is a feeling that is above all others. Homer does this through the character Odysseus and the use of symbolism.

The Odyssey by Homer is a great text that manipulates the skill of storytelling bringing out the meaning of being human, the spiritual and physical homecoming. It is an archetypal epic expedition essential for understanding ourselves and other modern texts following the same pattern. The text brings out the ancient Greek beliefs and customs that are essential in studying Western Literature through the evaluation of different characters, and the themes manifested are essential in establishing a good foundation for any literature student. The themes therein such as leadership skills, folly, retaliation, mythology, death, ogres, temptation seduction, deceit, and warfare make the text an essential student companion in the quest of comprehending literature.

In the beginning of The Odyssey, Telemachus is not yet a man and not sure of himself yet. Embarking on a mission to find his father, he matures from a child to a strong, single-minded adult. Throughout the poem, Telemachus finds his place in the world and becomes a more well-rounded person. Although Telemachus never quite matches his father Odysseus in terms of wit, strength, agility, his resilience does develop throughout the text. In the epic, The Odyssey, by Homer, the young boy Telemachus changes from an insecure teen into a confident and poised young man as he travels the seas in search for his father, whose bravery and intelligence proves to be comparable to his own.

The Odyssey by Homer is a literary classic that presents many themes about the natures of both man and god. Although the characters of the book display characteristics relatable to those of the people today, one of the most prevalent differences between the two eras and their people is the intense violence that takes place throughout the entirety of the epic. This violence serves several functions in the work as a whole. The violence that is enacted upon the characters of The Odyssey serve as a device to convey the Greek cultural value of reverence of the gods and as a method for the author to create nuances to his characters.

1. Magnus Andreas Brattesto was born April 14 1890 in Norway. Magus was the first-born son in his family of dozen children. He works on a fishing boat when he left school at ten. Magnus took a ship to America by the fist Norwegian immigrant ship called Restauration and nicknamed the Norwegian Mayflower. He like many immigrants turned to service in the army was in order to become a full citizen, when servicing somewhere no longer discriminated because they shredded blood for their country.

Since it was originally written in the 8th century, The Odyssey by Homer has served as inspiration to many writers and artists, who tell the story of the lost king of Ithaca, Odysseus. In Book 21 of The Odyssey “The Contest with Odysseus’ Bow”, Penelope, Odysseus’ Wife, decides that her beloved Odysseus will not return and therefore sets up a contest for the suitors to decide who her future husband will be. One portrayal of this contest is in O’Grady’s poem “The Test of the Bow” where the poet describes the act of Odysseus stringing and shooting the bow. Although Book 21 of The Odyssey by Homer and O’Grady’s poem “The Test of the Bow” express similarities in characterization, they differ in diction and tone.

During the course of history, the world has seen many fine works of literature like Homer’s epic, Odyssey. This book is a standard against which to compare all literary novels. The symbolism permeates the pages drawing the reader into the intriguing plot that includes twists within the central theme. Also, the author intelligently uses imagery and diction painting dramatic images in the reader's mind - building upon major the themes.

The epic “The Odyssey” written by the poet, Homer, and the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” have similarities and differences. One of its differences is the time and place in which to stories are told. Even though the challenges they face are, for the most part, the same, they are all shown in different ways. One of their similarities is the purpose of the journey they are each taking.

The Odyssey by Homer has been around for almost three-thousand years. Many critics and analysists have given their opinions on his pieces. Throughout the reading of Howard W. Clarkes' article in Classical and Medieval Literature Criticism, it was thought to be a comparison between a father and sons journeys. While many believe Telemachos' journey was to find out in sequence details that have taken part in his fathers' 20 year odyssey throughout Greece and partially throughout the underworld, some indeed believe that it was only Telemachos' journey to find his heroic self to carry on the traits of his warrior father (Clarke 281).

He couldn't have know his father, a true man, would be gone so long, yet he begins to find his way in the “Telemachia” of the Odyssey by Homer. The disrespectful behavior and boorish characteristics of the suitors provide a critical contrast to the ideal Greek values of “xenia”, good public speaking , and respect for the elders and superiors that Telemachus develops throughout the epic as he travels to Pylos and Sparta. Telemachus learns to encompass the true Greek values of man through meeting with highly respected kings like King Nestor and King Menelaus, and learning from the inadequate behavior of the suitors.

The son of the Odysseus, though he has never seen his father, valiantly defends and believes that he is not dead. He also tries to step into his father’s shoes. He is inexperienced, nonetheless. Yet, this is soon resolved though interactions with Athena and his journey to Pylos and Sparta. Telemachos does not have just hope that his father is alive, but sound faith. We as Christians in the same manner, have faith that our Heavenly Father will come someday to take us home to eternal felicity, our eternal family. In addition, In the Odyssey, we see how the family regards growing up. As head man of his father’s estate Telemachos regards his mother with courtesy and respect. He does, however, rebuke her at times. When she comes down from her bedchamber moved by a barb’s song to tears, Telemachos reprimands her, saying if she did not wish to hear the song, she should go to her own quarters. Thus, Telemachos assets growing into adulthood by the way he interacts with his mother, taking control of the relationship.

Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey follows Odysseus on his long journey home. The Epic also includes the stories of Odysseus’ family left behind: the travels of his son, Telemachus, and how plenty, of what we would now call “home wreckers”, suitors pressured his wife, Penelope, into marrying one of them. The characters are beautifully crafted and the story is truly epic. All the elements presented can bring in any reader from any century, the Cyclops, the Gods, the trickery of Penelope, and the disguises of Odysseus, are all legendary literary hooks . There are many things to learn—about writing, about the world around us, the world ahead of us, and the past behind us—from The Odyssey. (26) It is undeniably evident that this ancient text has

' (Homer, 87) My heart aches for my bride and son. My son whom I never talked to is now a man." As he spoke, the sun set and the moon rose. I knew this was one of our last nights together. I will surely cherish these final moments. We both grew tired. Our eyes became heavy. My Odysseus and I retired to my chamber. We rested softly, side by side. Goodnight, my Odysseus; sweet dreams.

Themes such as revenge, hubris, motifs, and reader-to-text connections are examples of universal qualities included in the poem The Odyssey by Homer, translated by

The ancient Greeks and Romans contributed to western civilization in many different forms of literature and architecture. Both of these cultures produced a variety of literary works which are still studied today. One of the biggest contributions to literature was from the author known as Homer. Homer was known for two of ancient Greece’s most epic poems, The lliad and The Odyssey. Both of these poems have had a profound impact on western literature and continue to influence teachers and authors today. “The lliad and The Odyssey have provided not only seeds but fertilizer for almost all the other arts and sciences in