Odysseus and
Hades
This is a very interesting page that directly relates to our analysis o
the issue of immortality in the Odyssey. The description of Odysseus’
encounters in the Underworld strengthens our arguments especially with the
description of the meeting with Achilles. In addition, Crystal Spivey
in the section “Family and Friends” offers some very interesting comments
in her final paragraph especially, where she analyzes the words of Agamemnon
on women; something that is closely associated with our topic on women in
the Greek society. An excellent work overall.
Layers of Meaning in the Odyssey
The section on “Spiritual Growth” by Brian Lower is a very analytical and
interestingly described issue of Odysseus’ growth of spirit throughout the
Odyssey. After reading our section on the ideal hero, you should read
this work for two main reasons. First, it offers an alternative view
of the way Homer presents his hero; and secondly, it gives more insight to
the spiritual aspect of the ideal hero in the ancient Greek world. Moreover,
the other three sections on Loyalty, Perseverance, and Hospitality should
also be read, because they offer a very well argued viewpoint on the underlying
issues in the Odyssey. It is a page of very insightful and well implemented
arguments and thoughts.
The Psychology of Penelope
This page relates closely to our analysis of Penelope. The section
“Penelope’s Personality Traits” by Joseph Heuring examines many of Penelope’s
characteristics, and even discusses the comparison with Clytemnestra.
Penelope’s traits are further discussed in the section “Penelope’s cleverness”
by Scott Bastin. He analyzes closely Penelope’s ability to outwit others
in the Odyssey.
Marriage in Ancient Greek Literature
This page further discusses the marriage of Odysseus and Penelope and goes
into a lot of detail. It elaborates on the unusual bond felt by these
two characters in the Odyssey and provides certain information for the interpretation
of their relationship. Also, the rest of the section offer insight on
the view on the marriage issue from other literary works that we have studied.
Violence and a Happy
Ending
Although there was plenty of violence in the Odyssey, just as in the Illiad,
the happy ending at the end of the Odyssey comes also with the reunion of
the whole family from winning the war. This strengthens our theory of
transition in Greek society.
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