The "Odyssey" and Greek Society

Paper Summary:

The paper shows how Odysseus, the main protagonist in Homer's "Odyssey", symbolizes the true Greek hero and elite citizen. The paper specifically demonstrates how the many and varied behavioral codes portrayed in the "Odyssey" primarily reflect the values established in Greek society during and after the "Dark Age" and before the rise of political systems based on Greek citizenship.

From the Paper:

"By the later part of the Greek "Dark Age," circa 800 BCE, ideas and traditions linked to the social/cultural arena of ancient Greece concerning the organization of their communities and the proper behavior expected from all Greek men and women, i.e., their shared codes of value, represented the basic components of Greece's emerging new political forms and institutions. These shared codes of social and cultural value at the end of the "Dark Age" serve as the foundation for Homer's epic poem the Odyssey which was first written down via the oral tradition around the middle of the 8th century B.C.E. This type of epic poetry so closely associated with Homer grew out of centuries of oral performance by countless Greek poets singing of the deeds, exploits and personal values of heroes like Odysseus, the main protagonist in Homer's book-length poem."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Connolly, Peter. The Ancient Greece of Odysseus. UK: Oxford University Press, 2003.

More papers on The "Odyssey" and Greek Society:

• Analytical Essay # 62558 : "Dining Etiquette in "The Odyssey"
• Analytical Essay # 52273 : "Homer's "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey"
• Analytical Essay # 86631 : "Homer's "The Odyssey" "

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