"The Odyssey"

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes Homer's narrative strategies that he used in "The Odyssey." It aims to show why he is considered to be one of the first great story-tellers. The paper specifically focuses on Homer's use of detailed description and question-posing, to tell an immensely complex story in such a way that it can be absorbed and processed without confusion.

From the Paper:

"Another narrative strategy that Homer employs to keep the many strands of his complex story together is to have gods or goddesses give explanations to one of the characters - and in so doing, give explanations to the reader/listener. For example, when Odysseus wants to go to the place of Alcinous, King of the Phaecians, Athene leads him to the palace, and then provides Odysseus with an account of the history and genealogy of the family, as well as advice on how to achieve his ends by appealing directly to Arete. In this way, the reader/listener is provided with the necessary back story, as well as a wealth of extra details and mythology."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Homer. The Odyssey. London: Penguin Classics, 1991.
• Martin, Richard P. Myths of the Ancient Greeks. New York: New American Library, 2003.

More papers on "The Odyssey":

• Poem Review # 127032 : "Homer's "The Odyssey"
• Comparison Essay # 6789 : "The Odyssey" and "The Mill on the Floss"
• Analytical Essay # 55690 : "The Odyssey"
• Analytical Essay # 47275 : "Women in Homer's "The Odyssey"

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