"The Odyssey"

Poem Review # 116838

Literature > Greek and Roman
Literature > Mythology

"The Odyssey"

An analytical essay on Homer's "The Odyssey."

1,353 words () | 0 sources | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the historical value of "The Odyssey" in Greek society as well as the symbolism behind the actions of the characters in the poem. The paper also gives a brief summary of the plot of the poem and then analyzes the actions of the Goddess, Athena. The paper propounds her involvement in the affairs of mortals as being representative of divine intervention.

From the Paper:

"Athena, the daughter of Zeus, is the Goddess of wisdom, purposeful battle, and the womanly arts in Greek mythology. During The Odyssey, Athena develops a friendship with Odysseus, despite the fact that she is a Goddess and he is a mortal. This causes her to take a much more important role in the life of Odysseus and she uses her position of influence to speak on behalf of Odysseus to the other Gods. She even convinces her father that it is time for Odysseus to return home and presents him with a set of plans that she has already come up with in order to ensure his safe journey. First of all, she sends Telemachus, who is Odysseus' son, to search for his father and she also allows for Odysseus to be released from the island he had been held captive on for the past ten-years."