The Odyssey: Its Application and
Analysis
We will be talking about a variety of messages a person could see in The
Odyssey. Some of these include hospitality, leadership, human nature,
loyalty, and women. As we read, keep these things in mind.
You will be writing an essay answering one of the following questions about
The Odyssey and the different ways you can view the themes.
1. What message about hospitality or the way you should treat guest is
communicated in The Odyssey and what are the ways that Homer
shows this importance to the reader?
2. What is Homer saying about the role of women in Greek society when
you analyze the various female characters in The Odyssey and what
conclusion can the reader make about the author’s attitude towards
women in general?
3. What concepts did the Greeks value in a leader and how does the
author show that Odysseus a good or bad example of a leader in The
Odyssey?
4. What message about loyalty is expressed in The Odyssey and how
does the author use different example to demonstrate the importance
of loyalty in Greek culture?
5. What statement is Homer The Odyssey making about human nature
and human weakness through the obstacles faced by Odysseus and his
crew on the way home to Ithaca, and which of these human qualities
or weaknesses connect with modern readers of the text?
This essay will be done entirely outside of class time. We will be talking
about each one of these questions in class. However, it is up to you to
accomplish the essay.
Requirements:
1. 2-4 pages
2. 2 sources
3. Times New Roman
4. 12 pt. font
5. Double Spaced
6. 1 inch Margins