Why is The Odyssey Still Important
Today?
4. Predict why you think a poem as old as The Odyssey might still be valuable today.
The Odyssey is an epic poem created centuries ago by an individual named
Homer. It is based on the life of a Trojan War hero named Odysseus and how he returns
back to his home in Ithaca after being captured and imprisoned by an evil witch/nymph
named Calypso. It is about how a man courageously escapes from imprisonment by
using his knowledge and persevering and also how a son strives to look for his father and
eventually is reunited with him. There are numerous reasons as to why The Odyssey may
be considered a valuable piece of literature, yet an important reason would be the fact that
it teaches virtues and values to the modern society.
The reason why The Odyssey is considered valuable today is because it teaches
virtues and values. For instance, it teaches that through determination, hard work, and
perseverance, one can succeed in even the most dangerous or most challenging of tasks.
Moreover, it teaches the fact that miracles are possible, and that by striving and toiling
hard enough, people can achieve what they desire. Keeping faith and believing in
religion are also incorporated as messages in this epic poem. In addition, it teaches
people that no one is perfect. Even someone well renown like Odysseus can be flawed.
Moreover, people are taught that they should not give into temptation and that cleverness
may be useful in accomplishing certain tasks.
In conclusion, there are several reasons as to why The Odyssey is still valuable
today. The main reason as to why it is important is because it is a means of indirectly
teaching future generations certain messages and showing them that by working hard and
continuing to have faith, countless tasks can be accomplished. It influences society
members into doing well and working harder. The Odyssey teaches people to push
themselves to their limit and to believe no matter what happens.