Odyssey

As you read our selection from The Odyssey, I would like you to think carefully about the character of Odysseus. Write down a list of adjectives that you believe describe him. Here are some questions that might help you: What does he value? What does disregard? What mistakes has he made? Do they continue to haunt him? What hopes does he have? What strengths? What weaknesses? What about him do you like? What about him do you dislike or distrust? (These are possible points to explore. Please don’t limit yourself to them.) After you have finished this list, write a paragraph or more that summarizes your vision of Odysseus. Note: Odysseus is a complex, multilayered character. Try to explore his contradictions. Next, consider the world that Odysseus inhabits, including the gods and other forces that shape it. Please write down a second list of adjectives that you believe describe it How would you describe this world? Is it a safe or dangerous place? Is it predictable or unpredictable? What is important here? What is not? Again, don’t limit yourself to the questions I’ve suggested. Try to explore on your own. After you have finished this second list, write a paragraph or more that summarizes your vision of Odysseus’ world. How, finally, do you think it shapes him? Finally, with this work as a foundation, try to understand Odysseus within the context of his world and then answer this central question: Why is Odysseus such an influential Greek ideal? In other words, what central Greek virtues does he embody? Please write at least a paragraph in response to this final question. Also how do you think Judaism values are embodied or are similar to the Greeks. How do you think modern culture similar to the Greeks.