One relationship in the Odyssey that is unique to the Greek literature of the time is the bond between Penelope and Odysseus. ... Does the bed, my lady, still stand planted firm (Odyssey xxiii.326-327)?" ... Also, Penelope's unique, strong character is the reason why Odysseus kept fighting through countless struggles to return to the island of Ithaca. ... Even though the blood feud is not as apparent in the Odyssey, it remains hidden below the surface. ... This monster does not appear in the character of Penelope, but rather a clever woman appears instead. ...

• Word Count: 1806
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

Athena's fundamental role in The Odyssey was to assist and ensure the success of Odysseus' homecoming, and guarantee that Ithaca remained peaceful and stable (24.584-585). ... In many occurrences, in The Odyssey, Athena changed Odysseus' appearance, either to disguise him or make him look even more daunting than he normally would. ... Athena functioned in the Odyssey to inspire and educate the main characters through personal intervention as she acts on their behalf, as she took part in the slaughter of the suitors and ended the conflict between Odysseus and the suitors' fa...

• Word Count: 1605
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography

The episode that I decided to pick from The Odyssey as my example of tragedy is the story of Agamemnon's death at the hands of his wife, Clytemnestra, and Aegisthus and his son Orestes avenging his death by killing his mother and Aegisthus. ... It also involves many high ranking characters as well as taking place in an open and public setting. Although this is a short story that is only told verbally to Telemachus, it resonates powerfully to the overall theme of the poem, The Odyssey, about fate, betrayal and loyalty. ...

• Word Count: 1403
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School