Thematic Analysis - The Odyssey by Homer

Thematic Analysis - The Odyssey by Homer

Introduction

A person with distinct characteristics, Odysseus is a person with a strong personality with some major characteristic flaws. He can be called an epic hero because of his constant struggle and passion for achieving his desires. He was a brave and an honorable man with articulation and courage. What has made him a person with complex characteristics is his nature. He was a proud man with a strong faith. On the other hand, he could be easily angered when he was questioned of his authoritative powers which used to hurt the proud man that he was. The following paper is a thematic analysis of The Odyssey by Homer which revolves around love, loyalty and faithfulness, cunning nature of Odysseus and the role of gods.

Discussion

Love and Loyalty

The bond between a husband and a wife is scared and love between the two binds the two together. Odysseus and Penelope loved each other with extreme levels of loyalty even when Odysseus had to go on the Odyssey. His wife remained loyal to him when her husband was away. In this age, this might not be appealing to the people; however in ancient Greece this was considered a typical love. Penelope was a devoted wife, and despite having many suitors at her end, she had a belief that her husband would return to her until she was sure that Odysseus had died. The love for her husband is reflected in the quote from the book itself: “So dear is he that I long for and never forget - my husband (The Odyssey, Homer, pp. 19).” Even when Odysseus was away, he had a desire to return to his family and meet his wife and his son. However, there are a few instances in the ...