Why do we continue to read The Odyssey (by Homer) today? How is it relevant to o

Question: Why do we continue to read The Odyssey (by Homer) today!? How is it relevant to our world!?

question for english literature assignment!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

we continue to read it because it's greek literature and for some reason anything greek and ancient to us is considered "classic!." on a serious note, probably because it gives us an inside look on how life was in ancient greece, and it's some of the oldest literature!. and the Oddysey sort of defines heroism through odysseus!. its relevant to our world because society still rewards those it considers to ber heroic!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

We still read it for the same reason that we still read Beowulf and the Bible!. It is a classic story that can be adapted to many situations!. It speaks of journeys and temptation!. It has a message that the treasure you think you are seeking isn't necessarily the treasure that you will find!. It is the basis for many classic literary themes!.
FYI, the movie "O, Brother Where art Thou" is completely based on the Odyssey!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

With the possible exception of the Bible I can think of no other literary work that has had more influence on western literature than The Odyssey!.

It's basically the groundwork for every modern novel!. Odysseus
(the Greek means "adventurer" his Latin name Ulysses means "avenger") is the original Everyman who must fight overwhelming forces to keep his home, his wife, and his family!. Given current circumstances in this country and around the world doesn't that sound pretty relevant!?

Not only does he not want this battle (he tries to dodge the draft of Agamemnon's war in Troy) for he knows that he will be swept up in forces larger than he can control, but he has also just been given a son by his wife Penelope and has everything to stay home for in peaceful Ithaca!.

He is very intelligent and crafty and has a lot of fun with the boys, his crew, but when he has to trust them, they constantly let him down and cause him trouble!. They do heavy drugs (join the lotus eaters) and break the law big time even after Odysseus warns them (eat the cattle of the sun) and they betray his personal trust (look in his sack of winds)!. Who among us has never felt let down by our friends, but risked trusting them anyway!?

He comes to realize (with the help of the gods) that his real challenge is to discover who he is, what is really important in life, and to come to grips with his own pride!. Sound familiar!? I hope so!.!.!.Www@QuestionHome@Com