Why Is The Odyssey Taught So Much

The Odyssey an epic poem accredited to the Greek poet Homer is a staple story about a ten year journey home following the events of the Trojan war. It is taught in schools across the country in the majority of high schools in America. However why is it taught so much? What cultural or literary significance does it bring that makes it almost a required novel to read? The Odyssey is not the only epic poem thought to be taught at a 9th grade level, the main hero of the story is not a good leader nor is he any significant character compared to other hero of similar epics, and they're are other better options to teach instead of this epic.

The Odyssey is a famous work taught by many teachers in schools all over the country. It is labeled as an

In several cases it is shown in the movie that he is objectively violent, rash, and selfish. All of which are signs of being a bad leader. Another main point in the Odyssey being so famous is that supposedly Odysseus is supposedly seen as a good leader and the story supposedly goes through the battles of right and wrong. Well if the focus is whether or not your actions are right or wrong then why does the main character all of the previously stated problems. He is not morally right as seen as when he blinded a giant for his own wants and objectives, he is extremely rash, seen as how his men gave up their lives to protect each other and the captain. Odysseus has not used their sacrifices to preserve the rest alive. He only uses his crew for his own agenda. And finally he is overall not a smart leader as seen as how he angered his father Poseidon the god of the sea. These are all objectively bad things about Odysseus who is supposedly a great and morally battling leader. Overall if the story is trying to win the battle between right and wrong, then Odysseus lost that battle in the

One example of this is the Iliad. The Iliad is much more human in scope compared to the Odyssey. Although the Gods take part in both, they are much more prominent in the Odyssey. The Odyssey is much more a series of fantastic voyages, similar to the Arabian Nights, especially those concerning Sinbad the Sailor, which they resemble in no small part. Another reason the Iliad is a better choice is because of its chronological significance. The Iliad is not only technically a prequel to the Odyssey as the events in the Iliad are tied directly to the Odyssey the Iliad was also written first.Another choice to teach instead of the Odyssey is Beowulf. Beowulf is a Old English work of anonymous origin. It is considered the National Epic of England and arguably a better work. In the story while both heroes fought vicious monsters Beowulf relied more on strength as compared to Odysseus's cunning. While this does not influence the writer's ability nor does it affect the writing of the characters. In Beowulf directly fights the monsters in the poem which can be seen as more entertaining in younger audiences eyes while cunning would be more favorable for an older audience. My final choice to be taught instead is the Aeneid by Virgil. The Aeneid is very nationally important to the Romans. The Romans regarded the Aeneid as their