Why Read The Odyssey

Every freshman at The Ohio State University should be required to read The Odyssey over other classical pieces of literature like the Theogony, Works and Days, and the Symposium. The Odyssey is one of two major ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer. It takes Odysseus ten years to reach Ithaca after the ten-year Trojan War. In his absence, it is assumed he has died, and his wife Penelope and son Telemachus must deal with a group of unruly suitors, who compete for Penelope's hand in marriage. This essay will show examples from works of literature why The Odyssey should be a required reading for Ohio State students. The Odyssey should be a required reading at OSU over other classical works is because it teaches what it takes to have a good relationship with a partner or a spouse. Odysseues’ connection with his wife is so strong that even after 20 years of being apart that they still love each. This is showed in The Odyssey when Penelope and Odyssey see each other for the first time. Mental connection with a partner is also emphasized in Plato’s Symposium. This is showed when as explained in the Symposium that the Greeks commonly had a male

The poem mainly focuses on the Greek hero Odysseus and his journey home after the fall of Troy. Odysseus struggles for 10 years trying to get back to his wife while facing unruly obstacles. This is showed explicitly when he is marooned on Calypso's island. This is arguably his most difficult task, but his continuing desire for his wife gave him the will and energy to carry on. This is kind of shown in Hesiod’s Works and Days when he prescribes a life of honest labor, which he regards as the source of all good, and attacks idleness. However, I feel that The Odyssey better demonstrations the ability to carry on which is extremely useful in a person’s