The Odyssey Still Relevant Analysis

After reading The Odyssey, many students today question their teachers: “Why did we read that?” and “How will this help me?” The answer to those questions are of the very conspicuous topics, silently covered by the book. One of which is the wise advice of considering other’s opinions and suggestions, and the next is the subject of the long journey and how it is still very substantial in today’s book and movies. In Robert Fagles’ translation of Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, the themes of humbleness and considering other people’s suggestions, along with the relevance of the long journey in today’s society help to show why The Odyssey remains a literary cornerstone in today’s classrooms.

One of the reasons that The Odyssey is still relevant …show more content…
Athena, goddess of wisdom and military victory, probably the most suited god or goddess to give this sort of advice, tells Odysseus to fully plan the killing of the suitors rather than engaging with over 100 armed nobles in direct combat. Odysseus listens to this advice and is wildly successful in the slaughter of the suitors. This is very relevant to today’s society, considering very few people listen to other people’s suggestions, even when they may be right. On many occasions, a different perspective can provide more than enough outside information to reform an approach or a goal. If people actually listen to other people’s suggestions, they may have greater success in their goals due to the new perspective and the increased base of information.

The next reason that The Odyssey is important and relevant in today’s society is the relevance of the long and difficult journey that Odysseus endures throughout the book. An example of this journey is the huge obstacle posed by Scylla. Homer expertly describes the gruesome scene: and ashen terror gripped the men.
But now, fearing death, all eyes fixed on