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Analyzing The Central The Theme In Homer’s Odyssey
Homecoming in Homer’s Odyssey
Terrica Guy
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Homecoming in Homer’s Odyssey
The central idea of The Odyssey is centered on the concept of homecoming. The concept of the return of the hero's return to his homeland is often the subject of romanticization with many writers. Homer shows in Odyssey that Odysseus is a changed man when he reaches home. Now, he has not one, but two wives and two places to live. However, the place that he calls home is his birthplace, Ithaca. He prefers it due to his familiarity with the place, as it was the place where he was brought up. However, we can observe that Homer did not make the idea easy enough to understand by the common reader. The idea of homecoming, or "Nostos" as homer calls it, is only possible if the home of the warrior is still the same at his return. Homer emphasizes the fact the charm that makes one’s home attractive is its stability and continuity, not to mention the feeling that home is where all turmoil disappears and one is at peace. Odysseus and his wife, Penelope are reunited because their marriage is rooted in the soil of Ithaca. Odysseus had to go through a stringent test when her wife announces for her hand in marriage, as she did not believe that her husband has returned. Also, he had to bear the opposition of the men that he had to kill in other to convince his wife of his identity. Lastly, we witness Athena saving Odysseus from the angry mob related to the men that he had killed earlier. The appearance of the character of Athena is highly significant in the end. Athena is the Greek Goddess of Wisdom, Courage, and inspiration among many other qualities, and she is cited as a symbol that inspires Odysseus to strive harder for the wellbeing of his homeland.
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