The Hero's Journey
This is the first step of the hero's journey, referring to the life and environment the hero will eventually leave.
What is "the ordinary world?"
This character is loyal and honest, but clearly looks to others to make the decisions. Their life has been defined by the absence of a beloved family members.
Who is Telemachus?
This subject is addressed through Antinous' treatment of Odysseus when he is described as a beggar.
What is "class?"
What is "homelessness?"
What is "mistreatment of the homeless/poor?"
This character is Polyphemus's father, who curses Odysseus when the cyclops asks him to.
Who is "Poseidon?"
This character is "the mentor" in The Odyssey, or the character that guides the hero and helps them through trials.
Who is Athena?
This character is clearly very intelligent, but they also do not have as many rights and privileges as other characters, so they must use that intelligence to trick other characters and preserve their life, property, and family.
Who is Penelope?
In "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" the directors use the land of the dead to criticize this modern American institution.
What is "prison?"
This is what Odysseus claims that his name is to Polyphemus in an effort to fool the Cyclops.
What is "Nohbody?"
This step of the hero's journey refers to when the hero crosses over into an unknown world of adventure and excitement.
What is "crossing the threshold?"
This character is defined by their intelligence, but is also incredibly arrogant and egotistical, often causing problems for themselves and those around them.
Who is Odysseus?
This item in The Odyssey is used to represent addictive substances, such as drugs and alcohol, issues that still persist in society today.
What is the lotus?
Odysseus meets the blind prophet Tiresias in this location, a place imagined in many different mythologies and religions.
What is "the Land of the Dead?"
This step of the hero's journey in The Odyssey includes Odysseus' fight with the Cyclops, his encounter with The Lotus Eaters, as well as his interactions with Circe.
What is "tests, allies, and enemies?"
Odysseus's interactions with his mother and Elpenor in the land of the dead suggest that he is struggling with this emotion throughout the poem.
What is "guilt?"
In "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" the Coen brothers criticize modern exploitation and misuse of religion by representing the cyclops as a man in this profession.
What is "a bible salesman?"
This god asked Zeus to strike down Odysseus' men when his cattle were killed and eaten.
Who is "Helios?"
Odysseus' final challenge, and his subsequent change from beggar to young warrior, is this major step that comes late in the hero's journey.
What is the "Resurrection or Rebirth?"
This character trait of Odysseus is shown through his interactions with Polyphemus, when he claims that his name is "Nohbody," so that when the cyclops says who attacked him, the others think he was injured by accident.
What is "clever?"
What is "intelligent?"
What is "smart?"
Penelope and the suitors, the main conflict of part 2 of The Odyssey, addresses this social issue that is still being discussed and debated today.
What is "Gender Inequality?"
What is "Feminism?"
What is "Women's Rights?"
This suitor rallies the other suitors to attack Odysseus once he starts shooting them with his bow and arrow.
Who is "Eurymachus?"