Odyssey Scholars

Wilson (x5)

- Penelope is canny, strong-willed, loyal, competent

- There is a vision of empowered femininity in the Gods

- The Odyssey traces deep male fears about female power

- Homer uses birds as the ultimate image of speech and freedom in women

- Penelope has only one choice, defined by her marital status

Jones (x6)

- On loyal foundations Odysseus must build

- Odyssey makes the household central

- Athena and Odysseus' relationship is unique in its closeness

- The bow contest could be deemed a clever trick

- No Greek would argue that Odysseus didn't have a right to take his revenge

- Homer distances the suitors from religion

Rieu (x4)

- The Odyssey is the blueprint for great stories

- Epithets remind us of the permanent, eternal qualities of people

- Eumaeus and Eurycleia represent what the palace used to be like and will be like again

- Eumaeus has a keen sense of right and wrong

Morrison (x6)

- All major characters have a foil

- The bed was a sign and symbol for Penelope's recognition and fidelity

- Odysseus does what he must for his disguise

- Odysseus is no puppet, he makes his own decisions

- The believability of Odysseus' stories show his oratory abilities

- Book 5 is symbolic of Odysseus' rebirth

Camps (x4)

- The Trojan War is a reoccurring sorrowful plot point

- Odysseus has the capacity to inspire affection

- Supernatural powers are at work everywhere and always

- Zeus is secure and benevolent in his supremacy

Griffin (x6)

- Homer uses vocab to help readers form opinions

- Justice is seen to be done

- Odysseus does not throw away his life and family for glory

- The marriage bed is a symbol of solidity

- Penelope shows herself to be like her husband

- Among the Phaeacians, the queen wears the trousers