Odyssey Review

     The Odyssey thus far is a unique and intriguing piece of writing. Homer uses a writing style that adds interest to the epic. The way the piece was translated in this version made the story clearer than other editions. As I have previously read The Odyssey, I hope to gain more insight into the work that I know has become a great classic.

     First of all, The Odyssey provides a new perspective as it allows readers to glimpse the distant past. This lets readers compare the historic lifestyle to their own. Homer tells of a world where social classes were more distinct, the rich had servants, there were arranged marriages and could be many suitors for one woman, and men desired to make names for themselves through brave heroics. These characteristics of the setting greatly influence the plot and the characters' decisions. The time period can be used to create an exciting, if different, story line.

     Though it starts in a fairly typical, 'once upon a time,' manner, a trait that is individual to The Odyssey is that it begins with a brief summary of nearly the entire plot. Some information included even refers to events mentioned in the Iliad. This method makes the reader curious about the specific details of the occurrences, so encourages them to continue to read the book.

     Another aspect of Homer's writing style is to disclose only small bits of information at a time. As the plot progresses, more details are given to the reader. This creates mystery. Homer alludes to Ulysses's past adventures and current entrapment, while focusing on Telemachus's problems at the present. This effects the reader by increasing his or her interest. 

     Lastly, the way Homer creates his characters gives them more personality. Instead of bluntly stating facts about them, he demonstrates their attributes. Homer shows the reader the characters' way of speech, actions, and how people react to them to individualize people in the story. Furthermore, the descriptive word choice is used to show a character's mood and to set the tone. This causes the characters to have more facets. Though characters were only just introduced in Book One, they are already growing.