The Odyssey: Common Themes

The Odyssey is a classic story of a man finding his place in the world. Through twenty-four books, many themes bind it together. Stories 11,12,13,16,19,21,22 share the common theme that life needs to be valued. Book 11 highlights this theme as Odysseus travels to "The land of the dead", and while he is there, he talks with Achilles. Achilles says to Odysseus that he would rather still be living as a beggar than die and live in heaven as a king. "But you, Achilles, there is not a man more blest than you -- there never has been, never will be one. Time was, when you were alive, we Argives honored you as a God, and now down here, I see, you lorded over the dead in all your power. So grieve no more at dying, Great Achilles. I reassured the ghost, but he broke out, protesting, 'No winning words about death to me, shining Odysseus! By God I'd rather slave on earth for another man -- some dirt poor tenant farmer who scrapes to keep alive --than rule down here over the breathless dead.' (Page 265, lines 554-560). This shows how much certain people value life and how precious the gift of life is.

Later in book 13 after he returns from the land of the dead, Odysseus sees again the value of life and that he shouldn't take anything for granted. Life is like a precious gem. Poseidon says to Zeus "I said my self that Odysseus would suffer long and hard before he made it home..." (Page 290, lines 148-149). If Poseidon would have made Odysseus suffer, he may not have had the strength to make it home. Because Odysseus is so strong both physically and emotionally he stays alive. Being alive and physically able, helps drive home the point of suffering making life become more precious because we cherish it more and don't take it for granted.

Near the end of Odysseus' journey, the god Athena disguises him as an old homeless beggar. This disguise is not meant as a punishment, but as a way to show how we should value life no matter how the life appears. Beggar Odysseus says 'I once too lived in a lofty house that men admired: rolling in wealth, I'd often give to a vagabound like myself, whoever he was, whatever need had brought him to my door. And crowds of servants I had, and lots of all it takes to live the life of ease, to make men call you rich. But Zeus ruined it all -- God's will no doubt. So be ware, women, or one day you may lose it all." (Page 392, lines 82-88). Odysseus tells the men not to take life for granted and to help people when given the opportunity -- doing so will make the gods happy and give you more wealth and power. A good, well run life, it seems should be valued for all since the rewards of such a life benefit everyone involved.