Posted: December 30th, 2015

Athena-Odysseus relationship in The Odyssey

The topic is the relationship between Athena and Odysseus in The Odyssey.

1. Describe Athena’s relationship with Odysseus.
2. Discuss the reason Athena helps Odysseus. What is her motivation?
3. How does Athena assist Odysseus. Provide at least three examples from different parts of the book.
4. Identify at least two instances where Athena tests or challenges Odysseus. Why does Athena do this?
5. Does Athena ever punish Odysseus? Try to provide two examples of this from the second half of the book. Why does Athena punish Odysseus?
6. Optional: Does Athena’s relationship with Odysseus change in the course of the book? If so, describe the change(s).
7. Try to have a topic sentence (or maybe two – three sentences that state your thesis). This is your introductory paragraph.
8. Restate your thesis in your concluding paragraph, but now make it more meaningful by referring to some major points made in the body of the paper.
9. Include some quotes. Class uses The Odyssey, Penguin Classics ed., Robert Fagles translation.