For my research paper, I chose to read the book The Odyssey by Homer. In this sequel to The Iliad, ten years have passed since the fall of Troy. The Greek Hero Odysseus has yet to return to his kingdom in Ithaca. Nymphcalypso has imprisoned him on her island Ogygia- she is in love with him and will not let him return home to his wife and son. Odysseus has no ship or crew to help him escape. My research paper topic will be shaped around the idea of how Greek Literature has influenced modern literature, or American Literature. Odysseus' long, arduous travel home to his kingdom influences us to find our "identity." Odysseus had to really soul search and become one with himself to find his way back home. Homer is also know as someone who influenced William Shakespeare; who, as we all know influences novelists, playwrights, and poets throughout the entire world today. What really attracted me to this book was the voyage that Odysseus had to undertake to find his way back home; this voyage has a perpetual influence on modern society.
The Odyssey has allowed me to change the direction that my research paper will be written exactly how I wanted it to. This work of literature influences many of todays works of literature with the stories that we tell today, and the many plots that we create. Being one of the very first works of literature, so we think, Homer's The Odyssey set the precedent for the modern literature we experience daily.
I think the direction you chose to take your paper is very interesting! I think you will find that greek literature is a major influence on many writers. I think it could be interesting if you use your paper to possibly connect greek literature to the writers we have studied, like Shakespeare. I also like your last point of how this book was one of the very first works of literature, so it has come to be a base of all the works of literature we have today. Good luck with your paper, it sounds like it will be very interesting!
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ReplyDeleteIt seems like it was a really good choice to read The Odyssey for your research. I know that it is an important piece of literature and it clearly has a strong influence on us still today given that it is taught in most schools as required reading. I like that you included in your research paper how and why The Odyssey is such an important piece of literature and its effects over time, and many many years later on our modern education. Did you find the book interesting in addition to helpful for gathering information? Would a textbook or nonfiction piece have been easier to use as research material? Good for you for choosing a difficult book and applying it to your topic!
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