The Odyssey
By Homer
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Reading level
Level nine:
Advanced adult literature
See more level nine books
Curriculum details
- Ancient Literature
- Core curriculum
- Lifelong learning
- Sep 2, 2024 - Sep 20, 2024
- 10 credit hours
About
The story of Odysseus' ten-year journey home from the Trojan War is a pillar of Western literature and a magnificent work in its own right.
Prepare by reading a synopsis of the plot (Wikipedia is fine) and spend some time browsing discussions of the work and its significance (such as www.excellence-in-literature.com/why-read-the-odyssey-2/ and www.mainehumanities.org/blog/news-announcements/how-i-learned-to-read-the-odyssey/).
Most modern readers find The Odyssey more approachable than its companion epic, The Iliad. That said, it can be challenging for young readers who are not used to reading unabridged classic literature. If you are struggling, one option is to listen to the audiobook instead of reading it in print. Epics like this were designed to be recited aloud, and a well-performed audio version allows you to experience the work as did Homer's original audiences.