Primary Source Analysis: Homer's Odyssey and the Return of Odysseus

This report provides a primary source analysis of Homer's Odyssey, focusing on the narrative of Odysseus' return to Ithaca. It begins with a description of the source, its author (Homer), and a summary of the epic poem's contents, detailing Odysseus' long journey home after the Trojan War, the challenges he faces, and the loyalty of his wife, Penelope. The analysis then delves into the historical context, audience, and the time of the source's creation, highlighting its roots in Greek culture and its relevance to warriors, friends, and women. The report examines the values and beliefs reflected in the story, such as hospitality, loyalty, vengeance, and perseverance, and discusses the author's intended message and tone. The conclusion emphasizes the themes of family love and hope, while also suggesting areas for further exploration, such as the role of the gods and the Phaeacians. The analysis provides insights into the societal values and cultural significance of Homer's Odyssey.

PRIMARY SOURCE ANALYSIS 1
Primary Source Analysis
Name
Institution
Date

PRIMARY SOURCE ANALYSIS 2
Primary Source Analysis
Introduction
Description of the Source and the Author
‘Odysseus returns to Ithaca’ is Ancient Greek Epic Poems that has its origin in Greece. It
was written by Homer in the ancient times of Greece.
Summary of the Contents
The book gives an epic story of how ten years have passed before the Greek hero returns
home after the fall of Troy. Due to this, a mob of suitors continue courting his wife Penelope.
However, the wife has remained faithful to the husband. His son, Prince Telemachus, wants to
throw the suitors out of the palace but does not have the power and experience. Due to this, one
suitor, Antonius plans to assassinate the son which who is the only opposition to their journey to
the palace. Despite the fear that Odysseus might be dead, he is still alive and healthy.
He is imprisoned in the island of Ogygia. He longs to return home and see his family but
he does not have any ship to navigate the sea. Athena, who is one of Odysseus’s gods decide to
help Telemachus (Homer 1880, 4-7). Back at home, Antinous and other suitors have plan on how
to eliminate Odysseus once he arrives from the island. Zeus is sent to rescue Odysseus from
Calypso. Zeus persuades Calypso to let Odysseus leave. Unfortunately, Poseidon who is the god
of the sea sends storms to wreck Odysseus since he blinded his son. Despite all these struggles,
Odysseus arrives at his palace and is not welcomed well as everybody in Ithaca expected. He is
treated like a beggar (Homer 1880, 4-7). His nurse, Eurycleia, does not even reveal that he
recognizes him. Penelope also recognizes him and guesses that he might be his husband. He
finally sets a bore to kill all the suitors. Finally, Odysseus introduces himself and joins his
family. He then visits his father and peace is restored in Ithaca.

PRIMARY SOURCE ANALYSIS 3
Body
Historical Context and Audience
The source is based on the Greek culture and setting as it talks about the return of a great
Greek hero, Odysseus, throughout the entire book. The best audience for this source would be
the war warriors. The book shows how warriors, despite endangering their can still be
mistreated. Odysseus returns home ten years after the war and no body grands him the respect
he deserves. His nurse does not even want to be associated with him even after she recognizes
him. On the other hand the book also gives hope to the war soldiers that there are still chances to
return home despite the challenges in the battle field which can be a source of motivation to the
war soldiers. It has been ten years after the fall of Troy but Odysseus still manages to reunite
with the family (Homer 1880, 4-77). This source also targets friends. The source shows how,
despite being held in an island, Zeus is determined to ensure that he frees his friend. Finally, the
book targets women and their loyalty to their husbands. Odysseus has been in the battle field for
a long period of time and does not even return home after the war. His wife, Penelope, remains
faithful to him until they reunite.
When and Why It Was Created
Although the return of the Greek hero, Odysseus can be dated back in 1177B.C, this
source was first published in early 1880s and has been used as a source of reference by many
scholars since then. The source gives three reasoning about the society and culture it was created
in, a reasoning about the idea of a hero, the ethics of war and dilemma of war in Ithaca.
Values and Believes and What the Source Shows About the Society
There are four values and believes that shaped the creation of this book. These include
hospitality, reality, vengeance and perseverance. The author uses the return of Odysseus to show

PRIMARY SOURCE ANALYSIS 4
hospitality in Ithaca. Odysseus was poorly treated at first until he introduced himself. This shows
how strangers were poorly treated in the society. On the other hand, the author uses Penelope to
show loyalty and perseverance. Penelope stayed royal to his husband despite the fact that he had
not returned home for more than ten years.
What the Author Wants the Reader to Think About and His Feeling towards the Source
The author wants the reader to understand the injustices that war warriors undergo
through as well as the need for loyalty and perseverance in the community. The author uses both
sympathetic and cheerful tone throughout the entire poem. He sympathizes with Odysseus due to
the challenges he is undergoing as well as his poor homecoming. On the other hand, the author is
happy that Odysseus finally reunites with his family after a very long time of struggles and
detention (Homer 1880, 4-77).
Conclusion
The source has given the readers the need for family love and hope. Although Odysseus
is away from home for more than ten years, he finally reunites with his faithful wife, Penelope.
However, attention should also have been drawn to the aspect of Phaeacians. This may have
entailed the peculiar status between gods and men. The gods played an important role in the
story but little attention is given to them. At first, they are frivolous and unhardened but go
through suffering when they come to conduct with Odysseus.

PRIMARY SOURCE ANALYSIS 5
References
Homer, Homer. The odyssey. Xist Publishing, 1880.