Topic > The contributions of Homer's book XXIV - 498

Greek literature, in particular Homer's Odyssey, remains a masterpiece due to its structure. Furthermore, an abundance of wisdom flows from its pages. Aristophanes and Aristarchus, two Greek critics, stated that Homer's Odyssey ended with the lines: “Rejoicing in each other, they returned to their bed, the ancient familiar place which they loved so much” (XXIII: 337-338) . Although, at first glance, Book XXIV seems superfluous, its total omission leaves Homer's work unfinished. Book XXIV presents a wonderful study of the human condition. The initial meeting between Achilles and Agamemnon seems of little importance, but the overall concept gives importance to the book. Since the Odyssey meditates on the nature of civilization, it stands to reason that Homer concludes his epic with a lesson addressing the inherent qualities of humanity. At the beginning of the book, Homer's character Achilles accurately highlights that life does not happen as expected and in turn, this becomes a bane for man. First, Homer draws attention to the human thought process. Achilles tells Agamemnon that we "thought" a different fate awaited Agamemnon because of his circumstances (XXIV:25-31). Homer also identifies the tendency to dwell on different consequences. He illustrates this by stating that “if only” Agamemnon had died differently, the possibility of glory and fame awaited his son (XXIV:32-35). Finally, Homer concludes his lesson by proclaiming man's way of thinking to be wrong and "not so". He accuses Agamemnon of being “destined” to whatever fate befell him (XXIV:36). Homer makes his character, Amphimedon, highlight another human trait: the inclination to blame others for the outcome of actions, even when he knowingly commits evil. Homer illustrates this behavior by writing how Amphimedon blames Penelope for his death due to her indecisiveness, even after admitting that he forced her to finish weaving "against her will" and "forced" her (XXIV:161). Amphimedon also attributes his death to Odysseus due to deception. He condemns Odysseus for disguising himself (XXIV:171-177), although Amphimedon openly admits that he attacked Odysseus (XXIV:178). In exchanging these stories (XXIV:1-226), Homer conveys his knowledge about life, responsibility, and reliability. Because he writes about the nature of civilization, Homer must emphasize the importance of family relationships. Accordingly, the epic calls for Odysseus to visit his father to let Laertes know of his well-being..