Layers+of+Meaning+in+The+Odyssey

=Layers of Meaning in the Odyssey=

**//Spiritual Growth//**

 * Homer shows that spiritual growth happens when you go through tough times and problems in relationships. Also, good times too. For example when they landed on Calypso's island, his morale was low from being homesick and missing his wife. His crew was getting angry and pessimistic too. All of these examples follow the idea of "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

**//Loyalty//**

 * Homer also uses the Odyssey to teach loyalty.
 * 1) Odysseus' wife was alone for 20 years and was still faithful to him even though many suitors had approached her.
 * 2) Odysseus' crew was on the brink of mutiny yet they still were loyal to not only their king but to their captain.

**//Perseverance//**

 * Homer also uses the Odyssey to teach perseverance. Going back to Calypso's island, Odysseus shows perseverance by waiting things out, using his wits, and looking on the bright side of things, and when he confronted Circe with all the temptations of her magic; he showed us there that he was strong enough to resist them. Finally Homer used Penelope to show perseverance. She persevered through 20 years without a husband, raising a child and resisting the temptations of suitors.

**//Hospitality//**

 * Since they didn't have fast transportation in their time, hospitality played a huge role in life. It was an unspoken ruler then. If you broke this rule of hospitality you would be severely punished by the gods. Homer shows the extreme hospitality of the time when a complete stranger (Odysseus) is welcomed as one of the Phaeacians.