A Difference in Meaning in Homer´s Odessy

Even though many nations are suffering from an increase in national debt, governments around the world continue to pour billions of dollars into their research initiatives, space programs, Olympic teams, etc. While some may deem this spending superfluous, it serves an age-old purpose: national pride. Throughout the course of history, great accomplishments (such as a winning Olympic team or acclaimed piece of art) have defined and unified nations by creating a shared sense of pride and renown. Homer’s Iliad and The Odyssey filled that role for the ancient Greeks, which inspired Publius Virgil to create a similar epic that would not just ennoble Rome but distinguish it from the fallen empire of Greece. He did this by drawing a contrast between Homer’s hero Odysseus, whose meaning in life is living and his protagonist Aeneas, who finds meaning in piety, supporting the fact that Aeneas is a more glorious hero since he serves a higher purpose.

Odysseus’s purpose in life is made clear through the values that are important to him and his view of death. First of all Odysseus values his men throughout the whole poem. Even though they are all tragically lost in a storm Odysseus does all that he can to save them through the course of his journey. Not only does he take the time to rescue them from both the Lotus Eaters and Circe he returns to Circe’s island to give Elpinor a proper burial. Another value Odysseus holds dear is fighting, so much so that Athena attacks him by questioning, “Where’s it gone Odysseus- your power, your fighting heart? The great soldier who fought for famous white armed Helen, battling Trojans nine long year-nonstop, no mercy.” (Od. 22.236-38)

However, Odysseus’s journey is not solely dominated by warfare. Even t...

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...owned painters or prominent scientists who have spent their entire lives trying to create or become something their nation could take pride in. However, Publius Virgil had a special challenge since he was trying to unite a nation of conquered people, such as the Greeks, who already took great pride in their own epics and culture. Thus, to accomplish this task Virgil had to distinguish his hero Aeneas from the Greek’s literary hero Odysseus by contrasting their individual views on the meaning of life. This allowed Virgil to highlight why Aeneas and in turn Rome could be considered more admirable since he believes both serve an eternal purpose. However Virgil was probably unaware of the fact that it would be his epic and not the empire of Rome that would stand the test of time becoming not just a source of pride for a nation but the entire literary world as a whole.