Product Overview
The Odyssey: Homer's Epic Tale, Butler Translation
The Butler translation of The Odyssey is one of the most widely used prose translations of Homer's epic story.
Ordering Books for The Odyssey by Homer, Butler Translation
No order minimum; you can order just one copy if that's all you need! :-) Order your class set of books for The Odyssey now, and take advantage of our bulk order discounts!
Notes About The Literary Touchstone Classics Edition of The Odyssey
These affordable editions of beloved works are designed by former educators with the needs of both teachers and students in mind.
To help students fully understand the classic work they're studying, every Literary Touchstone Classic includes pre-reading notes that cite important aspects of the text that students should examine and question while reading. Each book also contains an extensive vocabulary list and a glossary that explains unfamiliar allusions and challenging passages.
If you're looking for books that will last for years, Literary Touchstone Classics fit the bill. Sturdy bindings and high-quality paper ensure they'll hold up to repeated use, and they're made in the U.S.A.
Other Editions
If you need to add onto a class set of a different edition or simply prefer another edition, contact us with the ISBN and edition information, and we'll check the availability for you.
The Fitzgerald translation is also available here on tpet.com.
About the Book The Odyssey, Butler Translation |
The Odyssey follows the Greek hero Odysseus as he attempts to return home after the Trojan War. His voyage is fraught with trials and tribulations, prolonging his return to Ithaca for ten years. Along the way, Odysseus encounters mythical creatures, divine interventions, and testing moral quandaries. One of the key elements of the plot is Odysseus's interactions with the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology. From Athena's guidance to Poseidon's wrath, divine influences are integral to the storyline. These encounters offer rich material for exploring ancient Greek beliefs and their portrayal in literature. While Odysseus faces numerous challenges, his wife Penelope remains faithful and resourceful back in Ithaca. Her story runs parallel to Odysseus's adventures, adding depth to the narrative and providing a strong female role model. This subplot can be an excellent focal point for discussing loyalty and perseverance.
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Themes in the book The Odyssey, Butler Translation |
The Hero's Journey: One of the central themes of The Odyssey is the archetypal hero's journey. Odysseus embodies the traits of a classic hero, including bravery, intelligence, and resilience. Analyzing his character development can help students understand the components of the hero's journey and its relevance in modern storytelling. Hospitality and Its Consequences: The theme of hospitality, or "xenia," is woven throughout the epic. Odysseus and his men rely on the hospitality of others, and their experiences—both positive and negative—highlight the cultural importance of this practice in ancient Greece. Discussing examples of hospitality in the text can lead to meaningful conversations about societal norms and values. Fate versus Free Will: The Odyssey also explores the tension between fate and free will. While the gods influence many events, Odysseus's decisions significantly impact his fate. This theme offers fertile ground for debates and essays, encouraging students to think critically about the balance between destiny and autonomy.
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Activity Ideas for The Odyssey, Butler Translation |
Interactive Story Mapping: One effective way to engage students with The Odyssey is through interactive story mapping. Create a large map of Odysseus's journey and have students plot his various stops and challenges. This visual aid can help students better understand the geography of the epic and the sequence of events. Character Diaries: Ask students to write diary entries from the perspectives of different characters, such as Odysseus, Penelope, or Telemachus. This activity encourages creative writing and helps students explore character motivations and emotions. It also prompts them to consider how different viewpoints shape the narrative. Group Discussions on Themes: Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a specific theme from The Odyssey. Have them discuss examples from the text and relate them to contemporary issues. This activity fosters critical thinking and collaborative learning, as students must articulate and defend their interpretations.
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