• The acquisition of knowledge
• "right action" vs. "improper action" and what those terms mean.
• Man's relationship to his gods.
• How one's culture shapes one's world view and influences one's behavior and decisions.
• Order vs. chaos; civilization vs. the unknown/uncivilized.
• Man's duty to himself, his family and his community.
• A king's duty to himself, his family and his community.
• Life and death.

1. In the second assembly of the gods, Zeus decides the conditions under which Odysseus may come home. What are they?
2. Describe the island of Ogygia.
3. When we first meet Odysseus, Where is he and what is he doing?
4. Why is Calypso angry with Hermes, and how does Hermes get her to comply with his orders? What does that suggest about the power structure of the gods?
5. During the storm, what does Odysseus say about death? What does that suggest about the Homeric philosophy of death?
6. Who offers to help Odysseus during the storm and what is his initial response? This will become a theme -- given what you have seen in the epic so far, why do you think this theme is important?
7. What survival decisions must Odysseus make once he comes ashore?

Book 6:

1. Why does Athene choose Nausicaa to lead Odysseus into the palace of the Phaeacians?
2. In general, what sort of society is that of the Phaeacians?
3. There is a description of Olympus in this book. How is it described?
4. How does Odysseus choose his words to convince Nausicaa to help him?
5. What god protects strangers and beggars? Why do you think they are protected?

Book 7:

1. Compare the palace of Alcinous with the palaces of the Greek heroes of the Trojan War, Nestor and Menelaus.
2. Describe in detail the land of the Phaeacians. How does it compare to Ithaca, Pylos, and Sparta?
3. What is the general relationship between the Phaeacians and the gods?
4. What does Odysseus say to convince the Phaeacians to help him return home?

Book 8:

1. What are some of the words used to describe Odysseus?
2. What is the story sung by Demodocus and why do you think it makes Odysseus so sorrowful?
3. What athletic contests are held? Why do you think these specific contests are important?
4. What makes Odysseus decide to take part in the contests?
5. What is the second story sung by Demodocus and what do you think is its major theme?
6. What gifts does Alcinous give Odysseus?
7. What is the next story Odysseus asks Demodocus to sing, and what is its effect on Odysseus?