Modern Terms, Modern People

The reading of the Odyssey by Homer is an epic adventure within its self. When thinking about this epic poem I am reminded of how the word epic has recently been brought back into modern culture. I have heard people use the word in such phrases as “that was an epic fail” or “we just had an epic adventure”. The use of the world epic in this modern way holds the same definition as it does when defining Homers work as an epic poem. My question is what makes words come back into modern language and essentially become new, hip words? Did someone get his or her inspiration to bring back the world epic through reading The Odyssey?

It takes a lot of courage and wit to be able to comprehend the words of Homer and remember the characters that have animated Greek mythology. One of the characters that I am drawn to in his tale is Penelope the wife of Odysseus. As I think of her situation I wonder if she ever considers giving up and just marring one of the suitors, who so desperately want her hand in marriage. I think she tries to remain strong for her son but worries about their future. When her son begins his journey I think she continues to worry about what could happen to him and the possibility that he will not return alive or without his father.

So many years of Penelope’s life have been spent waiting and wondering, does she hold any regret or angry towards her husband? She is depicted as a faithful and dutiful wife and mother but if I was in her position I have doubts as to wither or not I could wait 20 years for my lost husband. She seems to have a lack of power, which is common for women during this era and her fate rests in the hands of her son and husband. When does she get to have her own epic? I came to college to become independent and educated; my world would be so small and less fulfilling if I was not able to have my own epic adventures and experiences. Thus far, Homer’s work in the Odyssey has allowed me to make major connections to modern times as well as relation the characters experiences to my own. And just as Homer intended, I am left emotionally connected and wondering what will become of this timeless characters.