Final answer:
The Odyssey's conclusion at Book 23, line 296, would retain narrative cohesion but omit the fuller restoration of order and Odysseus's ruling status in Ithaca. The final book's inclusion adds depth to the themes of social and moral restoration in line with Greek virtues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to whether The Odyssey originally ended with Book 23 at line 296, and what would be lost if the epic concluded at that point, rather than at the actual end of Book 24. The claim is that the remaining part of the poem might be spurious and not written by Homer. This viewpoint takes into account the structure of the narrative and its dramatic completeness, drawing upon poetic principles as described by ancient scholars like Aristotle. Aristotle himself emphasized the importance of a dramatic narrative having a beginning, middle, and an end, and functioning as a cohesive unit. He even highlighted Homer's excellence in crafting narratives that were not overburdened by complexity.
If The Odyssey were to end where the scholar indicates, it would indeed deliver a dramatically cohesive unit. The reunion of Odysseus with Penelope forms the climax and could serve as a resolution. However, by skipping the final book, the narrative would omit the restoration of order in Ithaca and the re-establishment of Odysseus as the rightful ruler. The complete reconciliation within the community of Ithaca and the divine sanction of peace by Athena in Book 24 are integral to the Greek virtue of arete, expressing a more extensive moral and social restoration beyond the personal triumphs of Odysseus. Consequently, the broader thematic resolution provided by the actual end contributes to the epic's depth, showcasing the blending of heroic individualism with communal values.