Question

How “The Odyssey” is different from the monomyth structure

Answer 1

In Homer's "The Odyssey," the narrative structure differs from the monomyth structure as it includes various episodic events and adventures of Odysseus that are not directly connected to the main plot.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Homer's "The Odyssey," the narrative structure differs from the monomyth structure. The monomyth, also known as the hero's journey, is a narrative pattern that consists of specific stages such as the call to adventure, the mentor, the road of trials, and the return. In contrast, "The Odyssey" focuses on the journey of the hero Odysseus, but it does not adhere strictly to the monomyth structure.

One key difference is that "The Odyssey" includes various episodic events and adventures of Odysseus that are not directly connected to the main plot, such as his wound on Parnassus or his feigned madness. These incidents are not part of a unified hero's journey but rather individual moments in Odysseus' life. By including these diversions, Homer creates a more expansive and multifaceted epic.

Answer 2

The Odyssey is composed in dactylic hexameter, a strict poetic structure in which each line of the poem has six 'feet,' or dactyls, each made up of one long and two short syllables. Homer also repeats poetic phrases and entire lines of poetry. However a monomyth, also known as the hero's journey, represents “a basic pattern that… is found in many narratives from around the world” (“Mythology” 1). The monomyth consists of several stages and archetypes.