Long, narrative poem in elevated style. Heroic figures performing deeds of great valor. Motifs include curiosity, disguise, immortality, fate, glory, shame, recklessness, revenge, appearance v. reality, civilization, growth, innocence, hospitality, marriage, fidelity, art, sorcery. Men eat ox, open bag of winds, eat plants of Lotus-eaters. Greek ethic provides impetus for us to avoid shame by provoking us into the right act.
Glory is praise for achieving revenge on awrongful act.
Odysseus and Penelope are made more handsome. Odysseus changes from hero to bard to hero. Men are changed into pigs, beggars. Athena's enjoys many disguises. Telemakhos changes into adulthood.