Mark Van Doren's essay, "The Odyssey," is an open criticism on the main themes and points of The Odyssey. Van Doren begins very simply by stating, "The Odyssey is anything but tragedy." He discusses that no matter what Odysseus goes through, we remember his many escape routes and devices which he uses to always escape any challenging situation. Further statements on this subject include that there is too much tragedy that fails to evoke any

Although many of Van Doren's points are valid ones, however, I do not agree with some. One point that I do not agree with is the statement that the ironies and complications are elementary. I think that the ironic nature of Odysseus' identity is rather amusing. We know who he is, but others do not, therefore revealing the true feelings and activities of the people in Odysseus' palace. The complications may be simple, but yet are exciting since they all involve mythical creatures that the Greeks truly believed in. They are by no means meaningless, for they hold deeper meaning than what can be seen on the surface. They tie in greatly to the theme of Odysseus' self-recognition and at the same time entertain the reader. Another point which I do not agree with is the linear suspense. The element of suspense is used in The Odyssey, and is often effective. The Odyssey is not exactly the most suspenseful of all stories, but does include some scenes which the outcome is questionable. Suspense was felt when Odysseus and his crew passed the Sirens, simply because we did not know if Odysseus would escape his ropes. This is again demonstrated in the scene with the Cyclops. It seems as if Odysseus and his men are doomed, but Odysseus uses his wit to defeat the Cyclops and escape. Suspense is felt in The Odyssey, and contributes to a complete and enjoyable story.

emotion from the reader. "The miseries of its people are many, but they have not the dimension of terror." Also, Van Doren states that too many characters find joy in the sadness of others. "King Alcinoos of Phaeacia supposes that the gods wrought so much havoc at Troy, and spun such a skein of ruin, "that there might be a song for those yet to be born." He could sit up all night, he insists, listening to the woes of Odysseus, they are so sweet to hear." Another point Van Doren makes is the "endless s

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Approximate Word count = 1254
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)