The theme of books 11,12,13,16,19,21 and 22, in The Odyssey are based on principals we all should learn in order to be well balanced respectable people. There are topics about treating other with respect along with valuing one's life.
In book eleven Odysseus is in the Underworld speaking with many famous figures. As he's speaking with Achilles, Odysseus explains to him that he is the most blest man in the world and there won't be one more then him. Achilles breaks out in protest and says, "No winning words about death to me, shining Odysseus! By god, I'd rather slave on earth for another man- than rule down her over all the breathless dead."
Achilles values a worldly life of poverty over that of a ruler in the underworld. There is something to learn for Achilles statement and that is to never take for granted what you have and to value life above all things.
In book sixteen Telemachus and Odysseus are planning to seek revenge on the suitors. At first Telemachus doesn't believe their plan will work, but Odysseus reassures him. Odysseus knows what he;s talking about which we find out later in the book to be true. If we pit ourselves against all these in a house, I fear the revenge you come back home to take will recoil on our heads- a bitter, deadly blow." page 346 lines 284-286. Thanks to Telemachus listening to his elders they were able to take back the kingdom.
In book nineteen Athena has disguised Odysseus as an old beggar to help him seek out answers about his kingdom and his Penelope. When arrives at the palace he is treated horribly by both his own maids as well as the suitors. Later in book 22, he reveals himself. This came as a huge shock to the suitors. "Terror gripped them all, blanched their faces, each man glancing wildly-how to escape his instant death?" page 440, lines 43-44. Just then, they had realized what they had gotten themselves into. Their lives were going to be end because of the way they treated Odysseus and his family. One should never treat strangers, guests, or even friends harshly, because it will come back to get you.
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