What Theme is Best Revealed By This Conflict?

What theme is best revealed by this conflict?

A. With cooperation, crews can defeat the gods.

B. Dangerous ocean travel claims many lives.

C. Rest is required for all who work hard.

D. People must respect the wrath of the gods.

Correct Answer: D. People must respect the wrath of the gods.

Explanation

The main theme revealed by the conflict is that humans must respect the anger of the gods. In Homer's Odyssey, the Greek hero Odysseus and his men repeatedly suffer the consequences of ignoring and disrespecting the gods' wishes. For instance, Odysseus’s men defy the gods by killing the sacred cattle of the sun god Helios. As punishment, Zeus destroys their ship, killing everyone except Odysseus (Homer, Odyssey, Book XII). This harsh punishment underscores the notion that humans should not defy the will of the gods. In Greek mythology, the gods are incredibly powerful, and their intentions often exceed human comprehension. The conflicts in the Odyssey show that disrespecting the gods leads to pain and disaster, reflecting the cultural belief that divine anger must be feared and respected.

Also Read:

1. What Are the Big Five Personality Traits?