I need to write a compelling and arguable thesis on the importance of The Odyssey in our modern era. I already wrote a thesis saying that it was...

Let me start by saying that your teacher is right, because of specific prompt you were asked to respond to. Besides what your teacher said about being able to take lessons about pride from many books, there's also nothing specific to the modern world or era about it. Therefore, to develop your thesis, you want to focus on the modern end of the challenge.

What is there about the modern era that fits with The...

Let me start by saying that your teacher is right, because of specific prompt you were asked to respond to. Besides what your teacher said about being able to take lessons about pride from many books, there's also nothing specific to the modern world or era about it. Therefore, to develop your thesis, you want to focus on the modern end of the challenge.

What is there about the modern era that fits with The Odyssey? I would say it is in the way Odysseus has to reason and trick his way through his challenges, and, especially, in how he has to adapt. This isn't a straightforward story: this is a story in which the hero changes identity and disguises himself.

Consider some of the following as you develop a thesis:

The modern world is defined by questions of identity. People self-identify according to different categories of race, gender, and sexuality. Online, they pass on other people's words as their own, and post messages under screen names. In such a world, the best, most appropriate kind of hero is one who is comfortable with change and skilled at changing. Through his travels and tests, Odysseus displays a creative ability to adapt that makes him the perfect hero for the modern age.