“The Odyssey”, translated by Robert Fagles, covers the main plot of Homer’s famous work. His style is elegant; the prose can be breathtaking at times. It can be very complicated to read this book once you delve further into the novel as it is written in poetry rather than prose. Some readers may balk at how lengthy Fagles takes to simply tell his readers that it is morning. Instead, to tell his readers that morning has come, Fagles writes “When young Dawn with her rose-red fingers shone once more.” While the poetry is admirably written, I personally find that it gets rather irritating to read through the book under the pressure of a due date, and Fagles seems to want to make things harder for you by writing all this poetry when he could write it in prose using considerably less words. The book itself is action-packed. Some of the personality of the characters are unbelievable; for instance, Penelope, widely regarded as the epitome of the “perfect” wife in literature, is essentially impossible to find in today’s society (let’s be frank about that). I also find it hard to believe that up until Athena’s coaxing, Telemachus never did anything about the suitors that purge his house of its wealth and food on a daily basis. Most people in modern society probably wouldn’t be able to tolerate such behaviour for a few days, and Telemachus has withstood it since childhood. This makes him a rather weak character, someone spineless, and yet, he is supposed to be the famed Odysseus’ son. The book describes in great detail how brave and great his father is, and how Telemachus seems to shine “like a god” in the eyes of many people. You’d think that such a magnificent individual would have a greater spine than to allow the suitors of his mother to ravage his house (but apparently, in Telemachus’ case, he did not have the courage until Athena prompts him). There is also a lack of concern for animal rights in “The Odyssey.” It’s obvious that the Ancient Greeks did not have a SPCA, yet for animal lovers, it can be slightly discomfiting to read about all the animals that were sacrificed for the favour of the gods. Since the gods are seen as the epitome of power and wealth, it can be a little confusing as to why their accumulation of a heifer or bull (sacrificed for them especially) can allow them to be swayed and favour a certain individual.