Lessons from Historical Literature

It has been a wonderful start to the school year, evidenced by the smiles and excitement on the faces of students, teachers, and parents alike. As we focus on our primary goal of allowing Christ to act as our compass throughout the year, I share with you a second focus, which is a “return to the basics” philosophy. Technology, while a wonderful and necessary tool, has become somewhat addictive, and we as a school community are committed to making more intentional choices on how and when we incorporate technology in ways that truly benefit learning.

Spending less time on devices and more time engaged in physical activity is a priority, as is a “paper and pencil” approach to learning, which research confirms has a positive effect on learning and memory. In addition, devoting at least 20 minutes every day to reading is the best resource of all and we have millions of masterpieces at our disposal, something surely to excite and entertain everyone. The oldest existing works of literature – The Iliad and The Odyssey, were written by the Greek poet Homer, in the 8^th or 7^th century BC. Ironically, thanks to the summer blockbuster film The Odyssey, by Christopher Nolan, technology, in this case, has sparked reading, with book sales of the timeless classic up over 76%.

This film is certainly not suitable for children, but the multitude of lessons contained within it are extremely powerful. The laws of Zeus are reiterated throughout the movie, not only about how human beings must respect the gods, but also the call to hospitality, gift-giving, and welcoming strangers – expectations similar in our Christian faith. If you reflect on your high school English literature curriculum, The Odyssey is the story of Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, depicting his journey home after the 10-year-long Trojan War. Unfortunately, his voyage from Troy back to Ithaca lasts another 10 years. Odysseus faces many obstacles en route because of Poseiden’s wrath after he wounds the Cyclops (a one-eyed monster), to include his confrontation with Circes (a sorceress), his escape from the Sirens (female beings with alluring voices), and being enchanted by Calypso (a nymph).

While these scenarios seem bizarre in today’s world, we face our own set of distractions which steer us away from serving God, others, and ourselves. Children, for example may get caught up spending too much time playing video games, scrolling on social media sites, or watching TV.

In The Odyssey, Nolan emphasizes that there can be no triumph in victory if it is achieved without honor. While Odysseus’ war efforts were successful, they were fraught with dishonorable acts, for which he was ultimately punished. This is an important lesson for our students. While cheating on a test, being dishonest to avoid consequences, or stealing might yield a short-term gain, in the end it holds little merit or meaning.

Finally, the message of sacrifice was prevalent throughout the film, from Odysseus himself, Penelope (his wife), and Telemachus (his son). Odysseus says: “The power of the sacrifice is the cost to the person making it.” Children, too, can benefit from learning how to make sacrifices for others by helping with chores at home, participating in acts of service in the community, or standing up for a friend.

If you haven’t seen Nolan’s version of this classic, I highly recommend it. Aside from some casting controversy (I actually thought the actors did an excellent job), the use of a more common language, and some significant historical inaccuracies, plot omissions and changes, the lessons still resounded loud and clear. That is why in every interpretation throughout the ages, The Odyssey has withstood the test of time, and 3,000 years after Homer penned this epic, it is still relevant today.

Deo Gratias, Kathy