Complexity and Competition in The Odyssey — Presentation Detail — Celebration of Scholars

Instructions

Student presentations must have a faculty sponsor.

Abstracts must include a title and a description of the research, scholarship, or creative work. The description should be 150-225 words in length and constructed in a format or style appropriate for the presenter’s discipline.

The following points should be addressed within the selected format or style for the abstract:

A clear statement of the problem or question you pursued, or the scholarly goal or creative theme achieved in your work.
A brief comment about the significance or uniqueness of the work.
A clear description of the methods used to achieve the purpose or goals for the work.
A statement of the conclusions, results, outcomes, or recommendations, or if the work is still in progress, the results you expect to report at the event.

Presenter photographs should be head and shoulder shots comparable to passport photos.

Additional Information

More information is available at carthage.edu/celebration-scholars/. The following are members of the Research, Scholarship, and Creativity Committee who are eager to listen to ideas and answer questions:

Jun Wang
Kim Instenes
John Kirk
Nora Nickels
Andrew Pustina
James Ripley

Complexity and Competition in The Odyssey

Name: Megan Baumeister
Major: Economics and Political Science
Hometown: Burlington, WI
Faculty Sponsor: Dimitri Shapovalov
Other Sponsors: Intellectual Foundations Scholarship
Type of research: Course project

Abstract

This essay examines the relationship between complexity, competition, and success in Homer’s The Odyssey. Written for Intellectual Foundations I, this piece reflects several lessons about textual analysis and sophisticated writing, with an emphasis on the use of strong verbs, effective evidence, and non-redundant phrasing. A small-group discussion and a close reading of Book XVIII of The Odyssey—which features a brawl between Odysseus and Iros, a beggar—originally inspired the topic of this essay by highlighting the stark contrast between Odysseus’s complicated view of the conflict and Iros’s narrow perspective. Then, weeks into the writing process, the course instructor challenged all students to add depth to their arguments. Fulfilling that goal required an increased awareness of small details and intense contemplation of the themes present in The Odyssey and supported the realization that even ancient texts may be relatable to people in the present. Overall, this essay provides a unique interpretation of Odysseus's evolution as a character, considering how both his successes and failures throughout his wanderings lead to his triumph over the simple-minded suitors inhabiting his palace.

Poster file