Homer Helps Veterans Adjust to Civilian Life

Guests: John C. Franklin, PhD, Associate Professor of Ancient Greek Literature, University of Vermont; David Carlson, Coordinator of Student Veteran Services, University of Vermont When Odysseus the Greek warrior returns to Ithaca in Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey,” he’s a hero, favored of the gods, reclaiming his throne. But, he’s also a veteran of a decade-long war with the Trojans, followed by another ten years of wandering through all kinds of trouble before finally getting it home. So, perhaps Homer’s epic war poems have something to offer modern-day warriors adapting to life after battle in Iraq and Afghanistan? The Iliad and The Odyssey are the texts for a class at the University of Vermont that’s just for veterans.