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…showed last 75 words of 1538 total…would not have occurred if the characters failed to demonstrate faith in prophecies and omens. Though its use as a plot device is more easily seen, its use for characterization in the Odyssey is far more important. In previous works, prophecy was used strictly as a plot rationalization, but in the Odyssey it has a critical role, affecting both the plot and characters. Lawall, Sarah. The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces. Norton & Company, New York.1999.