Why is the Odyssey about the journey more than the goal?

If the
Odyssey does not quite fit the maxim that the journey is the reward, the
journey nevertheless is the center of the story and the reason why we keep on reading. It could
be argued, too, that the journey is necessary for Odysseus to fully appreciate the reward of
arriving home to Penelopeand to acquire the self-discipline to deal with the home situation that
confronts him.

First, Odysseus's longing for Penelope is enhanced and his
love for her confirmed by his seven years with Calypso. By the end of it, he does not want to
stay with this tempting figure; he wants to return home to his true beloved, and Calypso is
forced to release him. Without this test through from another woman, Odysseusand his
audiencemight not have been as sure of his love for Penelope.

Penelope's love
for Odysseus is also tested through his long absence of twenty years as he journeys slowly home.
She proves her loyalty to him and her ingenuity in keeping other suitors at bay.

Odysseus also goes through a...