Despite the idea that literary works derive from a multiplicity of genres and were composed in different time periods, they always seem to have an underlying core: an idea similar theme or general moral idea of ​​the story. A theme that seems to be the underlying common denominator in all assigned texts was that of crossing literal and figurative boundaries and boundaries. In various ancient texts, authors have cleverly incorporated the idea of ​​characters crossing boundaries, be they physical, geographic boundaries, or subtle emotional and social boundaries. When such individuals - considered "border crossers" or "inhabitants" - enter foreign or uncharted territory, it not only provides insight into the reactions and expectations of two groups of individuals, but also provides clear insight into the relationship between distinct groups of people. people. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay When discussing the topic of border crossing, it is important to identify the specific way authors describe the idea of ​​crossing borders in written literature, as well as the positive and negative implications of this and the possible dangers connected. The implications of crossing borders can also teach individuals about the interactions and relationships between distinct cultures and unique groups of people. The idea of ​​crossing borders, however, does not stop only at the transcription of literary passages. Indeed, many examples of boundary crossing demonstrated in ancient texts can also be applied to more contemporary circumstances. A common way authors describe their characters crossing borders is by crossing physical geographic boundaries. In Homer's Odyssey, the central character Odysseus is on a continuous journey in which he encounters multiple groups of people living on different islands and the Odyssey therefore has distinct experiences with each of them. Odysseus's experiences and actions on each of these journeys go beyond the surface meaning of the text and communicate the possible experiences any individual may encounter while traveling to different regions. Odysseus's stop in the land of the lotus eaters conveys that one of the dangers of crossing borders arises from the high expectations one has of other societies. The inhospitable and inhumane intentions of the lotus eaters represent a society in which strangers are unwelcoming. In a different way, Odysseus' travels to the cave of Eileithyia demonstrate a new understanding of what results from crossing the geographical boundary. Since Eileithyia is the goddess of childbirth, Homer implies that the action of crossing the border is a means of “childbirth.” In this context, the action of crossing physical boundaries leads to the emergence of new tolerances and new acceptances by different groups of people. Furthermore, crossing borders and social boundaries is representative of the morals and ethics of a given society at a given historical moment. In the tale of the Arabian Nights, Sinbad the sailor converses with Sinbad the merchant about his fortunes and the wealth he has accumulated during his years of sailing. While it may not be explicit, Sinbad the Sailor crosses social boundaries in two ways in this scenario. Sinbad is crossing a social boundary as he is a lower-class merchant by birth who is accumulating immense wealth as a result of international trade with other countries, which may technically allow him to situate himself in upper-class status. Furthermore, Sinbad crosses another social boundary by communicating with someone who is representative.