"I wonder why do you hold such an angry grudge against me? Is it because I am dirty, and wear foul clothing upon me, and go about as a public beggar? The need is on me, for such is the lot of vagabonds and men who are homeless. I too was one who lived in my own house among people, prospering in wealth, and often I gave to a wanderer according to what he was and wanted when he cam to me; and I had serving men by thousands, and many another good thing, by which men live well and are called prosperous, only Zeus, son of Kronos, spoiled it all-somewhow he wished to. So, woman you should now beware leste you lose all of that glorious look with which you shine among the handmaidens..." (Book 19, lines 71-83)
When teaching The Odyssey to 9th graders, as most of us know, it is important to make some aspect of the text relevant to the students, or we lose them. The above passage directly addresses the issue of fate vs. free will and our lack of ability to completely control what happens in our lives. A direct text to text comparison can be made to Of Mice and Men ("The best laid plans often go awry"). In this passage, Odysseus is addressing the importance of treating others, even those who are supposedly below your station, kindly and/or with respect because you may one day lose your good fortune, and be of a similar lowly status as a result of forces beyond your control.
In addition, this passage addresses the issue of deception in disguise, and the idea that things may not always be as them seem.
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