Trying to decipher a person is a difficult task, perhaps impossible. We can, however, observe their actions, their experiences and their resemblance to other people to make some progress in comprehending them. Deciphering Odysseus is especially strenuous, for he is shown as a crafty liar who tricks others to get what he wants. Additionally, we cannot tell where the truths end and the lies begin. Consequently, we might not be able to wholly answer who Odysseus is but if we are to understand the Odyssey, we first have to understand Odysseus.
Homer has constructed Odysseus as a complex character who is capable of molding himself into different forms to get the best out of his surroundings. Despite this complexity, Homer has given us enough clues to be able to recognize his actions. Of these clues, some are explicit and obvious, others are implied and can be deduced via his speeches and his acts. The explicit ones are easy, he is described to be, among other things, wise, kind and resourceful. The proofs of these can be seen numerous times in the text and thus be taken at face value. The real difficulty starts when we move past the explicit to the implicit.
To grasp his nature, we have to observe the other roles in the book who share parts of his experiences, personalities or aims. Consider Telemachus. Despite the clear difference between his and Odysseus` stature, other people like Nestor and Menelaus have no trouble accepting him to be the son of Odysseus after hearing him
up the fight for his deity through the realm of words. Many theories have been
and the way in which he says them. From this, we see that his whole
Appearing as an epic hero in The Odyssey, Odysseus is an iconic figure in ancient Greek culture and stories. He is portrayed as mighty, great, and powerful. However, what every one sees or thinks they see is just what’s on the surface. “Moralists grew angry in disputing whether he was a ‘good’ man or not-good, that is to say, according to the varying principles” (Stanford). Stanford is trying to explain that depending on people’s values they see or portray Odysseus in many different ways. It is hard to say whether he is bad or good because the author of The Odyssey, Homer, “ Is content to portray a man of many turns” (Stanford). Homer intended to portray Odysseus as this complex character that is not just one sided,
First off, Oedipus and his family had really rough times. Oedipus’ sons killed each other for the throne, his daughter killed herself, he killed himself, so it was a very weird family. To start off, Eteocles Oedipus’ son he was heroic because he saved his family and country from the enemies who tried to kill the people of Thebes. Eteocles of course saves them from the ruthless and ferocious Argive army. “Against our seven gates in a yawning ring the famished spears came onward in the night; but before his jaws were sated with our blood, or pine fire took the garland of our towers, he was thrown back, and as he turned, great Thebes no tender victim for his noisy power rose like a dragon behind him, shouting war.” This shows that the priest and chorus were talking about the war and how Thebes won at the end of the battle and Eteocles died with honor fighting for his country men and family. He was brave because he went into war against his own brother and he was not afraid that in the end of the battle he would probably kill his brother. “For God hates utterly The bray of bragging tongues; and when he beheld their
1. He knew well that they would leave and that his plan was set in motion (killing Fortunato) without nobody having him suspected.
on in the text. Examples of this are strewn about the book and are expressed through most characters. Arden, the unknown
From what he expressed during his
Homer, the author of Odysseus, took several aspects of Greek heroes and human personalities to create Odysseus. He gives Odysseus particular characteristics, like a scar, to characteristics we associate with individuals, like laughing and crying. Homer does to make it seem like Odysseus is a real person, but is a
According to both Greek and Homeric values humans should have reason, but very often they express passion, which leads to contradictory emotions and obstacles in life. Odysseus, a man with a complex life, struggles with many internal, personal contradictions that have a collective impact on his decisions throughout his existence. The most important contradictions Odysseus faces are loyalty and betrayal; humility and hubris; and wisdom and folly,
In Epic Poem “The Odyssey” Odysseus is the protagonist. Odysseus’ over-the-top ego caused him to lose his men and his son’s childhood, but taught him a valuable lesson about humility. The Odyssey, written by Homer, tells the story of Odysseus and how he faced misfortune in his attempts to return home after the Trojan War. Odysseus is not famous for his great strength or bravery, but for his ability to deceive and trick. To his friends, he was a brilliant strategist. To his enemies, he was a deceiver and a manipulator of the worst kind.
Didn’t show a lot of times where he was perceiving things in a certain way. Most narration objective description, or dialogue.
“Many ways Homer's portrayal was insightful and way ahead of his time in terms of how he explores the themes of war and heroism. At the beginning of the play, Odysseus appears to fit the traditional image of a war hero -- brave and strong. We also see him full of his own importance -- announcing himself as 'Odysseus, the slayer of cities. But, as the play progresses and he begins his long journey home, Odysseus is confronted with the lasting impact of the war both on himself and those at home. There many layers to his character and how the war and the themes of the play affect him. We gradually see Odysseus become completely broken by his experiences”(Sawyerr).
personality while comparing him to Theseus. The main characters are not the only aspect of this
Odysseus is no god. He is man, and with that comes the mistakes and errors in all of us. In many situations Odysseus' mortal side is seen. An example of the power of Odysseus coinciding with his human flaws is his battle with Polyphemous the Cyclops (son of Poseidon). After escaping the lure of the lotus-eaters and their island, Odysseus and his men find themselves on another island, rich with food and shelter. After feasting, the men grab a large container of potent wine and go off exploring the new island. Later in their search they stumble across a large cave filled with food. Curious where the owner's whereabouts are the men encourage Odysseus to steal the food. Odysseus (showing his hospitable and genuine character) decides to instead wait for the
This is not how he wanted to find out. This was something no one would wish on their worst enemy.