This essay will examine one of the most famous pieces of literature in the world – the epic poem “Odyssey” by Homer. The main idea of the essay will be concentrated on the complicated and controversial nature of the main character of the book. On the one hand, Odysseus is courageous, smart, insistent and self-disciplined. These features help him to achieve victories over his enemies and avoid various troubles which can cost him his life. On the other hand, a reader can observe some negative qualities which are not very common for heroes who are usually seen as flawless and exemplary individuals. These negative sides of Odysseus’s character include periodic brutality, inclination to lies in particular situations …show more content…
First of all, Odysseus cannot possibly be called lazy. The fact that he is hard-working is proven by Menelaos who says: “No one of the Achaians labored as much as Odysseus labored and achieved” (Homer, 52). This quality helps Odysseus to gain the due respect of his friends and people who surround him. Secondly, Odysseus is prudent and witty. He demonstrates these qualities in various situations where some people could give up but he is trying to find the way out by any means. Odysseus is thinking “I was already plotting … what was the best way out? how could I find escape from death for my crew, myself as well?” (Homer, 149). As we see, the hero does not care exclusively for his own life but also for the lives of his crew. This fact shows that he is not selfish or careless. Finally, except of being strong and courageous, Odysseus appears to be a kind man with a sensitive soul who can be touched and made to cry. Homer writes about his hero: “That was the song the famous harper sang but great Odysseus melted into tears, running down from his eyes to wet his cheeks …” (Homer, 133). Such a reaction demonstrates that Odysseus is not an “iron man” as many consider him to be but an ordinary human who feels sadness and