Odysseus: Character Analysis “The Odyssey” by the Greek author Homer, is a “Highly stylized” epic poem, which tells of a hero Odysseus, who journeys to his home in Ithaca after a victory in the Trojan War (Pathways 466). Throughout the poem, Odysseus faces many obstacles on his eighteen-year journey and must prove himself an “epic hero.” Odysseus uses his many character traits, both positive and negative, to help him on his trip. Finally, Odysseus proves himself to be an archetype of a hero that is copied in other forms of literature. Throughout this poem, Odysseus proves himself to be an epic hero, has many positive and negative traits, and is an archetype of an epic hero duplicated in many other literary works.
Throughout this “epic poem,” …show more content…
For example, Odysseus is a strong leader among his men. This is specifically exemplified when he ventures onto the Island of the Cyclopes. He gathers his men and leads his group onto the island of the Cyclopes to explore boldly. After being on the island for some time, Odysseus uses his wits and cleverness to help him and his men escape. Odysseus and his men hang on the underside of Polyphemus’s sheep as they go out to graze which allows them to escape from the cyclops’ cave unnoticed. Odysseus demonstrates true bravery by his action on the island of Aeaea. After his shipmates have been turned into swine, Odysseus boldly ventures out alone to rescue them from the witch goddess Circes. In addition to his positive characteristics, Odysseus also has some flaws. For example, while in Polyphemus’s cave, Odysseus lies and says that he does not have a ship. He deceivingly explains “Poseidon Lord, who sets the earth a-tremble, broke it up on the rocks at your land’s end” he continues to explain saying “we are survivors, these good men and I.” Another one of Odysseus’ prominent flaws is his Pride. For example, while at Polyphemus’s cave, Odysseus refuses to leave at the request of his men because he wants to see the cyclops. His pride costs the life of many members of his crew. Through these examples it is clear, that throughout his journey, Odysseus uses both his positive and negative
Throughout this “epic poem,” …show more content…
For example, Odysseus is a strong leader among his men. This is specifically exemplified when he ventures onto the Island of the Cyclopes. He gathers his men and leads his group onto the island of the Cyclopes to explore boldly. After being on the island for some time, Odysseus uses his wits and cleverness to help him and his men escape. Odysseus and his men hang on the underside of Polyphemus’s sheep as they go out to graze which allows them to escape from the cyclops’ cave unnoticed. Odysseus demonstrates true bravery by his action on the island of Aeaea. After his shipmates have been turned into swine, Odysseus boldly ventures out alone to rescue them from the witch goddess Circes. In addition to his positive characteristics, Odysseus also has some flaws. For example, while in Polyphemus’s cave, Odysseus lies and says that he does not have a ship. He deceivingly explains “Poseidon Lord, who sets the earth a-tremble, broke it up on the rocks at your land’s end” he continues to explain saying “we are survivors, these good men and I.” Another one of Odysseus’ prominent flaws is his Pride. For example, while at Polyphemus’s cave, Odysseus refuses to leave at the request of his men because he wants to see the cyclops. His pride costs the life of many members of his crew. Through these examples it is clear, that throughout his journey, Odysseus uses both his positive and negative