Fame In The Odyssey

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The Struggle for Fame
Does one’s desire for greatness and fame sometimes override one’s decisions? The desire for recognition for one’s achievements lives in everyone; whether it is learning to ride a bike or getting accepted into college, everyone wants to be noticed for their hard work. Sometimes, the longing for attention obscures one’s objectivity, pushing them to make detrimental decisions. Odysseus, the hero in Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey,displays an egotistical, boastful personality on his voyage home which causes him to almost sacrifice his safe homecoming to gain dignity. After fighting in the Trojan War, Odysseus travels with his crew through the Mediterranean Sea, hoping to arrive home to Ithaca. However, several dangers slow …show more content…
By ordering Polyphemus to “say [it was] Odysseus” to “any man” who asks who stabbed Polyphemus, Odysseus reveals that he is incredibly proud of his actions and he wishes to be renowned. However, Odysseus’s longing for glory actually creates more trouble because Polyphemus tells Poseidon, the god of the sea and earthquakes, about Odysseus gouging his eye. Because of Odysseus’s pridefulness, Poseidon now knows who stabbed his son’s eye, thus he troubles Odysseus and his crew members on their journey home (9.584-618). Odysseus’s drive for greatness infuriates Zeus and Poseidon, sending him astray, but by being sent off course, he actually learns to overcome his craving for personal …show more content…
Because of his foolishness, Odysseus faces trial upon trial, sees the death of every crewmate on his ship before his eyes, and is even stuck on an island for seven years. However, when he travels to Hades, Odysseus masters his self control, allowing him to successfully run his plan to recapture his kingdom. Odysseus continues to be immortalized as a great hero for enduring this long and brutal ten year exhibition home while also learning to overcome his pride along the way. The Odyssey truly reveals that glory is not gained from a desire, rather it is earned from hard work and overcoming

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