In this essay, I will argue that the Odyssey is in agreement with Achilles’ criticism of the idolization of early death in the name of glory, who asserts to Odysseus that life is better than death under all circumstances. This is displayed as Odysseus realizes chasing glory will inevitably end in his demise, preventing him from returning to Ithaca and regaining control of his oikos. This will be proven through Odysseus’ encounter with Polyphemus, his conversation with Achilles in the underworld, and his transition of character from the beginning to end of his voyage.
Early on in Odysseus’ journey back home, his greed for glory and honor proves to be a handicap which puts both him and his men in deadly danger. This becomes explicitly clear in …show more content…
227)
Odysseus escapes the Cyclops in part by naming himself Nobody, a cunning act resembling humility; however, at the last moment he declares his real name to the Cyclops in order to be renowned for the act. The Cyclops then brings a curse upon him and his crew by praying to Poseidon, which proves to be the ultimate setback for Odysseus and his men. In seeking glory, Odysseus finds himself closer to death and farther from home than ever before. The Odyssey further advocates for life over glory in death by setting both Odysseus and Achilles’ fates at odds. The is highlighted in their exchange when Achilles says:
“No winning words about death to me, shining Odysseus! By god, I’d rather slave on earth for another man…than rule down here over all the breathless dead…But come, tell me the news about my gallant son. Did he make his way to the wars, did the boy become a champion-yes or no? Tell me of noble Peleus, any word you’ve heard…Oh to arrive at my father’s house- the man I was, for one brief day…” (The Odyssey, p. …show more content…
Homer uses humor through Odysseus’ thoughts to present what the old king would have done, a mere choice between beating the slave senseless or just killing him. It is then that the new Odysseus keeps “his mind in full control” and resists his temptation by practicing self-control; an obvious contrast of the episode with Polyphemus. Odysseus realizes it is crucial to maintain a low profile and further illustrates this understanding when he later addresses on of the suitors with:
“Of all that breathes and crawls across the earth, our mother earth breeds nothing feebler than a man. So long as the gods grant him power, spring in his knees, he thinks he will never suffer affliction down the years. But then, when the happy gods bring on the long hard times, bear them he must, against his will, and steel his heart…I too seemed destined to be a man of fortune once and a wild wicked swath I cut, indulged my lust for violence, staking all on my father and brothers.” (The Odyssey,
Early on in Odysseus’ journey back home, his greed for glory and honor proves to be a handicap which puts both him and his men in deadly danger. This becomes explicitly clear in …show more content…
227)
Odysseus escapes the Cyclops in part by naming himself Nobody, a cunning act resembling humility; however, at the last moment he declares his real name to the Cyclops in order to be renowned for the act. The Cyclops then brings a curse upon him and his crew by praying to Poseidon, which proves to be the ultimate setback for Odysseus and his men. In seeking glory, Odysseus finds himself closer to death and farther from home than ever before. The Odyssey further advocates for life over glory in death by setting both Odysseus and Achilles’ fates at odds. The is highlighted in their exchange when Achilles says:
“No winning words about death to me, shining Odysseus! By god, I’d rather slave on earth for another man…than rule down here over all the breathless dead…But come, tell me the news about my gallant son. Did he make his way to the wars, did the boy become a champion-yes or no? Tell me of noble Peleus, any word you’ve heard…Oh to arrive at my father’s house- the man I was, for one brief day…” (The Odyssey, p. …show more content…
Homer uses humor through Odysseus’ thoughts to present what the old king would have done, a mere choice between beating the slave senseless or just killing him. It is then that the new Odysseus keeps “his mind in full control” and resists his temptation by practicing self-control; an obvious contrast of the episode with Polyphemus. Odysseus realizes it is crucial to maintain a low profile and further illustrates this understanding when he later addresses on of the suitors with:
“Of all that breathes and crawls across the earth, our mother earth breeds nothing feebler than a man. So long as the gods grant him power, spring in his knees, he thinks he will never suffer affliction down the years. But then, when the happy gods bring on the long hard times, bear them he must, against his will, and steel his heart…I too seemed destined to be a man of fortune once and a wild wicked swath I cut, indulged my lust for violence, staking all on my father and brothers.” (The Odyssey,