The Odyssey Literary Analysis

Do gods, goddesses, and monsters fascinate you? The epic poem The Odyssey written by the one and only Greek poet Homer consists of Odysseus’s journey home after the defeating Trojans. Odysseus runs into trouble and dangerous paths through his way and cannot manage to get back home to his land, Ithaca. Odysseus has to find his way out with or without their help. Odysseus uses his leadership to get his crew and himself through the rough travel. In The Odyssey, Homer not only captivates his readers with Odysseus’ journey but also highlight the Greek values of leadership and hospitality. Odysseus uses his intelligence to escape the dangers in his way. It is surprising to see the King of Ithaca struggle to make it home and also having to conceal his identity. Odysseus is portrayed as a hero, with his bravery and perseverance. As Odysseus and his men are sailing their way home, they are backtracked by each island they land on. When they landed on the land of the Lotus eaters, Odysseus was aware of the danger that the Lotus flower contained. He warned his men, “All hands aboard; come, clear the beach and no one taste the Lotus, or you lose hope of home” (Homer 148). Being the leader of the group, it is Odysseus’ duty to keep his men alive and well. It shows that he cares about his men and has sets a good example for them. While still in the Lotus island, Odysseus asks his group to remain while he goes to explore what is nearby, “... the rest of you stand by; I’ll make the crossing in my own ship, with my own company… for they be wild savages, and lawless, or hospitable and god fearing men” (Homer 150). The suspense to this scene seems intriguing, what could have been on the island? Odysseus not only invokes the role of leadership but also bravery. It shows how he would sacrifice himself to save his own men. Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus is constantly leading his crew …show more content…
In The Odyssey, when Kirke turns Odysseus’ men to pigs, she makes Odysseus an arrangement. She’d turn his men back if he would sleep with her and they could stay for one year living in luxury, “Son of Laertes and the gods of old, Odysseus, master mariner and soldier, go to the sea beach and sea-breasting ship; drag it ashore… be quick; bring all your dear companions.” (Homer 177). This was ironic because she had treated Odysseus’s men wrongfully and was now being hospitable. Telemachus also showed hospitality to Athena by greeting her without knowing who she was. For example, when he saw Athena standing outside, he called out, “Greetings, Stranger! Welcome to our feast.” (Homer 5). Telemachus’s greetings show how strong hospitality was valued in Greek society. When Odysseus swims to the island of Scheria and is welcomed by Princess Nausikaa, she helps Odysseus with some clothes, “... here you shall not lack for clothing, or any other comfort, ‘ tell me, how are you called? I’ll make a gift will please you.’” (Homer 155) The Odyssey focuses on welcoming strangers. This relates to the real world as people should be welcoming to everyone who seeks help. Greek society valued this trait, however, in our society we are losing this