Odysseus’ Heroism
Many films, TV shows, and books portray their protagonists as heroes, but what makes them heroic? Heroes should be compassionate, humble, and put others before themselves. In Homer’s epic work, The Odyssey, it is debatable whether or not the protagonist can be considered a “hero” in today’s time. When the epic was written in Ancient Greece, Odysseus’ actions were acceptable and even expected. With today’s definition, he would not be considered a hero because of his pride and selfishness.
Throughout his journey, Odysseus was very prideful. He enjoyed boasting about his guile and skills, and because of this, he put his shipmates and himself at risk. As they were leaving the island after defeating Polyphemus, Odysseus antagonized the monster, yelling, “Cyclops, / if ever mortal man inquire / how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him / Odysseus, raider of cities, took your eye,” (9.416-18). Because of this, the cyclops knew his name and then was able to ask Poseidon to curse Odysseus. If he hadn’t provoked Polyphemus, he and his men could have returned home together, but he chose to be prideful …show more content…
When the epic was written, heroes were expected to punish those who wronged them, but with today’s definition, heroes should be more forgiving. Odysseus also wasn’t very compassionate to his wife, Penelope. Near the end of the story, Penelope was uncertain that Odysseus was who he said he was. She tested him by asking Eurycleia to move the bed he had carved out of their bedchamber, and to spread it with blankets. Odysseus was furious with Penelope and yelled at her. Instead of being understanding and calmly asking about the situation, he raged at his wife, whom he hadn’t seen in over twenty years. A true hero would have forgiven the suitors and would have been more patient with his beloved wife, but since Odysseus refused to show compassion, he would not be considered a
Many films, TV shows, and books portray their protagonists as heroes, but what makes them heroic? Heroes should be compassionate, humble, and put others before themselves. In Homer’s epic work, The Odyssey, it is debatable whether or not the protagonist can be considered a “hero” in today’s time. When the epic was written in Ancient Greece, Odysseus’ actions were acceptable and even expected. With today’s definition, he would not be considered a hero because of his pride and selfishness.
Throughout his journey, Odysseus was very prideful. He enjoyed boasting about his guile and skills, and because of this, he put his shipmates and himself at risk. As they were leaving the island after defeating Polyphemus, Odysseus antagonized the monster, yelling, “Cyclops, / if ever mortal man inquire / how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him / Odysseus, raider of cities, took your eye,” (9.416-18). Because of this, the cyclops knew his name and then was able to ask Poseidon to curse Odysseus. If he hadn’t provoked Polyphemus, he and his men could have returned home together, but he chose to be prideful …show more content…
When the epic was written, heroes were expected to punish those who wronged them, but with today’s definition, heroes should be more forgiving. Odysseus also wasn’t very compassionate to his wife, Penelope. Near the end of the story, Penelope was uncertain that Odysseus was who he said he was. She tested him by asking Eurycleia to move the bed he had carved out of their bedchamber, and to spread it with blankets. Odysseus was furious with Penelope and yelled at her. Instead of being understanding and calmly asking about the situation, he raged at his wife, whom he hadn’t seen in over twenty years. A true hero would have forgiven the suitors and would have been more patient with his beloved wife, but since Odysseus refused to show compassion, he would not be considered a