The Consequence In Odysseus Of Homer's Odyssey

The introduction to this tale reveals a great deal of the importance of eloquence in speech, in this culture. Within moments of speaking Odysseus makes clear how important it is to speak well by comparing his ability to speak to the same abilities possessed by gods. Throughout this tale gods are used as a benchmark of the greatness of an individual, therefore for Odysseus to claim that his eloquence is the same as that of the gods is a bold claim and one he is certain he can back up. In the same introduction, Odysseus declares he is known for “all manner of wiles” (303). Therefore if Odysseus does have the a voice that is similar to what the others imagine the gods to have, and there is no mention of anyone refuting this claim, then a further

Phrases including “I chose” (309, 317), “I brought” (309), “I bade” (309, 317), “I called” (315), “I made answer” (321) and more are repeatedly used. However, the use of these phrases may just be viewed as conceited and boastful, except that they are usually followed by action of another. For example when Odysseus states “I bade” it is followed with “so they went” (309), when he states it again on page 317 it is not overtly stated but is implied that his comrades did what he said and stayed by the ship. Through this repeated narrative of Odysseus commanding something to be done and the person he is commanding doing it, Odysseus continually builds his ethos and demonstrates that he must be of considerable force and character. This persuasion technique, established in the opening, continues throughout the tale. Odysseus states at one point his “fame reaches to heaven” (303). At another time, speaking of Aeaea whom he calls guileful, he says “could never persuade the heart within my breast” (305). As established earlier the ability to beguile reflects the aptitude of eloquence, therefore his resistance to it build his credibility for not only creating a persuasive message but for rejecting one as well. Odysseus also uses his relationship with another respected individual to build upon his foundation of ethos even more by stating all the gifts he was given by Maro, he expounds