Odysseus Polytlos

Odysseus Polytlos

The Odyssey is a Greek heroic epic written around the eight century B.C.. James Redfield claims that: "The warriors virtues, further entitle him to claim a social status. But he can claim that status only if he can show that he has the virtues, and he can demonstrate warrior virtues only on the battlefield to claim the status of a hero(Redfield p. 179)." Redfield's interpretation of heroism can be applied more towards the Iliad than the Odyssey.

In the Odyssey, Odysseus goes beyond the battlefield to claim the status of a hero. As Fraenkel indicates, "the hero of the Iliad great because he is wrathful and stubborn; that of the Odyssey, not because he is self willed but because he is "versatile"(Fraenkel p.163). Odysseus is not just a physically strong warrior and a great leader, he is self conscious, clever and able to recognize and solve internal and external problems. Odysseus's name itself can help one understand the major theme of the Odyssey. His name is derived from the greek verb odysasthai, which means "to have hostile feelings or enmity toward someone(Clay p.107)." It also means "to be angry", "to hate someone", "to vex", "to trouble", "to offend"(Clay p.107). During Odysseus's journeys he must learn how to control his anger and resist temptation in order to resolve conflicts. Oddysseus makes major progression in his ability to control anger and resist temptation.

Odysseus's biggest failure in dealing with temptation happens on the island of the Kyklopes. Odysseus becomes very angry when the Kyklope eats two of his men. His immediate reaction is to kill the Kyklope, however he realizes that in order to survive he must control his temper and come up with a clever plan.

"My heart beat high now at the chance of action,

and drawing the sharp sword from my hip I went

along his flank to stab him where the midriff

holds the liver. I had toched the spot

when sudden fear stayed me: if I killed him

we perished there as well(Homer Book 9 line 312-317)." Odysseus then uses his heroic wits to lay down the plan that would save his life. The second time that the Kyklope eats two of his men, Odysseus is able to suppress his anger and stick with his plan to outwit the beast.