Adversity In The Odyssey Essay

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In the poem, “The Odyssey,” by Homer, it displays different choices that


can be one's downfall or rise to success. Homer depicts the poem in the era of


720 B.C. just after the Trojan War. The poem is about a man name Odysseus


who fought in the Trojan War and spent the next twenty years of his journey


trying get home to Ithaca. The theme of adversity is displayed throughout the


poem and how one can overcome. Is the problem of adversity meant to be taken


alone or together to persevere? In life it takes adversity to have success,


because one doesn't realize the hospitality of others, until they have lost what's


held close to them. Although adversity is considered to be the darkest moments


of one's journey, it shows reality in life. This poem isn't about …show more content…

Although everyone struggles with adversity, Homer explains it in greater


detail. In the midst of darkness, Odysseus is held captive by Calypso for many


years, and desires the help of God to fulfill his needs. “Hear me Lord, whoever


you are. I come to you, as many others have come, with a prayer…Take pity on


me, Master. I am your suppliant” (Homer 74). There's a point in life when


barricades from all sides finally trap one's heart, feelings, and perseverance


from overcoming. Regardless of the person, life is a journey meant to be taken


together not alone. One who is on a journey without guidance is like a ship that


has left shore into the middle of the sea and can no longer see the lighthouse on


a hill. It is ironic because in this time period women were meant to be seen and


not heard. Homer writes Penelope in this passage as a woman who makes a


stand against the suitors and takes back what belongs to her. “It was at this


moment that a sudden idea came to Penelope to confront her Suitors in all their


brutal pride” (Homer 220). When one becomes introverted and doesn't want

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