Character Analysis Of Odysseus In Homer's The Odyssey

The quotation, “Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose,” Bill Gates, an American business professional, philanthropist, investor, computer programmer, and inventor, demonstrates how one can be superior and strong, yet exemplify it in the wrong way. Odysseus can relate to this quotation when he reveals his name to the Cyclops, Polyphemus, not thinking about his outcome. He is a remarkable leader and he proves it throughout his expedition in the Odyssey. In Homer’s The Odyssey, Trojan War hero Odysseus displays heroic and sharp-witted actions throughout the tribulation and journey home. He undergoes the adversity of a ten year war and disregard from the exasperated gods due to his impetuous deportment.

His struggle to survive amplifies his strength and aspiration to be with his fortifying, loving friends and family. Even through the most challenge of tasks, he stills replicates the traits of a true hero and earnest leader. Odysseus is intelligent and clever; however, his imprudent behavior shows otherwise. Although he makes some rash decisions his astute ways set him apart from the other men thus conveying excellence. Displaying arete, Odysseus demonstrates leadership and loyalty through perspicacious and altruistic actions.

Odysseus illustrates benevolent and intrepid traits of a hero when he encounters the one eyed Cyclops, Polyphemus. When enclosed in the man eating Cyclops’ cave, Odysseus promptly devised of a way to escape, thereby displaying his heroic, intrepid quality. He decides to “peace offer” Polyphemus with the gift of wine to, “wash down your meal of human flesh with this tasty red wine”(Rosenberg 83). Odysseus’ men all consider killing the Cyclops; however, Odysseus knows that if the Cyclops is murdered there would be no hope in escaping due to the large boulder lodged in the way of the door. Therefore, they blinded Polyphemus in his sleep knowing that he will eventually be forced to move the immense rock, allowing he and his men a chance to evade. Odysseus also represents selfless and benevolent qualification when he provides the men with more than one sheep to flee under. Displaying courage and bravery, ”I tied one of my companions beneath the body of each middle ram… I myself chose the best ram of all” (Rosenberg 84). Polyphemus, now blinded, withdrew the rock enabling an escape route; however, retreating would not be easy on behalf of the Cyclops’ size; ergo, he composes the idea of tying his men to the bottom of a group of three sheep each, leaving himself to escape with only one sheep. Further displaying heroism, Odysseus proves he is a hero though these actions because he puts his men before himself when he bypasses Polyphemus with only one sheep.

Odysseus Resembles strong traits such as obedience and audacity; however, some may argue that he can portray as treacherous and vacuous.

Apathetically, he decides to not tell his men about all the blood-curdling terrors that lie ahead, thus revealing deception. He warns his men that the future adventure is none like the ones they have had; however, he fails to inform his men the full truth, “‘Surely what lies ahead of us now is worse than what we lived through’ …their arms and legs were waving high above me and my bronze spears were useless” (Rosenberg 95/96). Odysseus comes off as a loyal, relentless authority to those unaware of him not telling the full truth to his men. He could be describe as trustworthy; nevertheless, his decision to keep the menacing path ahead confidential is unjustifiable. Although Odysseus has made unreliable decisions, his good-will and desire to see his loved ones again overpowers them. He illustrates how he is devoted to returning home when he denies the gift of eternal life, “‘she would have made me immortal if I had chosen to remain with her. But my heart constantly longed for my homeland and Penelope’” (Rosenberg 97). He explains how much he yearns for his wife and homeland through the action of Choosing to go back to his homeland over becoming immortal and remaining with Calypso. Odysseus is noble and ingenious although he also tends to act before he thinks, consequently making him knowledgeable yet

impetuous.excursion

True to Friedrich Nietzsche’s quote, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger,” Odysseus became more intelligent after each battle he fought in. Odysseus fled from Polyphemus using his nimble ideas and assist from his men; however, the heedless activity of revealing his name to the Cyclops portrays hubris and can relate to bill gates’ quote as a result of speaking before he thinks. He validates his superiority and adherence through discerning and compassionate idiosyncrasies, interpreting arete. Even though Odysseus tends to make mistakes and bad decisions people can still use him as an example of what not to do. Odysseus epitomizes valor and deserves to be remembered for his heroic journeys and excursions.