Odysseus Power-Driven Character In Homer's The Odyssey

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The Odyssey, an epic poem written by Homer, has many characters, but the main character is Odysseus, king of Ithaca and hero of the Trojan War. Odysseus is a strong character and is protected by the Greek goddess, Athena. The Odyssey is the story of Odysseus, great journey home from the Trojan Was, but he makes many decisions that many people today consider unjust or unethical.(Encyclopedia Britannica) He makes these decisions all in the effort to get home, and in self defense. That is why Odysseus’ actions make him a primarily moral and ethical driven character, rather than a political and power driven character. In the book, ¨The Odyssey¨ translated by Robert Fitzgerald, Odysseus’ actions are considered just and moral, but in today’s standards his actions are considered self defense. For example in Book 22 through 24, Odysseus is plotting and carrying out his revenge on the suitors. This action is one of the most conversion, but it was self defense, because they invaded his home and the suitors will kill Odysseus and his son Telemanchus if he does not act. Odyssus also acted in self defense in the Cyclopse cave in …show more content…

Cyclops's Cave needing the supplies to get back to Ithaca and he needs to know which way is Ithica. It is also rude to just take the host’s things, without introducing yourself. Also, Odysseus needs to get rid his house of the suitors, because the suitors threatened to kill himself and his son. They also would have come back with greater armies and then killed Odysseus and his heir to get his land, wealth and power. Another example is found when Odysseus’ ships travel to Circe’s Island he did what he did so the witch would turn his men back to humans and release them. Examples of his moral and ethical decisions can be found throughout his journey and that is what makes him a moral and ethical

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