The Odyssey by Homer

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In The Odyssey, Homer's usage of dicton conveys Oddyseus's heroic traits and how even though Odysseus is a hero, he had to still grow to be a better, wiser man. Odysseus has character traits such as smart wits, strength and perserverance to define him as a hero. Although Odysseus is nothing less of a hero, he is not a perfect man and still had some growing to do. A particular reason that Odysseus is considered a hero because he is the man with the plan. Odysseus knows how to use his smart wits to make an ingenious plan when he was in a disastrous situation. For example in Book IX, the plan he used on the Cyclops, Polyphemus was superb. (IX;469-474) "But I was already plotting... what was the best way out? how could I find escape from death for my crew, myself as well? My wits kept weaving, weaving cunning schemes- life at stake, monstrous death staring us in the face- till this plan struck my mind as best." These words suggest that Odysseus knew that if he didn't used his wits and contemplate a plan quick, him and his crew could possibly face death. Once his smart wits, brought him a good plan he knew he slicked his way out of another disastrous situation. That is why at first, Odysseus was not sure if he could "escape from death" but when his plan came to mind he said "till this plan struck my mind as best". After that, he knew he would escape and be known once again as the hero he is. Another characteristic that qualifies Odysseus as a hero is his strength. Odysseus has more strength then any mortal man in the book. For instance, in Book XXI, Penelope proposed to all of the suitors that the man who could string the bow through all 12 axes could have her hand in marriage. She knew that only Odysse... ... middle of paper ... ...let his pride consume him and would have went on a raging rampage. Contradictingly, the growed Odysseus knew how to temper his pride with patience. Instead of Odysseus pleading guilty to Antinous murder for striking him with the chair, Odysseus kept it "silent". So he wouldn't blow his cover and could succeed in killing the suitors once and for all. Now since Odysseus knew how to temper his pride with patience, he was able to successfully murder all the suitors. All in all, Odysseus used the mistakes he made on his journey to his advantage and evolved into a better, wiser man. In The Odyssey, Homer's use of diction shows Odysseus heroic traits which are smart wits, perserverance, and strength. Also, during Odysseus's journey, he learned to use the mistakes he had made on his journey to grow to be a better, wiser man. Works Cited the odyssey by robert fagles

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