Ulysses By Bernard Evslin: Is Ulysses An Effective Leader?

People may doubt what you say, but they will believe what you do. - Lewis Cass. In other words, lead by example. Ulysses motivates his men to follow his lead because he is an effective leader. The Adventures of Ulysses, by Bernard Evslin, is a retelling of the epic The Odyssey. It tells of the perilous journey Ulysses and his men embark on after the Trojan War. Assisted and hindered by many of the gods, Ulysses and his men fight giant monsters, evil sorceresses, and horrible creatures on their voyage home. They continue for ten long years, determined to reach home. But home is where they will encounter the worst battle. Throughout his journey home, Ulysses proves to be an effective leader because he is cautious, clever, and selfless.
First,

Ulysses proves himself to be an effective leader because he is cautious. In the beginning of the book when Ulysses and his crew first begin their journey home, they sail by an island that appears to be defenseless. Eurylochus, one of Ulysses’ crew, feels that the city is an easy target, and they should attack in order to gain more riches. However, Ulysses cautions, “ ‘Yes, it looks tempting,’ said Ulysses. ‘But the wind blows fair, and good fortune attends us. Perhaps it will spoil our luck to stop.’” (p. 5) This example shows Ulysses as a cautious leader because he does not act impulsively; rather he considers that since his ships are benefiting from good sailing conditions, it is perhaps more wise to continue on with their journey instead of letting the temptation of greed interfere. In addition, in the chapter Cannibal Beach, we learn that Ulysses has a habit of leaving one of his ships out in the harbor when he lands on an unfamiliar island. ¨But according to his prudent custom, Ulysses beached only two ships, keeping one moored in the event of an attack.¨ (p. 42) This example shows Ulysses as an effective leader because it shows how he understands that there may be dangers on an island and is thinking ahead to protect one of his ships. On Cannibal, this strategy proves to be effective because his men are attacked by giants and need that boat to escape safely. Clearly, being cautious is one way Ulysses is an effective leader.
Furthermore, Ulysses shows his effective leadership skills by acting selflessly.

When Ulysses and his men leave the island of the Ciconians, their ships began to leak. Ulysses knows they cannot spare food or water; it is their treasure from Troy that must go. His men are upset at this prospect, ¨But Ulysses cast over his own share of the treasure - and his was the largest - so the men had to bite back their rage . . .¨ (p. 8) This example shows that Ulysses' mindset is selfless; he knows if they want to get home, they will have to sacrifice something that is important to them - the treasure. This also shows Ulysses as an effective leader because he is leading by example. Ulysses, by throwing away his own large share of the treasure, is showing his men that getting home safely is more important that treasure Another example of Ulysses' selflessness is when they must pass by the Sirens. Ulysses protects all his men by stuffing their ears with wax so they will not hear the deadly song of the Sirens. However, he knows that to sail the ship, he must be aware of his surroundings, particularly the wind, so Ulysses tells his men ¨'First you must bind me to the mast. Tie me tightly, as though I were a dangerous captive. And no matter how I struggle, no matter what signals I make to you, do not release me . . .'¨(p. 86) This shows Ulysses selflessness because he is willing to suffer for the greater good; he is willing to have himself tied up to protect his men and steer the ship

safely. Obviously, Ulysses' selflessness helps prove him to be an effective leader.
Finally, Ulysses is an effective leader because he is extremely clever.

When his men get trapped in Polyphemus’ cave, he uses his wits to get the cyclops drunk. A master tactician, Ulysses quickly concocts an escape plan. “‘You four get on one side of his head the rest on the other side. When I give you word, lay hold on the ear on your side, each of you. And hang on, no matter how he thrashes, for I am going to put out his eye . . .’”(pg. 22) This examples shows how quick-thinking Ulysses is, even with they are in peril. Another part of this plan that was extremely clever was that Ulysses told Polyphemus, intentionally or not, that his name was Nobody, so nobody knew who had attacked him. In addition, Ulysses is also skilled at using his wits when they are in danger, particularly when they are fighting the giants on Cannibal Beach. “Ulysses did not lose his wits. Fear turned to anger in him, and anger became an icy flame that quickened him. His sword was scything the air; . . .” (pg. 45) This shows that Ulysses does not lose his mind when he is in danger, a very important quality in a leader. Clearly, Ulysses is a cleverness proves him to be an effective

leader.
In conclusion, it is truly Ulysses' cautious, selfless, and clever actions in many situations inspire his men and prove him to be an extremely effective leader. Similarly, Martin Luther King Jr, the leader of the Civil Rights Movement in America, also led his people by example. He motivated them to peacefully protest, boycott, and march for freedom for colored people. In his own words, "The people are looking to me for leadership - and if I stand before them without strength and courage, they too will falter." In essence, he is saying that if he does not have strength and courage, his people, following his example, will not have strength or courage.