Odysseus in The Odyssey Hero or Not Essay - 577 Words

The majority of those who read The Odyssey consider the protagonist of the story, Odysseus, a hero. On many occasions, however, Odysseus makes decisions beneficial to himself alone. For example, when Odysseus and his men find themselves on Polyphemuss island, Odysseuss actions are self-centered and at the expense of his men. This can be said for most of Odysseuss actions in the story, as his main objective is to reach his home. Having his men by his side when he returns seems a trivial thing to him. Odysseus could be considered a hero, but many of his actions say otherwise. Due to the many unfaithful and self-centered decisions he makes in the story, Odysseus is not a hero. Emphasizing on Odysseuss time on Polyphemuss†¦show more content†¦His bragging almost results in the death of his entire crew. Odysseus doesnt think highly of his men, and this is apparent throughout the entire story. One can be judged by their actions, but what truly shapes a person is their person ality. Odysseus is an over-confident and ill-tempered man. On the cyclopss island, Odysseuss boasting nearly proves costly. A modest and heroic person would have had his men in mind, rather than himself, and left the island. Also, Odysseus revealing his true identity to the cyclops could very well have resulted in the death of his men. After Odysseuss boasting, Polyphemus prays to his father, Let him lose all companions, and return / under strange sail to bitter days at home (Homer 9. (537-8). This prophecy, of course, becomes a reality. Another sign of Odysseuss over-confidence shows while he is explaining himself to King Alcinous. In some of his first words to the king, Odysseus again boasts of his accomplishments. Men hold me / formidable for guile in peace and war: / this fame has gone abroad to the skys rim (Homer 9. (127-8). Another very important fact is Odysseuss position on monogamy. Odysseus believes hes above monogamy, as he stays with many goddesses during h is journeys while Penelope stays faithful at home. A hero is not a boasting, over-confident person, but someone who does their actions for no reward. In conclusion, many of OdysseussShow MoreRelatedOdysseus : The Hero Of The Odyssey1912 Words   |  8 PagesThroughout the Odyssey, Odysseus experiences many ups and downs throughout his journey home. He is throw into peril and there often seems to be no hope for his return home. While he remains victorious in the end, returning to his wife, son, and father, the poem itself is filled with many darker moments filled with doubt and sadness. Odysseus is the hero of the Odyssey, and in order to exist as a hero he must be relatable. 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