- The Odyssey
- Literature Notes
- The Odyssey at a Glance
- Poem Summary
- About The Odyssey
- Character List
- Summary and Analysis
- Books 13-14
- Books 15-16
- Character Analysis
- Athena (Pallas)
- Polyphemus (the Cyclops) and King Alcinous
- Circe and Calypso
- Character Map
- Homer Biography
- Critical Essays
- Major Themes in The Odyssey
- Major Symbols in The Odyssey
- Literary Devices of The Odyssey
- Famous Quotes from Homer's The Odyssey
- Film Versions of Homer's The Odyssey
- Full Glossary for The Odyssey
- Essay Questions
- Practice Projects
- Cite this Literature Note
Character Analysis Odysseus
Odysseus is a combination of the self-made, self-assured man and the embodiment of the standards and mores of his culture. He is favored by the gods and respected and admired by the mortals. Even the wrath of Poseidon does not keep him from his homecoming. He is confident that he represents virtue even when a modern audience might not be so sure. He is also a living series of contradictions, a much more complicated character than we would expect to find in the stereotypical epic hero. We can contrast Odysseus, for example, with the great warrior Achilles in The Iliad .
Achilles himself is not a two-dimensional stereotype. He has a tragic flaw, which can best be identified as hubris (an overbearing arrogance or misguided pride) as one of several distinguishing traits. But Achilles is a simpler character. According to the myth the Homeric Greeks would have known, Achilles was given a choice by the gods to live a short, glorious life full of excitement and heroism or a long, tranquil life with little recognition or fame. Achilles, of course, chose the glorious life; therefore, he achieves a kind of immortality through valor and intense, honest devotion to a cause.
Odysseus, in The Odyssey, is much more complicated. He lives by his wiles as well as his courage. He is an intellectual. Often he openly evaluates a situation, demonstrating the logic he employs in making his choices. When it proves effective, Odysseus lies (even to his own family), cheats, or steals in ways that we would not expect in an epic hero. Although he is self-disciplined (refusing to eat the lotus), his curiosity is sometimes the root of his trouble (as with the Cyclops).
He is willing to pay a price for knowledge; for example, he insists on hearing the Sirens' call, even though to do so, he must have himself excruciatingly strapped to the mast of his ship so that he cannot give in to the temptation. Odysseus can be merciful, as when he spares the bard Phemius, or brutal, as he seems when dealing with the dozen disloyal maidservants. He creates his own code of conduct through his adventures. He is deeper than Achilles, more contemplative, but still capable of explosive violence; he is almost certainly more interesting. It is easy to see why some critics like to call him the first "modern man."
Victory motivates Odysseus. He wants to return home and live well in Ithaca; as a result, every step along the way is another test, sometimes, another battle. His concern with victory is also cultural, as well as practical. In Homer's world, where there are no police or justice systems, might usually makes right. The strong prevail. Odysseus often has only two choices: death or victory. Even when Athena intervenes on his behalf, she often leaves ultimate success or failure up to Odysseus. During the battle with the suitors, for example, she could easily and quickly prevail; but she makes Odysseus earn the victory.
Appropriately, Odysseus' development as a character is complicated. He is, in every way, "the man of twists and turns" (1.1). While he does seem to grow throughout his wanderings, the reader should not look at each event as a one more learning experience for the hero. The Odyssey is not a lesson plan for growth; the episodes are not didactic examples of the importance of prudence or anything else.
When Odysseus left for Troy, he had already established his reputation as a hero. His participation in the war was crucial to the Greeks' victory. It was he who disguised himself as an old beggar and infiltrated the enemy. As Menelaus tells Telemachus in Book 4, it was Odysseus' legendary ruse of the Trojan horse that led to the defeat of Troy.
Certainly Odysseus does grow in wisdom and judgment throughout his ventures. His self-control while dealing with the suitors' insults is exemplary and contrasts, for example, with his earlier irresistible urge to announce his name to the Cyclops in Book 9. In other ways, however, he seems slow to learn. The most notable example being his difficulty in controlling his men. After the victory over the Cicones, Odysseus wisely wants to take the plunder and depart quickly (9.50). His men prefer to stay, leading to a defeat at the hands of reinforcements. When Aeolus grants the Greeks fair winds to Ithaca, Odysseus falls asleep within sight of home, enabling his suspicious, undisciplined crew to open the bag of ill winds and let loose a tempest that blows them off course. Again, on the island of the Sungod Helios, Odysseus' men disobey strict orders and feast on the sacred cattle when he goes inland to pray and falls asleep. The struggles Odysseus faces make his growth as a character more realistic and more credible because it is not simple or absolute.
Previous Book 24
Next Penelope
Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Odysseus — Odysseus Heros Journey Analysis
Odysseus Heros Journey Analysis
- Categories: Hero's Journey Odysseus
About this sample
Words: 1052 |
Published: Mar 5, 2024
Words: 1052 | Pages: 2 | 6 min read
Cite this Essay
Let us write you an essay from scratch
- 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
- Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours
Get high-quality help
Verified writer
- Expert in: Literature
+ 120 experts online
By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email
No need to pay just yet!
Related Essays
1 pages / 598 words
3 pages / 1395 words
2 pages / 1112 words
3 pages / 1315 words
Remember! This is just a sample.
You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.
121 writers online
Still can’t find what you need?
Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled
Related Essays on Odysseus
Leadership is a complex trait that is required in various aspects of life. In literature, there are numerous examples of leadership, and one of the most iconic figures in this regard is Odysseus. The epic poem "The Odyssey" by [...]
The Odyssey, an ancient Greek epic poem attributed to the poet Homer, tells the story of Odysseus’ journey home after the Trojan War. Upon his return to Ithaca, Odysseus finds his home overrun by suitors vying for his wife [...]
In today's world, the analysis of epic heroes remains a significant and relevant topic of study, as it offers insights into the values, morals, and ideals upheld by societies throughout history. One of the most famous epic [...]
Odysseus exemplifies adventure, courage, and the values of the Greeks, is Odysseus a hero? This essay proves that an epic hero is not only a personification of that culture but also the best version of that culture. The Odyssey [...]
The Odyssey, attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer, is a classic epic poem that tells the story of the hero Odysseus and his long and arduous journey home after the Trojan War. Odysseus’ journey is not just a physical one, [...]
The epic poem The Odyssey written by Homer and translated by Robert Fitzgerald is the story of a man as he embarks on an unexpectedly long and brutal journey home from the Trojan war with his crew of men. Along the way, the [...]
Related Topics
By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.
Where do you want us to send this sample?
By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.
Be careful. This essay is not unique
This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before
Download this Sample
Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts
Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.
Please check your inbox.
We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!
Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!
We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .
- Instructions Followed To The Letter
- Deadlines Met At Every Stage
- Unique And Plagiarism Free
Ask LitCharts AI: The answer to your questions
Odysseus quotes in poetics.
The best recognition of all is that which arises out of the actual course of events, where the emotional impact is achieved through events that are probable, as in Sophocles’ Oedipus and the Iphigeneia (her wish to send a letter is probable). Only this kind does without contrived tokens and necklaces. Second-best are those which arise from inference.
Homer, in particular, taught other poets the right way to tell falsehoods. This the false inference In cases where the existence or occurrence of A implies the existence or occurrence of B , people imagine that if B is the case than A also exists or occurs—which is fallacious. So if A is false, but its existence would entail the existences or occurrence of B , one should add B ; then, on the basis of its knowledge that B is true, our mind falsely infers the reality of A as well. An example of this can be found in the bath-scene.
Probable impossibilities are preferable to implausible possibilities. Stories should not be constructed from irrational parts; so far as possible they should contain nothing irrational—or, failing that, it should be outside the narration (like Oedipus’ ignorance of the manner of Laius’ death) and not in the play itself (like the report of the Pythian Games in Electra , or the man who comes from Tegea to Mysia without speaking in the Mysians ). Saying that the plot would have been ruined otherwise is absurd; plots should not be constructed like that in the first place. But is one does posit an irrationality and it seems more or less rational, even an oddity is possible; the irrationalities involved in Odysseus’ being put ashore in the Odyssey would be manifestly intolerable if a second-rate poet had composed them, but as it is the poet conceals the absurdity with other good qualities, and makes it a source of pleasure.
The Wanderings of Odysseus
44 pages • 1 hour read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Prologue-Chapter 6
Chapters 7-10
Chapters 11-15
Character Analysis
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Discussion Questions
Odysseus is the central character of Rosemary Sutcliff’s novel. He is the king of the small island of Ithaca in western Greece, where he lives with his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus. As one of the most important military leaders of the Greeks during the Trojan War, Odysseus helped achieve their victory by devising the scheme of the “Wooden Horse.” Known by the epithet “the Resourceful,” Odysseus’s defining characteristics are his intelligence and cunning, which allow him to devise complex plans for success that contribute to his fame and lore or, more practically, that allow him to escape from difficult situations (for example, imprisonment in the cave of the Cyclops). Odysseus also exhibits a resilience and determination closely associated with ancient Greek heroes. Odysseus’s unwavering desire to return to his home and family drives the plot of Sutcliff’s novel. To reach his goal, Odysseus willingly faces many obstacles on land and sea, and even combats temptation when Calypso offers to make him immortal if he stays with her instead of returning home.
Don't Miss Out!
Access Study Guide Now
Related Titles
By Rosemary Sutcliff
Black Ships Before Troy
Rosemary Sutcliff
The Eagle of the Ninth
The Shining Company
Tristan and Iseult
Featured Collections
Action & Adventure Reads (Middle Grade)
View Collection
Ancient Greece
Popular Study Guides
The Best of "Best Book" Lists
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Odysseus has the defining character traits of a Homeric leader: strength, courage, nobility, a thirst for glory, and confidence in his authority. His most distinguishing trait, however, is his sharp intellect. Odysseus's quick thinking helps him out of some very tough situations, as when he escapes from the cave of the Cyclops in Book 9, or ...
Character Analysis Odysseus. Odysseus is a combination of the self-made, self-assured man and the embodiment of the standards and mores of his culture. He is favored by the gods and respected and admired by the mortals. Even the wrath of Poseidon does not keep him from his homecoming. He is confident that he represents virtue even when a modern ...
The hero's journey is a classic storytelling framework that has been used for centuries to outline the trials and tribulations of a protagonist as they embark on a transformative quest. One of the most famous examples of the hero's journey can be found in Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey, which tells the story of the Greek hero Odysseus as ...
Odysseus Character Analysis. King of Ithaca, husband of Penelope, and father of Telemachus, former commander in the Trojan War, Odysseus is the flawed, beloved hero of this tale of homecoming and revenge. His character is deeply contradictory: he is both a cunning champion and a plaything of the gods, a wise commander and a vainglorious braggart.
Odysseus. The protagonist of The Odyssey, Odysseus is a classic epic hero. He is by turns cunning, deceitful, clever, prudent, wise, courageous, and impulsive. A distinguishing characteristic about him is that his mental skills are just as strong as his physical strengths, and this ability helps him escape some dangerous situations.
Odysseus. King of Ithaca, husband of Penelope, and father of Telemachus, former commander in the Trojan War, Odysseus is the flawed, beloved hero of this tale of homecoming and revenge. His character is deeply… read analysis of Odysseus.
One of only a few servants to receive a name in The Odyssey, Euryclea is one of the oldest and most trusted servants in Odysseus's household. In the course of the poem, we'll see her working as a maid, a nurse, a confidante, and even a friend, as she helps both Telemachus and Odysseus with their plans. Sinead, Owl Eyes Contributor.
Odysseus. Odysseus is the Odyssey 's titular character, but he is defined as much by his family and place of origin as he is by his individual characteristics. Whenever he introduces himself honestly, he refers to himself as the son of Laertes, from Ithaca. His desire to return home, no matter how difficult and dangerous the journey ...
Odysseus Character Analysis Essay. In Epic Poem "The Odyssey" Odysseus is the protagonist. Odysseus' over-the-top ego caused him to lose his men and his son's childhood, but taught him a valuable lesson about humility. The Odyssey, written by Homer, tells the story of Odysseus and how he faced misfortune in his attempts to return home ...
Odysseus Character Analysis. Odysseus is a legendary hero in Greek mythology and the main character in Homer 's Odyssey. Aristotle uses Odysseus as an example of reversal and recognition in Poetics and refers multiple times to the "bath-scene" in the Odyssey, in which Odysseus's identity is discovered by a nurse when she notices his ...
Odysseus Character Analysis Essay. 574 Words | 3 Pages. In the book The Odyssey, the main character, Odysseus, is a man who is loved and respected by many. In the beginning of the book, we learn that Odysseus has left on a journey and, since it has been many years since his departure, many people assume that he has passed.
Penelope as an Unlikely Hero in Homer's Odyssey. This lesson explores the extent to which Penelope is empowered in The Odyssey. Students will analyze Penelope's agency within the poem and identify heroic traits in her character. Students will further analyze how her character advances the plot and contributes in developing Odysseus's character.
Odysseus Character Analysis Essay. 574 Words3 Pages. In the book The Odyssey, the main character, Odysseus, is a man who is loved and respected by many. In the beginning of the book, we learn that Odysseus has left on a journey and, since it has been many years since his departure, many people assume that he has passed.
In other words, analyzing Odysseus throughout The Odyssey, one can see that Odysseus is a multifaceted character who displays both strengths and weaknesses. The epic hero of The Odyssey, Odysseus is a fascinating character full of contradictions. On one side he is eager in returning to his home to his faithful wife, Penelope, and his son ...
Odysseus is the hero or primary character and the legend of this epic ballad. Odysseus was the lord of Ithaca, was hitched Sovereign Penelope and was likewise the dad of Ruler Telemachus. Odysseus was depicted as an incredible warrior, who sets off toward the start of the ballad to go battle among the hardest warriors in the clash of Troy.
The multifaceted character of Odysseus is one of the important factors that distinguish him from other Greek heroes. He not only has the wisdom and bravery of Greek heroes but also has the innocence and loveliness that other Greek heroes do not have. ... Character Analysis Essay. (2023, July 11). Edubirdie. Retrieved April 13, 2024, from https ...
Odysseus Character Analysis Essay 574 Words | 3 Pages. Odysseus was a man of great stature and strength; however, Odysseus was not only physically strong, but mentally strong as well (Olson). We can see Odysseus' mental strength, or cunning, and bravery when he is in the den of Polyphemus and devises the plan to save him and his crew by ...
Character Analysis of Odysseus Essay. As he gets the Cyclops drunk he then says his name is nobody. He then pierces the spear through the sleeping Cyclops's eye, blinding the giant beast. The Cyclops then tells everyone that nobody blinded his eye. Nobody is actually Odysseus who is king of Ithaca who can be very smart and cunning in the story.
Character Analysis Essay On Odysseus. Odysseus gains the support of Athena, but does not seem to have Lady Luck by his side. Through a series of unfortunate events , Odysseus demonstrates his cunning wits with simple twists that would avoid future consequences. Odysseus and his men found a cave where "wild goats in hundreds breed there; and ...
Odysseus. Odysseus is the central character of Rosemary Sutcliff's novel. He is the king of the small island of Ithaca in western Greece, where he lives with his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus. As one of the most important military leaders of the Greeks during the Trojan War, Odysseus helped achieve their victory by devising the scheme ...