Recklessness In The Odyssey

A person’s character is developed and influenced by the experiences they undergo during their lifetime. For instance, someone who was isolated during adolescents will likely have difficulty communicating with others just like an abuse victim will be more inclined to have trust issues. All throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus goes through major misfortunes that continued to develop his character even after his return home. The decisions and judgments that he makes determine the evolvement in his character. Odysseus’ character was altered throughout the chorus of Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, progressing from reckless to cautious, impulsive to patient, and egotistical to relatively humble. Odysseus’ recklessness caused an unnecessary

Odysseus’ repeated attempts to prove his own excellence cost his comrades greatly. Book nine, the cyclops saga, is a prime example of this. In spite of his crew’s requests, Odysseus refused to leave the cave of Polyphémus before the cyclops’ return, “But I ignored their counsel, though that course would have avoided many griefs for us. Instead I had to wait to see that man, to find if he’d welcome me” (Homer 176). Odysseus did not ruminate over the possibility of the cyclops being a threat to him or his crew, his only concern was meeting him. If Odysseus were to listen to his crew, or even just mull over the situation, he could have avoided making that poor, impulsive decision. And when he was later presented with the conflict of ridding his house of the suitors, Odysseus did just that. His usual impetuous style would not have produced the same triumphant results. After revealing his identity to Telemachus, Odysseus requested he “describe the suitors, so that I may learn how many and what sort of men they are. As I deliberate in my stout heart I then can see if just we two alone…[can] face their force, or if we must seek help” (Homer 325). Not only did this precaution validate Odysseus’ betterment from reckless to cautious, but it also exhibits his progression from impulsive to patient. Odysseus chose to stop and consider his predicament instead of jumping right into battle. The hardships

Murdering and robbing the Cicones on their island was not only unnecessary, but it cost Odysseus many of his men, “I sacked their city, massacred their men. We took much treasure and we took their wives… In each ship’s crew, six of my well-greaved comrades died” (Homer 171). Odysseus could have sailed right by the island of the Cicones, but that would not have boosted his ego. Killing these men and enslaving the others was another opportunity for Odysseus to prove to others what kind of leader he was, so he took it. After learning from this experience, Odysseus did not take the next opportunity to prove himself. Odysseus could have reciprocated Antinous’ actions when he threw a stool at Odysseus, but “When struck, he did not budge; he stood, firm as a rock; he only shook his head…he devised a deadly plot” (Homer 353). Although murdering Antinous at that moment was another opportunity to prove himself, Odysseus knew that it would be detrimental to his plan. Instead of acting out of egocentrism, he continued his façade as a beggar. Throughout his ordeal, Odysseus was able to progress from egocentric to relatively