Character Analysis Of Odysseus In The Odyssey

Throughout literature, the reader often familiarizes themselves with the main character as it experiences changes in the story. In the epic poem The Odyssey translated by Richmond Lattimore, Homer, the author of the epic depicts the story of Odysseus, King of Ithaka and his journey back to his basileia after the decade long Trojan War. Several characteristics are apparent to the reader as Odysseus journey back to Ithaka emerges. His great Homeric leader traits proves to the reader that he is the epic hero of this time in the eyes of Homer. Throughout the epic, Odysseus learns from his character traits as he undergoes several challenges by the Gods. Odysseus characteristics traits allow him to grow into an ambitious man with confidence in his

This quote, demonstrates to the reader that like a hill-kept lion, he demonstrates: courage, strength, nobility, kleos, and confidence. Homers choice of words, gives the reader a well constructed view on how Odysseus perceives certain aspects of his life. Homer uses similes as a figure of speech to compare how Odysseus is proficient like a “hill-kept lion” when it comes to interacting with females. In other words, the homeric hero is always ready to go the extra mile. Homer states “who advances, though he is rained on and blown by the wind, and both eyes kindle; he goes out after cattle or sheep, or it may be deer in the wilderness, and his belly is urgent upon him” (Odyssey 6.131-33). Here, Homer compares the hill-kept lion and his urgent hunger to Odysseus urgent need for affection and help. In the eyes of Homer, Odysseus has the power of cunning over his strength. For this reason, he is capable of thinking with his brain rather than with his physical strength. His capability of persuading others with his cunning proves to be the turning point in the epic at several occasions. "Cyclops, you ask my famous name? Remember the gift you promised me, and I shall tell you. My name is Nobody: mother father and friends, everyone calls me Nobody" (Odyssey 9.364-66). Odysseus play of trickery towards the cyclops Polyphemus shows his capability of throwing off the

Through all the obstacles Odysseus faced on his journey back to Ithaka, he proves himself right by using his knowledge to come up with solutions to reach his ultimate goal. Odysseus defines a stereotypical hero and an odyssey equally because the characteristic traits are made after him. Odysseus defines an odyssey because the experiences and obstacles he had to maneuver around are what make an odyssey or a journey. As a whole, it is important for people around the world to understand what an Odyssey is because it depicts from Odysseus story