Odysseus vs. Milk

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Recommended: A long journey of Odyssey

Lost. A state of mind, an unknowingness of the world around you. Whether figuratively or literally, it is scary yet thrilling knowing that you have no idea where you are but are prepared for an adventure. A man Harvey Milk felt lost in more ways than one. He was an outcast, shunned for just being himself. Likewise literary hero Odysseus was lost amongst the sea. Long gone from the cozy home they once knew. From great fear comes greats ideas. Everyone has a person they look up to, someone they call their hero. Although it may seem like Odysseus and Harvey Milk are two completely different people, they are in fact similar. Their characteristics stand out more than a normal being. In The Odyssey, Odysseus is faces many complex obstacles as he travels a prolonged journey on his way home. No Compromise: The Story of Harvey Milk is about Harvey Milk who grew up in a society where homosexuality was not accepted. However, he fought for his rights as an influential gay politician. Odysseus and Harvey Milk are considered a hero. When comparing Odysseus to modern day hero Harvey Milk, he measures up equally to Milk’s heroic standards.
One point of comparison would include them both being courageous. Odysseus, whom the crew on the ship admires, and Milk, a Jewish hippie, never backed down even when times were rough. For example, Odysseus steps up as a leader and takes charge as they approach the land of the Kyklopes. “Old shipmates, friends, the rest of you stand by; I’ll make the crossing in my own ship, with my own company, and find out what the mainland natives are--for they may be wild savages, and lawless, or hospitable and god fearing men” (Homer 150). Milk also represented the people by his powerful speech at the Gay Freedom Day parade...

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...sted without his reassurance.
In the end, true heroism is based on courage, determination, and hopefulness. In comparison with Harvey Milk, Odysseus meets the requirements of a modern day hero. Having each one of these qualities is what separates each of us. Many can not deal with situations when thrown to us. Mainly, belief in one’s self and concentration are key to a hero. Odysseus believes he is the best. It is a good thing since it shows that he is not going to let anything stop him. Similarly, Harvey Milk was focused on the approval of gay rights by others. Being heroic also means leaving an impact on people. That is something which these two men certainly did.

Works Cited

Aretha, David. No Compromise: The Story of Harvey Milk. Greensboro, NC: Morgan Reynolds Pub., 2010. Print.
Homer. The Odyssey. New York City, NY: Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1961. Print.

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