The Vices of Human Nature in Homer's The Odyssey

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The sum of all human traits is defined as human nature, meaning the excuse for our vices, and the flaws of mortal life. In Homer's The Odyssey, the main character Odysseus demonstrates these flaws throughout his journey, constantly struggling through the eternal fight for realization of life and death, and is weighed down by the never ending power struggle of nature versus mankind.

In The final chapters of Odysseus's quest, the reader believes that the main character has finally found himself. The problem with his happy ending is that he has forgotten one thing. Odysseus is not perfect he is human. Though he has learned much through his perils, the vices of Pride, vengeance, and dependency, all come back to haunt him during the slaughter in the hall, leaving the reader to wonder if he learned anything during his time away from home. What if the true lesson learned was that human nature will always prevail?

In book twenty-two, when Odysseus is preparing to slaughter the suitors, he exclaims, murdering bow in hand: "Look-your crucial test is finished, now at last! But look ...

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