What Makes Odysseus A Tragic Hero

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The great philosopher Aristotle once said, "A man cannot become a hero until he sees the root of his downfall." Aristotle describes a tragic hero as someone who makes mistakes, accomplishes heroic deeds, and experiences tragedy. These characteristics (heroism, tragedy and making mistakes) are what make Odysseus a tragic hero. Odysseus accomplishes many heroic deeds while on his journey in The Odyssey. For example, when Odysseus’s men get captured on Circe’s island, Odysseus goes by himself to rescue them because “Necessity drives [him] on” (239). Even when he faces death, Odysseus still travels to save his men, no matter the cost. This act of heroism not only brings his men back, but it also gives them a chance to rest and enjoy Circe’s hospitality. Also, when Odysseus reaches the land of Polyphemus the Cyclops, Odysseus tricks him by getting him drunk, saying, “Here cyclops, try this wine, to top off the banquet of human flesh you’ve just …show more content…

For instance, when Odysseus receives the gift of winds from Aeolus, he doesn’t tell his men what is in the sack, resulting in his men growing suspicious and jealous, wanting to see “[...]what loot is in that sack, much gold and silver” (231). Odysseus makes a foolish mistake in not informing his men about his whereabouts. This in result, make the men grow envious and they begin to think of disobeying Odysseus’s orders. Following this further, when Odysseus and his men were sailing to Ithaca, “On the tenth [night] [their] own land hove into sight at last-[they] were so close [they] could see men tending fires[…][Odysseus’s men] loosened the sack and all the winds burst out[…]and swept [them] out to sea[…]far from [their] own native land” (232). The tension between Odysseus and his men grows so tight that in the end, everyone gets hurt. Odysseus is so close to his homeland, but it is in vain. The mistake that Odysseus makes leads to a

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