herody Free Essays on Homer's Odyssey - Odysseus Is Not A Hero
opinion Essay
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Odysseus Is Not A Hero A hero is "a man noted for his special achievements" according to the dictionary, but if you ask most people what a hero is, you will get the same general response. They will probably say "someone who does something for other people out of the goodness of his heart." Odysseus, who is the main character of the book "The Odyssey" written by Homer, would fit the dictionary's definition of a hero; but if you go deeper, looking at what people feel a hero is, he doesn't even come close. In the book, Odysseus does nothing out of the goodness of his heart. Even if Odysseus fought in the Trojan War, he is not a hero because he is self-centered and ignorant to other people's values and needs. There are multiple examples of Odysseus being self-centered, such as not taking people's advice. Odysseus was given advice from Circe that said not to try to fight Scylla even when she takes six of your men, but Odysseus tried to fight her and he lost three more men than the six he already lost. He also neglected to take the advice from his crew member, Eurylochus. Eurylochus told Odysseus not to send men to see what was on Circe's island and because he sent them anyway, they ended up being turned into pigs. Odysseus also neglects other people's lives when he takes action; such as when he tried to fight Scylla after strictly being told not to. Because of this ignorant action, he lost three more men on top of the other six. He also sacrificed men when he waited at the Cyclops' home for "gifts." Odysseus was very self-centered where real heroes are not. Odysseus also lacks the part of the hero profile which includes having a good heart. Odysseus definitely does not have this because he kills people without giving them a chance. Odysseus killed every one of the suitors in cold blood when most of them didn't commit a crime suitable for the death penalty. He also killed all of the maids who were raped by the suitors as if the had a choice in the matter. Odysseus also doesn't care about his crew members.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that if you ask most people what a hero is, you will get the same answer.
- Opines that odysseus didn't send men to see what was on circe's island and because he sent men.
- Narrates how people's lives were changed when he took action, such as after trying to fight scylla.
- Explains that he sacrificed men when waited at the altar.
- Opines that he killed all of the maids who were raped by the suitors as if they had a rape.
- Explains that he didn't try to defend his crew members who ended up being killed and eaten.
- Narrates how odysseus had affairs with other women while on his journey.
- Opines that odysseus is not a war hero in other respects.
- Analyzes how odysseus does nothing out of the goodness of his heart, even if he fought in the trojan war.
- Explains that odysseus tried to fight scylla even when she takes six of his men, but he lost three more men.
- Analyzes how he lacks the loyalty of a true hero as shown by his affairs with other women even though his wife.
Related
- analytical
- opinion
- argumentative
- explanatory
- Is Odysseus A Hero? in the Poem The Odyssey by Homeranalytical essayIs Odysseus a Hero? There are numerous heroes throughout “The Odyssey,” but none of them are as significant as Odysseus. “The Odyssey” is a narrative poem written by Homer (around 800 and 600 BCE) to show the numerous adventures and experiences Odysseus goes through.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how odysseus proves himself to be an outstanding hero in various ways.
- Analyzes how odysseus shows us a vast amount of bravery and courage. he battled polyphemus to try and save the lives of all the crew members held captive in the cave.
- Explains that loyalty is one of the most important qualities in odysseus, and it helped him get through many different obstacles he faced on his journey back home.
- Analyzes how odysseus shows leadership in various ways throughout "the odyssey." he was the one who figured out a way for him and his crew to survive from the cyclops.
- Explains that odysseus is a hero because he's strong, intelligent, and was able to get out of sticky situations.
662 wordsRead More - Odysseus' Heroism in The Odysseyanalytical essayBeing a legitimate hero is not all about having the extraordinary supernatural powers commonly seen on television. Heroes are people who aid others, often putting themselves at risk to do so. They made the decision to fight, not necessarily physically, for their values. Odysseus, the main character in The Odyssey, should be considered a hero. He put his own life in jeopardy to protect his men from the supernatural threats that they faced throughout their journey. Odysseus should be regarded as a hero because he is brave, clever, and cautious.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that being a legitimate hero is not all about having supernatural powers. heroes are people who aid others, often putting themselves at risk for their values. odysseus, the main character in the odyssey, should be regarded as
- Analyzes how odysseus shows his heroism through his bravery. when circe turned his men into swine, he confronted her.
- Analyzes how odysseus demonstrates his heroism via his cleverness. his escape from the cyclops, polyphemus, illustrates his guile.
- Analyzes how odysseus' cautious qualities validate his heroism. in "sea perils and defeat", he did not notify his men about the sirens.
- Analyzes how odysseus' courage, resourcefulness, and vigilance are qualities that designate him as a hero.
591 wordsRead More - Odysseus: Not A Heroanalytical essayThe main character of the Odyssey, Odysseus the King of Ithaca is given a complex personality to an extent where it is hard to identify whether he is a true hero or not. True heroism is only achieved when a person achieves certain qualities that portray heroism. Odysseus is not a hero based on the standards of merciful, selfless, and gentle because of his actions of sacrificing his men, killing the suitors and being ruthless throughout the Odyssey. Along with many others qualities these three are helpful and necessary in a hero. A hero must be willing to do service for others and put the needs of others safety and protection before his own. Odysseus does not even come close to matching these qualities because he is a person, who only serves of himself, and he sacrifices his allies to achieve his goals and often he takes action ruthlessly.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how odysseus, the king of ithaca, has a complex personality that makes it difficult to identify if he is true hero or not.
- Analyzes how odysseus, the crafty ruler of ithaca, is not a hero because of his lack of many important heroic qualities.
- Analyzes how odysseus is not a hero because of his selfish behavior and self-centered beliefs. he does not take actions when his men are being killed or eaten to protect himself.
- Analyzes how odysseus put his men in danger even though they wanted to get out of the cave before the giant returned, just so he can satisfy his curiosity.
- Argues that odysseus should not be considered a hero because he isn't gentle and kind like true heroes are supposed to be.
- Analyzes how odysseus' actions against polyphemus, the suitors, and his men show that he is the opposite of a hero.
1109 wordsRead More - A hero is a brave and strong person, who is also very human. A hero
In this essay, the author
- Opines that odysseus is a strong and brave man, but he lacks one of the heroes.
- Analyzes how odysseus is smart and conceited, like in the book.
- Explains that the 1900's had many of the traits that odysseus had, like in the poem.
- Opines that women had a hard time, but they continued to do great things.
- Opines that odysseus and the women are both great heroes.
- Explains that a hero is brave and strong, who is also very human, and feels fear and every other emotion that we do.
- Opines that the poem characters aren't like an epic hero because they're less into them selves than a poem character. they also seem to have done lesser things.
- Analyzes how the mate is faithful to his wife. he kills many men on his own in a battle at his home.
- Analyzes how the women were strong, but calm, like when the poem read, "with fists as well as hands."
- Opines that odysseus is a brave and strong person, but he seemed to be into himself too much.
- Opines that the women characters are more of a role model to kids today. they think odysseus was too.
802 wordsRead More - Herosargumentative essayWhat is a hero? According to the Webster dictionary a hero is “a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities.” The word hero can mean something different to everyone. The following is a comparison to a great American hero, Martin Luther King Jr. and Hero Hector, the Prince of Troy, in Homer's epic The Iliad
In this essay, the author
- Explains that a hero is someone who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities. martin luther king jr. and hector, the prince of troy, in homer's epic the iliad.
- Opines that a hero is someone who demonstrates bravery and courage. martin luther king jr. stood up for what he believed in and fought to protect and better the lives of many.
- Explains that in homer's epic, the iliad, there were heroes from both sides of the war. one hero that stood out to them was the prince of troy, hector.
- Analyzes how martin luther king jr. and hector dedicated their lives to the service of people. both faced threats from the ku klux klan as well as other white supremacy groups.
- Compares martin luther king jr. and hector, who were heroes and important for the protection and rights of the people they fought for, but had differences.
- Compares martin luther king jr.'s belief that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word. hector is seen throughout the iliad as someone who harasses others if they don't share the same beliefs.
581 wordsRead More - Hero Essay: A Hero In Real Lifeexplanatory essaySome definitions of heroes are people, who have noble qualities, and put the lives of others before their own life. They are expected to be reasonable and calm, during scary times, like when a shooting is going on, looking out for
In this essay, the author
- Agrees with the english proverb, "a hero is a man who is afraid to run away". heroes don't just do it so they can get paid, or respect.
- Defines heroes as people who have noble qualities and put the lives of others before their own life. they are expected to be reasonable and calm during scary times, like when a shooting is going on.
- Explains that captain america is a hero, and he has gone through the cycle of becoming one. his mentor, bucky, inspired him to join the military and the super-soldier program.
- Explains that the joker is a hero in every way, always doing something bad so he can fight his arch enemy batman. a villain is the complete opposite of.
- Explains that heroes are everywhere, and can be anyone. it all depends on if you’re going to choose to do something in a bad situation.
710 wordsRead More - Odysseus A Hero Essayargumentative essayWhat is a hero? The definition of a hero can be different for every person. To some people, a hero could be brave, fights for their country and shows their moral values. Heroes are often associated with people who are selfless and try to work for the common good. In Homer’s epic The Odyssey, Odysseus must return home to Ithaca after fighting in the Trojan War and being away for twenty years. Although he achieves nostos (homecoming), his selfish and violent actions in his journey reveals how he cannot be considered as a hero in modern times because he used his men as “chess pieces” to help himself return home to Ithaca.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the definition of a hero can be different for each person. heroes are often associated with people who are selfless and try to work for the common good.
- Compares the greek values of being a hero with those of modern times.
- Analyzes how odysseus' violent actions during his journey back to ithaca have revealed why he cannot be considered a modern hero.
- Explains that heroes have changed since ancient greece, where they only needed to do one amazing task to become a hero. heroes in modern society are more ordinary people willing to make self-sacrifices, something that odysseus could never understand.
658 wordsRead More - Anyone Can Be a Heroanalytical essayWhat is a hero? Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines a hero as “a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities.” That is just a dictionary definition and it can be different for every person. What is a hero to a police officer, a firefighter, a student, a solider? What does it take to be a hero? What kind of acts makes someone a hero? What some people see as a hero to themselves others see as a villain. A hero can be anyone; everyone in this world is a hero to somebody.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that merriam-webster's dictionary defines a hero as "a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities."
- Analyzes how people argue that not everyone has the same drive and determination as others do, and they are afraid to step out of their comfort zone or do anything that takes risks.
- Analyzes how the eagle coaxed her offspring toward the edge of the nest. she drew courage from an innate wisdom.
- Explains that an eagle is a majestic bird that stands up for its self when all birds hide from threats. everybody is hero to someone, but people need pushes to help others.
- Explains that criminals, people that break laws, and even suicide bombers are heroes to someone. every society has a different definition of what hero is to them.
- Describes a green beret who joined the military at age 18, two weeks after the 9/11 attacks on the world trade center. he wanted to help catch the people who threatened our freedom.
- Opines that heroes are everywhere, all around us. a cop, firefighter, student, inmate, and a green beret are all heroes.
- Cites rodney dozier's personal interview with floyd floyd and ryan goede. "hero definition/why did you join the army?"
805 wordsRead More - Heroisn in Homer's Odyssey Heroism was not an invention of the Greeks. Yet, through the first hundreds years of their civilization, the Greek literature has already given birth to highly polished and complex long epics that revolved around heroes. These literature works gave many possibilities of definition of heroism. The Greeks illustrated heroism to obey the rules laid down by the gods and goddesses, and those who obey the rules would gain honor and fame.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that if they did not rule, they would be punished by the immortals.
- Narrates how cyclops's men saw cheese, pens, and lamb lying on racks in his cave.
- Narrates how they'll drive thekids and lambs, throwing all the pens, and running for it.
- Opines that odysseus wished to see the cave man and what he had to offer.
- Explains the importance of obeying the rules laid down by the immortal as defined in the greek's.
- Describes the words of the two men, namely, "put up your weapon in the sheath."
- Opines that mutual trust may come of play and love.
- Narrates how he went to bed with a beautiful goddess, and yet responded, "circe, am i an adult?"
- Opines that you should make me soft and doting now?
- Opines that now it is i myself you hold, enticing into your chamber.
- Describes the dangers of a dangerous bed, to take my manhood when you have me stripped.
- Opines that if they swear to me first a great oath, they will love with you upon it.
- Narrates how she swore at once, outright, as i demanded, work no more enchantment to my harm.
- Explains that odysseus was asked by the goddess circe to make love with her in order.
- Explains that goddess wanted to go to bed with him, not to build trust.
- Analyzes how odysseus used his cunning to ask circe to make a deal in which he had to.
- Narrates how they swear to reverse her spell on his men in trade for him to make love with her.
- Explains the greek tradition of conquering fear or despair in order to save.
- Analyzes circe's response to what lay ahead in his journey home.
- Describes the dark cloud that never parts. halfway up the clip is a murky cave.
- Narrates how strong men's arrows shot from a ship can steer the vessel.
- Analyzes how the woman's voice is no deeper than a young puppy’s, but she herself is hideously.
- Opines that no one could look on her in joy.
- Opines that no seaman ever, in any vessel, can clam with fangs and deep gullets of black death.
- Opines that she passed her without loss or grief; she takes, from every ship, one man.
- Asks how they can fight off scylla when she raids their crew.
- Explains that circe told him how horrible scylla was, and that no ship of mortal men had ever been.
- Explains how to fight the monster that no one has passed it without loss.
- Explains that when his men were turned into swine by the goddess circe, he made her swear.
- Analyzes how she reversed her action in trade for him to make love to her. he showed cunning.
- Analyzes how he was less from his thought, which was seldom revealed, than by his words.
- Opines that the cunning of odysseus is mentioned more than his courage.
1638 wordsRead More - The Anti-hero in The Crucibleanalytical essayA hero is defined as "someone admired for his bravery, great deeds or noble qualities". There are three categories to which all heroes can be classified into, one of which is the anti-hero genre.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that proctor is feared and respected throughout salem, but few know that he is guilty of adultery with the teenage servant abigail williams.
- Analyzes how each text uses different textual styles and techniques. the crucible uses miller's contrast in characters, while the matrix relies heavily on the technique of symbolism.
- Opines that things they thought were so crucial have just become so stupid. it's a stupid dance with some stupid people that they see every stupid day.
- Analyzes how the crucible and the matrix exhibit more cultural and social values than buffy the vampire slayer.
- Explains that the crucible, the matrix and buffy the vampire slayer are three separate texts that are linked in some ways, like their developments of character, and vary in other ways. all three texts have a character that is the image of an anti-hero.
- Defines a hero as someone admired for his bravery, great deeds, or noble qualities. an anti-hero has the role of being thrust upon them and faces difficult decisions and doubts.
- Analyzes how proctor's insecurities are the foundation of his character development into an anti-hero. he is torn between confessing to adultery and revealing information he knows to save innocent lives.
- Analyzes how proctor's reluctance to reveal his knowledge enhances his anti-hero visage. he confesses to adultery out of desperation to save his wife.
- Analyzes how the anti-hero in 'buffy the vampire slayer' transitions into a romantic hero. buffy is bewildered and doesn't fully comprehend how important she is.
1544 wordsRead More