How did Odysseus show dishonesty?
He also lies about who he is to Athena, the swineherd Eumaeus, Telemachus, and Penelope, claiming to be a shipwrecked man from Crete who fought in the Trojan War and spent years in Egypt. These deceitful stories allow Odysseus to work his way back into his household and test the suitors and servants' hospitality.
What kind of person is Odysseus?
Odysseus has the defining character traits of a Homeric leader: strength, courage, nobility, a thirst for glory, and confidence in his authority. His most distinguishing trait, however, is his sharp intellect.
When was Odysseus dishonest in The Odyssey?
Throughout the story of The Odyssey, Odysseus uses a lot of deceit and dishonesty to get himself out of trouble which leads to the deaths of his men. One such decision was to boast to Polyphemus, which is explained in the quote,“After he had regained his ship, Odysseus could not help shouting…show more content…
Does Odysseus have good morals?
In the story, Odysseus is portrayed as a good man with all the valued greek morals, doing nothing wrong to deserve suffering. This is first shown when Athena argues with Zeus to release him from Calypso's island, as she says,”But my heart breaks for Odysseus, that seasoned veteran cursed by fate so long…”(Fagles 1.
Is Odysseus a hero or coward?
Odysseus and Perseus are two mythic heroes famous for fighting both mortal and immortal enemies in the course of their extensive travels. In the Odyssey, Homer illustrates Odysseus's battle against the suitors to regain his wife and household.
Is Odysseus selfish or selfless?
Odysseus is extremely selfish by betraying his crew. His crew believes that Odysseus is trying to help them return home, when he is actually only concerned about himself.…
Why does Odysseus lie so much?
In Homer's Odyssey, Odysseus uses lies as a protective disguise against strangers. Not only does Odysseus utilize lies to keep his identity a secret but also, through the use of specific language, he conveys unspoken points. These points invoke different feelings and opinions in the people to whom he lies.
Is Odysseus telling the truth?
The answer to this question must be a resounding “NO!”. Odysseus is a chronic liar. Homer repeatedly calls him resourceful, but in fact, there are many occasions where he just presents a most fabricated lie and gets everyone to believe him. In some of the cases, the lie could be justified.
What was Odysseus biggest mistake?
Odysseus has made some mistakes. No one's saying otherwise. He blinded a Cyclops, he invoked the wrath of Poseidon, and remember that time he got distracted by a sexy sea-witch for an entire year? (Full disclosure, he also stole some cheese.) But by far his biggest mistake was hiring his crew.
Is Odysseus good or evil?
In The Odyssey, this notion is expressed in a similar manner, whereas, there is the epic's hero or “good”, Odysseus, who embarks on a journey home and defeats any and all evil in his way of completing …show more content…
Does Odysseus show integrity?
Although Odysseus' wrath against the suitors may be strong,his character plays the role of a peacemaker in his thoughtful actions. One can see that Odysseus' integrity guids his decision even in the presence of iniquity. One's integrity is frequently tried through petty needs.
What is Odysseus human flaw?
Odysseus, the hero of Homer's epic poems The Odyssey and The Iliad, has many strengths and weaknesses. During his journey home, he shows himself as a courageous, smart, and confident leader. But, he has flaws. His arrogance, pride, quick temper, and stubbornness often lead him to dangerous situations.
What crimes did Odysseus commit?
Even though Odysseus did good things during his travels and tried to get his men back home safely, many of the things he did were unethical, selfish, and illogical. The main crimes he committed were adultery, assualt, and murder.
When was Odysseus being arrogant?
Odysseus shows considerable hubris when he brags to King Alconis about slaughtering the small village of Ismarus. Odysseus claims that he and his men “stormed that place,” enslaved the women, and slaughtered those who fought. (Homer 43). Due to Odysseus' arrogant decision to assault Ismarus, a few of his men died.
Does Odysseus have trust issues?
Odysseus' lack of trust delays his homecoming, while Telemachus' and Penelope's willingness to trust others is rewarded with information, life, and ultimate happiness. Odysseus has a habit of distrusting everyone due to the abuse he suffered from Poseidon.
What mistakes does Odysseus make as a leader?
Odysseus is a bad leader for the traits he upheld in the book which causes him twenty years to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan war. The three traits that makes Odysseus a bad leader are being dishonest, prideful, and careless. These traits causes his men to die, him suffering, and trouble.
What is the character of Odysseus?
Character Analysis Odysseus. Odysseus is a combination of the self-made, self-assured man and the embodiment of the standards and mores of his culture. He is favored by the gods and respected and admired by the mortals. Even the wrath of Poseidon does not keep him from his homecoming.
What motivates Odysseus to win?
Victory motivates Odysseus. He wants to return home and live well in Ithaca; as a result, every step along the way is another test, sometimes, another battle. His concern with victory is also cultural, as well as practical. In Homer's world, where there are no police or justice systems, might usually makes right. The strong prevail. Odysseus often has only two choices: death or victory. Even when Athena intervenes on his behalf, she often leaves ultimate success or failure up to Odysseus. During the battle with the suitors, for example, she could easily and quickly prevail; but she makes Odysseus earn the victory.
What is the island where Odysseus eats sacred cattle?
Again, on the island of the Sungod Helios, Odysseus' men disobey strict orders and feast on the sacred cattle when he goes inland to pray and falls asleep. The struggles Odysseus faces make his growth as a character more realistic and more credible because it is not simple or absolute. Previous Book 24. Next Penelope.
How does Odysseus live?
He lives by his wiles as well as his courage. He is an intellectual. Often he openly evaluates a situation, demonstrating the logic he employs in making his choices. When it proves effective, Odysseus lies (even to his own family), cheats, or steals in ways that we would not expect in an epic hero.
What is Odysseus' difficulty in controlling his men?
The most notable example being his difficulty in controlling his men. After the victory over the Cicones, Odysseus wisely wants to take the plunder and depart quickly (9.50). His men prefer to stay, leading to a defeat at the hands of reinforcements.
What is Odysseus' concern with victory?
In Homer's world, where there are no police or justice systems, might usually makes right. The strong prevail. Odysseus often has only two choices: death or victory.
Does Poseidon keep him from homecoming?
Even the wrath of Poseidon does not keep him from his homecoming. He is confident that he represents virtue even when a modern audience might not be so sure. He is also a living series of contradictions, a much more complicated character than we would expect to find in the stereotypical epic hero.
What is Odysseus' ability to remain calm and analyze a problem?
As a foil to both Achilles and Agamemnon, Odysseus' ability to remain calm and analyze a problem stands out boldly against both men's quickness to anger and their inability to resolve their differences tactfully. By continually supporting order over disorder, Odysseus acts as a stabilizing factor in the Iliad, and even Homer's comments about ...
Why does Homer use Odysseus?
Homer uses Odysseus' stability and maturity as a foil to both Achilles and Agamemnon. There is no character development in Odysseus, but his purpose in the Iliad does not call for dramatic character development. His purpose is to show us strong demonstrations of tact, strategic ability, and heroic capability, all of which are qualities that a king should have. Additionally, Homer also shows Odysseus' ability to advise. Above all, Odysseus exhibits self-control, and a lack of self-control is alarmingly apparent in both Achilles and Agamemnon. It is also obvious that Odysseus has greater kingly qualifications than Agamemnon because his decisions are almost always sound and successful when followed. He is always rational and diplomatic.
Does Odysseus argue with Achilles?
But when Achilles refuses to accept the offers, Odysseus does not argue with Achilles. He knows that arguing with Achilles is useless, and by arguing, he may defeat the purpose of the mission ...
Does Odysseus have self control?
Above all, Odysseus exhibits self-control, and a lack of self-control is alarmingly apparent in both Achilles and Agamemnon. It is also obvious that Odysseus has greater kingly qualifications than Agamemnon because his decisions are almost always sound and successful when followed. He is always rational and diplomatic.
Black Ships Before Troy Odysseus Character Traits
Odysseus is the king of Ithaca and is married to Penelope. He knows Helen from childhood. In “Black Ships Before Troy,” Odysseus shows many traits of a hero. Two of them are clever and honorable, and these traits make the hero of “Black Ships Before Troy.” Odysseus is clever because he comes up with elaborate plans.
Nausikaa Odysseus Relationship
In The Odyssey, Odysseus’ encounter with Nausikaa externally represents Odysseus’ calculated way of thinking and humble character when he asks for help from others. Odysseus is fully aware of his actions and makes sure that his actions yield the results that he desires.
Theme Of Humility In The Odyssey
One example from the text that shows odysseus does not have the incredible heroic trait of humility is found in book 101 the odyssey . in lines 416 -419 , odysseus says,”cyclops if ever mortal man inquires how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him odysseus,laetres son. whose homes on ithaca “ (384).
Theme Of Regret In The Odyssey
The Odyssey and the poem about regret have similar and different views and meanings of regret. The Odyssey is a story about a man named Odysseus and him on a journey on the way home. This story is called an epic poem in literature.
What Is The Theme Of Loyalty In The Odyssey
Odysseus battle advice could prove the loyalty of the clan and tribes that are part of the king’s regime. Although, many of the clan and tribesmen were completely worn out and ready to retreat, for they had been gone from home for nearly a decade. A man surely does not want their pride questioned.
Examples Of Humanism In The Odyssey
Humanism and Heroism Odysseus showed lots heroism and humanism throughout his dangerous journey. His humanism was shown with encounters that delayed his journey and that endangered it. Also Odysseus showed heroism when he took down dangerous obstacles that took his ca down.
Pride In The Odyssey's
A boy from my second grade class boasted about owning the world’s highest jump and, once challenged by another student, proved it to us by leaping off the playground swing while it was at its maximum height. The results were a broken leg and the regrets of an act of arrogance.
What are the characteristics of Odysseus?
The defining characteristics of Odysseus in classical literature are interpreted in wildly different ways by different authors: he is portrayed as a hero in Homer’s The Odyssey, a villain in Sophocles’ Philoctetes, a self-serving opportunist in Sophocles’ Ajax, a deceitful figure in Virgil’s Aeneid, and a scoundrel in Euripides’ Hecuba.
Why is Odysseus noble?
In stark contrast, in Ajax, also by Sophocles, Odysseus can be deemed noble and magnanimous, prima facie, by virtue of his vehement support of a burial for Ajax. In defiance of the Atreidae, Odysseus eloquently counters Agamemnon’s desire to leave Ajax unburied:
How does Odysseus abandon his morals?
As the play progresses, he continues to coerce and corrupt Neoptolemus into abandoning his moral principles through manipulation and persuasive rhetoric. Odysseus condones prevarication if the truth serves a redeeming purpose, particularly when he remarks, “When a deed brings some benefit one must not waste any time committing it” (Sophocles, Philoctetes 108-111). Odysseus is deftly portrayed as being self-serving and greedy, as he belabors the importance of telling a lie for the sake of self-aggrandizement and ingratiating himself with the gods and his fellow men. For this unsavory incarnation of Odysseus, the ends do justify the means: he uses self-interest and the garnering of personal benefit as justification for lying, thus highlighting his manipulative and conniving nature wherein he is willing to abandon morals in order to make Neoptolemus acquiesce to his proposition.
What is the role of Odysseus in Ajax?
In Ajax, Odysseus appears to act nobly and magnanimously when he advocates a proper funeral for Ajax; however, upon closer scrutiny, one can allege that this man is, rather, primarily serving his self-interests. In the Aeneid, Odysseus is depicted as crafty by virtue of the scheme that he devised to sack Troy.
What is the character of Odysseus in the Aeneid?
In the Aeneid, Odysseus is depicted as crafty by virtue of the scheme that he devised to sack Troy. In Hecuba, Euripedes portrays Odysseus as heartless and egocentric owing to his indifference to human suffering. A depiction of a scene from The Odyssey on a Greek national stamp, circa 1983. In The Odyssey, Homer illustrates that, despite all ...
Why is Homer a heroic character?
In The Odyssey, Homer illustrates that, despite all of his human frailties, he is ultimately a heroic character due to his bravery and sharp intellect. Furthermore, Odysseus shows himself to be a cerebral, cognitive character when he overcomes any lustful or manly urges to leave Calypso; he lets rational thought prevail in eventually extricating himself from her lair. He also acts in a clever fashion when he describes himself as homesick to Calypso:
Who is the villainous figure in Philoctetes?
In Philoctetes, diametrical to the Homeric portrayal, Sophocles reveals an Odysseus whose thirst for glory transcends his moral scruples, thus depicting him as a villainous figure and antagonist. Odysseus convinces Neoptolemus, Achilles' son,that they must employ fraud in order to win the titles of “virtuous” and “wise” (Sophocles, Philoctetes 119). Odysseus proposes that they beguile Philoctetes into returning with his arrows to Troy because they alone are prophesized to bring good fortune with a speedy victory in the war against Troy. The two men express their distinct views on the principle of moral integrity:
