Odysseus Character Analysis, Essay Example

Introduction

Odysseus has Homeric leader characteristics: strength, nobility, courage, a craving for glory, and self-assurance in his authority. His unique trait, however, is his sharp wits. Odysseus’s quick judgment assists him out of some very hard situations, as when he flees from the cavern of the Cyclops, or when he covers his slaughter of the suitors by having his minstrel hit up a wedding melody in Book 23. He is also a persuasive, articulate orator and can prevail over or manipulate his viewers and listeners with ease. When he first spoke to Nausicaa on the isle of Scheria, for instance, his polished, comforting approach swiftly wins her reliance.

Like other Homeric conquerors, Odysseus desires to win kleos; glory won through immense deeds, but he also wants to complete his nostos; homecoming. He takes pleasure in his luxurious existence with Calypso in a foreign land, however, only for a moment. Ultimately, he wants to go back home, even though he confesses that his wife cannot match up with Calypso. He imagines of home throughout the occasions he spends with the Phaeacians also when still on Circe’s island. Occasionally his glory-seeking interjects in the way of his home coming desires. He sacks the ground of the Cicones but mislays men and time in the course. He waits for long in the cavern of Polyphemus, enjoying the complimentary milk and cheese he gets, and is fascinated there when the Cyclops comes.

Conclusion

Homeric characters are rigid. Though they may be very sophisticated and sensible, they do not transform over the process of the effort as characters in contemporary novels and narratives do. Odysseus and Telemachus are the ones who disobey this principle. Early in his exploration, Odysseus’s love of fame prompts him to disclose his individuality to the Cyclops and bring Poseidon’s rage down on him. By the conclusion of the heroic, he seems much more eager to temper pride with tolerance. Disguised as a vagabond, he does not instantly react to the ill-treatment he gets from the suitors. Instead, he tolerates it until the catches he has set and the faithfulness he has secured put him in a point from which he can hit back effectively.