English Odyssey paper
From the countless Greek fables depicting the perpetual struggle among men,
the innumerable acts of sacrifice, and the god like individuals that litter greek
mythology, Homer's epic, The Odyssey, presents new themes, such as self
preservation, curiosity, and defiance, which are seen to develop in Odysseus’s
character. These motives set Odysseus apart from other Mythological Greek
individuals and shape his figure as the more modern, flawed man, seeking
brutal redemption and moral amnesty.
Unlike other heroes from greek fables, Odysseus is introduced to the
audience not as a strong, or brave soldier but as an astute and cunning
person. From his presentation in the Iliad, Odysseus has established himself
as a man interested in living a normal life as a good father and a loving
husband rather than die in an honorable battle. throughout the Odyssey this
idea is further built upon as the audience follows odysseus and his fight for his
life. His survival is probably best exemplified in the article “penelope's
Revenge” by Reyes Bertolín who quotes, “my husband, though not strong as
achilles or as powerful as agamemnon is wise enough as to not war against
his odds but return home.” This quote, describing odyseus’s atributed cunning,
further shows odysseu’s boundless motivation to continue. Not only does this
make the reader empathise with odysseus but it also allows his character to
become more approachable. By the presentation of Odysseus's "survival
instinct" alone, Homer has shown the audience that, like them, Odysseus is a
man, afraid of death and filled with emotions which reflect his humanity. More
interestingly, Odysseus portrays a property which has been unbenounced to
any other mythological creature. On countless occasions, such as on Circe’s
palace or Calypso's island, Odysseus is offered Immortality in exchange for
renouncing his venture of returning home. Few mythological figures have ever
renounced such an opportunity, yet Odysseus retains his mortality in his
pursuit to finish his quest and get back to ithaca.
