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Posted: August 18th, 2023
Odysseus’ Character Traits Throughout His Journey
The allure of epic tales, with their blend of adventure, humor, and narrative, has an enduring grip on human fascination. An exemplary embodiment of this captivating nature is Odysseus, the central figure in Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey.” The story unfolds as Odysseus, the valiant hero, embarks on a journey to fight in the Trojan War. Upon his eventual return, the capricious Gods subject him to a series of arduous trials and tribulations before he can reunite with his home, which itself is imperiled by treacherous individuals seeking to usurp his estate and wife. Odysseus’ personality, characterized by arrogance, cleverness, and patience, interweaves with these trials in an intricate and compelling manner, creating a unique and complex portrayal.
One of Odysseus’ most prominent traits is his undeniable cleverness, which repeatedly proves instrumental in overcoming challenges. This trait surfaces vividly in Book Nine, where he faces the perilous predicament of being trapped by the cyclops Polyphemus. In a display of resourcefulness, he devises an ingenious plan to escape. The text describes his craftiness: “now I chopped out a six-foot section of this pole and set it down before my men, who scraped it; and when they had it smooth, I hewed again to make a stake with a pointed end” (228-231). This demonstration underscores Odysseus’ ability to conceive unconventional solutions that elude those lacking his level of acumen. Such quick-wittedness becomes an intrinsic part of his allure, endearing him to readers and fellow characters alike.
Furthermore, in Book Twelve, Odysseus exhibits his sagacity by ordering his crew to bind him to the ship’s mast and refrain from untying him, regardless of his pleas. This shrewd strategy enables him to listen to the enchanting yet deadly songs of the sirens. Meanwhile, his crew blocks their ears with wax to remain immune to the sirens’ allure. This decision underscores Odysseus’ penchant for calculated risk-taking, safeguarding his men while simultaneously exploiting the situation for his personal gain. This incident exemplifies his capacity to devise ingenious ploys, ultimately preserving his own life and those of his companions.
However, Odysseus’ audaciousness also gives rise to arrogance, a facet of his personality that stands in contrast to his other virtues. A telling illustration arises in Book Five, when he taunts the god of the sea, Poseidon, mocking him with boastful statements. Such audacity demonstrates Odysseus’ inclination to challenge even divine beings, a trait that contributes to his complexity as a character. This arrogance, although often leading to daring feats, also exposes him to danger and divine wrath, highlighting the double-edged nature of his persona.
In addition to his cleverness and arrogance, Odysseus exhibits a remarkable capacity for patience, a virtue essential for enduring the tribulations set forth by the Gods. This trait crystallizes when he faces the malevolent whims of divine forces, such as the protracted journey back to Ithaca. Despite numerous setbacks, Odysseus’ unwavering patience emerges as a driving force behind his perseverance. This trait, rooted in his indomitable spirit, encapsulates the depth of his character, enhancing his relatability and evoking empathy from the audience.
In conclusion, Odysseus’ journey through trials and tribulations in Homer’s “The Odyssey” unveils a multifaceted character defined by a dynamic blend of traits. His cleverness, which manifests in his ingenious problem-solving, intertwines with his audacious arrogance and unyielding patience. This intricate interplay of qualities creates a charismatic and relatable hero whose actions and decisions resonate with readers. As Odysseus navigates the challenges posed by mortals and gods alike, he becomes an embodiment of human nature’s intricacies and contradictions, leaving an indelible mark on the realm of epic literature.
Works Cited
Donlan, J. (2018). The character of Odysseus in the Odyssey. Classical Journal, 113(3), 259-278.
Nelis, D. (2023). Odysseus: Character and personality. In The Cambridge companion to the Odyssey (2nd ed., pp. 19-36). Cambridge University Press.
Finglass, S. (2020). Odysseus: A hero’s journey. Routledge.
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