Archetypes In The Odyssey

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Homer, an influential author and writer, has created many famous pieces of literature that have left a mark on society. In his book, The Odyssey, he uses his skills to not only keep the reader on the edge of their seat, but to help us educate ourselves about the meaning of a true hero. He incorporates life lessons, one of them being that an individual does not have to be perfect in order to be praised or loved. Homer presents this several times throughout the book in order to convey the importance of loyalty and compassion. There are many questions regarding his writing and many people inquire about how he captures the essence of a true ‘epic hero’ in his literature. In the book The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus breaks the archetype of flawless …show more content…
He had the tendency of putting his own feelings above anyone else's, he never really opened his eyes to see what was happening around him. Odysseus is hardheaded and close minded, only believing in what he wanted to believe. No one could change his ways. Odysseus is also unfaithful, some examples of where this is exemplified when he slept with another woman. He was unfaithful to his wife Penelope sleeping around with Circle (Goddess) and Calypso (Goddess). This shows Odysseus selfishness because he was more than willing to betray his wife, he was willing to go behind her back and commit adultery to satisfy his own personal needs. He was unable to stay committed to his marriage and that is very evident in the way he talked to many women such as King Alcinous's Daughter. He said, “ I have never laid eyes on someone like you, neither man or woman, I look at you and a sense of wonder takes me.” (B6 173 170-1780) Odysseus is flirting with the Princess and is making it obvious he is interested in her. Although he is a married man he still continues to make flirtatious remarks to this woman about how stunning and gorgeous is, he even goes on to say that he has “I have never laid eyes on someone like you” almost as if he completely forgot he had a spouse. He betrays his loyalty, while Penelope on the other hand is dodging the suitors in any way she can, she refuses to marry another man because she still loves her ‘dear’ and ‘loving’ husband. Odysseus is not only unfaithful, he is stubborn. Not once did Odysseus ask Poseidon for forgiveness, he never thought of it for a miniscule moment. For if he did it could have spared a roomful of his crew members that were all killed by Poseidon's wrath on Odysseus course back home. This shows that he was indeed selfish because he was unable to see the big
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