Odysseus Essays

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On a quest success is fulfilled depending on the character traits of the adventurer. In the epic poem, The Odyssey by Homer and translated by Robert Fitzgerald, Odysseus is on a quest to return home and reclaim his kingdom. Completing his goal reflects upon his attributes of enduring misfortune and following directions, maintaining rationality, contemplating before acting, and being in a military mindset. Despite various external factors that potentially affect Odysseus' quest, his character contributes the most to his success.
Although Odysseus receives guidance from the gods, obeying instructions and withstanding hardship truly helps him through obstacles. As Ino advises, Odysseus swims toward the island: "two nights, two days, in the solid deep-sea swell he drifted" (92). Left at sea with no means of food, warmth, or shelter Odysseus is strong enough to survive the complication. Odysseus attends to Athena’s guidance causing him to undergo crashing waves: “he gripped a rock-ledge"(93). Without listening to Athena and holding up against the waves, Odysseus would have broken his limbs. When approaching Kirkes, Odysseus obeys Hermes directions and averts being “unmanned by her” (174). By holding back from her bed, Odysseus demonstrates his deterrence preventing Kirkes from enchanting and deceiving him. Throughout his journey there are multiple situations in which he must comply to others and tolerate difficulties.
Although Odysseus receives guidance from the gods, obeying instructions and withstanding hardship truly helps him through obstacles. As Ino advises, Odysseus swims toward the island: "two nights, two days, in the solid deep-sea swell he drifted" (92). Left at sea with no means of food, warmth, or shelter Odysseus is strong enough to survive the complication. Odysseus attends to Athena’s guidance causing him to undergo crashing waves: “he gripped a rock-ledge"(93). Without listening to Athena and holding up against the waves, Odysseus would have broken his limbs. When approaching Kirkes, Odysseus obeys Hermes directions and averts being “unmanned by her” (174). By holding back from her bed, Odysseus demonstrates his deterrence preventing Kirkes from enchanting and deceiving him. Throughout his journey there are multiple situations in which he must comply to others and tolerate difficulties.
When faced in difficult situations, Odysseus strategizes and determines the best way to approach before acting. Odysseus, on the beach coated by sand and wrinkles must approach Nausikaa in a way that does not frighten her off: “Odysseus came,/… he thought it best/ to trust in words to please her” (103). Odysseus demonstrates his ability to think and to decide quickly, discovering a way through the situation. Before attacking the Kyklops, Odysseus realizes the consequence of killing him: “if I killed him we perished there as well” (154). Odysseus acknowledges the potential outcome of his actions causing him to find
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