Odysseus Character Traits

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Jacob Patel
Mr. Tyler
Honors English I
21 April 2016
The Odyssey Essay Odysseus- a hero from the Trojan War, valiant and strong- seemed invisible in his time. Yet eventually, even heroes like Odysseus fall, and ever after their passing they are still revered. In ancient Greek culture, heroes were admired for their strengths as well as their significances. Due to the fact that ancient Greek heroes are not all divine, they still had faults. Homer, the composer of epic poems such as The Odyssey utilizes the thoughts and feelings of characters to give meaning to their behavior. In the Odyssey, Homer uses both helpful and hurtful traits as well as values, to explain how Odysseus is aided and impeded in the story. Odysseus displayed and volunteered his personal values, and the effect they have on his …show more content…
By using his wit in the situation and being honest, Odysseus impresses Calypso and he is treated very hospitably as a result. Odysseus expertly uses his wit when applicable, and gains an important ally out of Calypso with his fast thinking. He may have many traits, but Odysseus is still human, so his character is also compromised of negative traits as well. In the story, the trait that hurts him most is his vanity. Odysseus demonstrates this vanity many times throughout the story. One occasion being when he is sailing away from the Cyclops’ island “tell him that the man who gouged you was Odysseus, ravager of cities: one who lives in Ithaca-Laertes’ son” (4.498-525). Odysseus didn’t even have to say anything to the Cyclops as they were rowing off. Though his ego got the best of him and he caused many other future problems for himself, and his men because of his actions. Through his helpful and hurtful traits, Odysseus is vastly set apart from others as far as decision making. Through a combination of positive and negative traits, Odysseus is aided and impeded, and his fate in

How Is Odysseus Brave

“The eyes are useless when the mind is blind.” In the epic poem, “The Odyssey,” Odysseus, who is the main character, possesses many exemplary qualities. For example, Odysseus possesses facetiousness, which is what assists him in outsmarting the malevolent people that he encounters in the poem. Consequently, he possesses the characteristic bravery, which is what supports him in getting through the trials that he faces throughout his journey. Along with all of his commendable characteristics, he also…

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Odysseus Essay

Odysseus/Ali Essay Overview OUTLINE These are two possible outlines for the essay about the Odyssey. Here they are. You may deviate from these outlines; however, you must get approval first. Outline 1 (Passage Analysis) 1 - Introduction - Heroes then and now with quoted Odyssey passage 2 - Summary/Character Analysis of Odysseus based on passage 3 - How does this tie to heroics? 4 - How does it relate to today (specifically Ali) 5 - Conclusion Outline 2 (Character Analysis of Odysseus or…

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Compare And Contrast Odysseus And Mary Seacole

Heroes are expected to have certain character traits that help them through each step of their journey, but what traits make a hero a hero? By comparing two heroes, Odysseus from The Odyssey and Mary Seacole, a Crimean War nurse, one can discover three important traits that all heroes should possess. Heroes should be brave so they are able to do what needs to be done in the face of danger. Heroes should also be determined so that they will not give up when things get difficult for them. Finally,…

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Human Condition In The Odyssey

moments and our darkest days originate in these different qualities. Not even the best of us can claim to be immune to this very human condition. Not even the great Greek hero Odysseus, from The Odyssey, by Homer, was superior. Odysseus's blend of characteristics brought him magnificence and tragedy. Some of Odysseus's traits are favorable and assist him in his adventures. Odysseus's greatest resource is his intelligence. One example of his intelligence helping him is in the cave of Polyphemus (Homer…

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How Are Odysseus And Telemachus Alike

The Characteristics Of A Hero Between Odysseus and Telemachus Is Similar but Different in many ways when it comes to being a hero. Telemachus Is An Assertive Person and even when he shows intimidation he is determined and very firm in his resolve to look over his estate and watch over his mother. These Are Traits From Telemachus that display the role of a hero, also showing traits of being a protector. Odysseus is shown to be a man who is filled with motivation to make it back home to his family…

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Ody Arch Essay

Dhevin Shah Troy and the Trojan War 12/21/12 Final Essay Archetypes An archetype is essentially known as a universal term than can define a person for their personal traits. Archetypes are more than just a definition though; these symbols truly define how a person lives their life on a daily basis. The term will only have true meaning, however, when one truly understands their inner self. An archetype is typically broken down into three definitions: stereotype, epitome, and a literary…

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Rainsford Vs Odysseus

Game" and Odysseus from "The Odyssey" share many different traits. Each character has a similar reaction to challenges, and both characters invoke a feeling of cunning. However, while they share many similarities, they also have differences. To begin with, both characters are well-known for their cunning. Rainsford and Odysseus exhibit similar ideas when faced with opposition. For example, when facing down the maw of death, Rainsford assembles traps in an attempt to escape, similarly to Odysseus when…

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Examples Of Ambition In The Odyssey

In the epic poem “The Odyssey” by Homer the main character, Odysseus exemplifies a Greek basileus as seen by his ambition, persuasion, and skill. The first example of Odysseus showing Greek basileus like traits is when he showed ambition. A Greek basileus must be ambitious to be a great leader because it influences his followers to keep on pursuing the end goal. The first example of his ambition is shown in the epic poem when “Vowing to slaughter my best heifer for them before she calved…..as for…

Words 545 - Pages 3

Rainsford Vs Odysseus

Game" and Odysseus from "The Odyssey" share many different traits. Each character has a similar reaction to challenges, and both characters invoke a feeling of cunning. However, while they share many similarities, they also have differences. To begin with, both characters are well-known for their cunning. Rainsford and Odysseus exhibit similar ideas when faced with opposition. For example, when facing down the maw of death, Rainsford assembles traps in an attempt to escape, similarly to Odysseus when…

Words 352 - Pages 2

Odyssey and Telemachus Essay

Characterization of Odysseus Bobbie It is stated that a good father teaches his son many lessons. There are many lessons that fathers teach their sons every day. How to ride a bike or throw a football are common occurrences in “important” lessons that fathers teach their sons. Patience, strength, and humility are examples of traits taught every day to a child. Most important lessons; however, come from character. Odysseus went to war when Telemachus was an infant. As he grew up, Telemachus…

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