Character Analysis Of Odysseus In Homer's Odyssey

Do you seek a fascinating novel, rich with twists and nail-biting events that will leave you on the edge of your seat? Look no further; read The Odyssey! In Homer’s epic poem, a man by the name of Odysseus ventures to the city of Troy in order to fight in the war. He proceeds to embark on a long and grueling ten-year journey to return to his home, Ithaca. On his journeys he encounters many troubles, such as the man-devouring monsters Scylla and Charybdis, and a tempting Nymph. By the end of the novel we can see that he is a very clever, bold, and loving man. Throughout the book, Odysseus demonstrates to us his cleverness. For example, “‘Cyclops, try some wine. Here’s some liquor to wash down scraps of men.’” These are the words of Odysseus

In book 9 (426-428) Odysseus says to the cyclops, “Tell him Odysseus, raider of the cities, took your eye: Laertes’ son, whose home’s on Ithaca!” This shows us the nerve of Odysseus. It also shows us how he lacks a fear of Poseidon; although he has made it clear that he will make Odysseus’s adventure very tough, he still proceeds to taunt Poseidon. Earlier in the book (122-124), the crew tells Odysseus “We say put out on good saltwater.” To that, Odysseus replies, “How sound that was! Yet I refused. I wished to see the caveman!” Again, this shows us that Odysseus has a lot of nerve; he is facing off against a massive cyclopes. It also shows us how he is fearless; while his men all want to run, Odysseus stays. It takes a very bold person to do these

In book 1, the narrator tells us, “While he alone hungered for home and wife, her ladyship Calypso clung to him in her sea-hollowed caves.” Even after well over ten years apart, Odysseus still longs for his wife. Moreover, he was being tempted by a beautiful nymph. In book 16, when Odysseus returns to Ithaca and reunites with Telemachus, the narrator says, “Salt tears rose from well of longing in both men, and cries burst from . . . “ (73-75). This demonstrates to us Odysseus’s great love for his son. It also shows us how after twenty years apart, his love for his family has never faltered. No non-loving would still care this much, after all Odysseus had gone through. Throughout the epic poem, Odysseus is constantly demonstrating his cleverness, boldness, and lovingness. He mainly shows himself being clever and bold in book 9, when he encounters the cyclops. However, in the last few books, we see how much he loves his family. Heroes come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, but a true hero is clever; he can always think of a plan when it is needed. A true hero is also bold; he must be willing to take the step to do what is