Examples Of Deceit In The Odyssey

Samreen Samarah Zaman

Humanities 1

West

Feb 2, 2023

Heroes are just flawed men

Odysseus in The Odyssey and Jacob in Genesis, characters with different roles in their own narratives, parallel in their drive and the use of deceit to benefit themselves throughout their epic journeys but contrast in how they serve as exemplars. Both characters are often regarded as heroes, but upon closer examination, reveals more characteristics of very flawed men. We can argue that the use of tricks and deceit might be immoral but it is detrimental to see the intent of the use of deceit which can justify using it in the first place. While Odysseus may not have been able to save every one of his companions, his assertive leadership style and the choices he

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It is quite simple to vindicate Jacob by claiming that he is a sinner, but it's crucial to analyze the text and determine the motivations for his disobedient actions. Tricks and deceit, as indicated in the opening, may be unethical, but it is important to understand the purpose behind their usage, which might justify doing it in the first place. This narrative places Jacob's immoral deed in perspective by showing that he did it because he loves and respects his mother and must abide by her requests, just as Esau must obey his father's orders out of love for him. A successful leader, according to Homer, must be able to make wise choices and lead their men to victory. In Homer's Odyssey, Odysseus demonstrates his cunning in a variety of ways, each time giving more and more proof of his intelligence. He is well-known for being one of the most cunning epic heroes ever in Greek mythology. The epic scene when Odysseus introduces himself as Noman to attack Polyphemus, "Cyclops … you wish to know the name I bear. I will tell you then, but in return I should like to have the gift you promised me. My name is Nobody. That is what I am called by my mother and father and by all my friends" (Homer, Odyssey 9.364) is the embodiment of his cunning and parallels the scene from Genesis mentioned in the paragraph above. Odysseus defeats Polyphemus with wit and blinds him by piercing his one huge eye with a pointed spike after introducing himself as "Nobody." Due to the other

Both Jacob and Odysseus are similar in that they do not fear confronting the unknown or those who are more powerful than them. The scene in which Jacob wrestles an unknown man until he blesses him is comparable to when Odysseus challenged Poseidon by blinding his son. While trying to escape getting killed by Esau, Jacob comes across a strange man who wrestles Jacob till daybreak rudely interrupts his plans. At some point during this contest Jacob realizes that he is wrestling God. And when God decides it’s time to end the match, he hits Jacob’s hip and demands to be released. And Jacob, in significant pain, replies, “I will not let you go unless you bless me” (Genesis, 32:26). God, pleased by his reply said “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome”(Genesis, 32: 28). God praised Jacob and gave him a new name, Israel, as well as a new identity. Jacob was no longer to be identified with his past as a swindler and trickster but as a man of faith blessed by