Focusing On Myself In Homer's The Odyssey
In Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus exemplifies sophrosyne through his self-control and restraint. After the Trojan War, Odysseus is on his journey home, when he and his crewmates make their way to the land of the Cyclopes. Once on land the luxurious resources in the cavern lure them, and they enter without consent. In shock, as two of his men are in the hands of the one-eyed Cyclops, Odysseus stands speechless at the sight of the “ruthless brute”, Polyphemus. His first thought is to bring the Cyclops harm, however “a fresh thought held [him] back” how could this crew lift such an immense boulder the Cyclops had left in front of the entrance (Fagles 9. 336-339)?
Just as Odysseus warned his crew, “old shipmates our stores are in the ship’s hold, food and drink; the cattle here are not for our provision, or we pay dearly for it (meaning losing his entire crew)” (page 220) after skillfully escaping from the treacherous hands and mouth of Skylla and Kharybdis on the island of Thrinakia, but they decided to listen to Eurylochus instead, who coaxed them by saying, “You’ve gone through everything; listen to what I say. All deaths are hateful to us, mortal wretches, but famine is the most pitiful, the worst end that a man can come to” and to “better open your lungs to a big sea once for all than waste to skin and bones on a lonely island” (page 221). Similarly, I’ve gone through a moment of self-restraint, which turned into a moment of no self-control.
Odysseus, in The Odyssey by Homer, and I both demonstrate self-restraint. One time Odysseus shows self-discipline is when he’s in the cyclops’ cave and stabbed his eye. The cyclops “squatted in the breach with arms thrown wide for any silly man or beast that bolted” (907). Odysseus restrains himself from running the first time he sees a way out. Instead he stays back and plans for a better way out.
The Odyssey by Homer is an exemplary story that teaches life lessons to those going on a journey for themselves. It illustrates how the challenges and obstacles one may face can help someone become a better leader. The Odyssey highlights one man, Odysseus, a man filled with excessive pride, experiencing the wrath of the god Poseidon. He expects to arrive at his home, Ithaca, safely to reunite with his wife, Penelope, but unfortunately faces many temptations and setbacks. Due to the challenges he faces, it prevents him from arriving home as early as he thought he would.
Odysseus’s long and difficult journey back to his homeland after his time in the Trojan War was surely one filled with hardship and adversity. The great leader was forced to deal with intimidating enemies, rough travels, and even alluring deities. While he does his best to manage all of these struggles during his voyage, Odysseus is also unaware of the other conflicts taking place back in Ithaca, his home and where his family has been awaiting his return for several years. Much to Odysseus’s obliviousness, a group of suitors have essentially taken over his palace, hoping to marry Penelope, his wife, and claim his throne. Homer’s
During Odysseus’ decade-long journey to his home, he encounters many forms of suffering, the most prevalent being transformative in nature. Transformative suffering, which is typically caused by mortals, themselves, alters a mortal being; albeit physically, mentally, or emotionally. In the first few years of his journey, Odysseus suffers the loss of much of his crew. He loses men while plundering a small island; he loses some to the lotus esters; and a few to Polyphemus. Throughout all these sufferings, Odysseus learns that he should listen to the advice of others; thus, transforming him mentally and emotionally through these sufferings.
The pathos and ethos of cultures is often discernable in literary narratives as expressions of the sentiment of approval or disapproval. Thus, the impact of literary narratives on cultures cannot be understated; the arts do impact and influence culture in both positive and negative ways. This is not a new phenomenon and can be observed in cultures as early as 6 Century B.C. and can be traced throughout human history. An example of this can be seen in Homer’s Odyssey, in which there are certain characters within the narrative that portray what is known as “arete.” Arete is viewed as a desirable character trait which some define as the display of perseverance, quick-wittedness, prowess, valor, etc.
“The Hero doesn’t Get the Reward; the Hero Pays the Price” (anon). One of the heroes who paid the dear price was Odysseus, a hero who fought in The Trojan War. Odysseus was the man who came up with the plan to build the wooden horse, ending the rigorous fight with it. Odysseus was going back home after earning the victory for his country, which he was king of one of the kingdoms -Ithaca-. But Odysseus faced trials that constrained him ten years late to arrive home.
“With pride, there are many curses. With humility, there come many blessings. -Ezra Taft Benson” This quote directly states the topic of my paper. Many times Odysseus gets over confident or too prideful in the Odyssey. The Odyssey shows that having too much pride, confidence, and anger can negatively affect you, and the people around you.
Odyssey Paragraph Odysseus, in the book The Odyssey by Homer, and I both showed self restraint in multiple different ways. One way Odysseus demonstrates self control is after he stabs the cyclops eye and the book quotes “Arms thrown wide for any silly man who bolted” (907). This showed moderation by him not rushing by the cyclopes and instead waiting for a better time. Another way Odysseus showed Caution was when he and his men went on the island with the lotus and Odysseus said “clear the beach no one taste the lotus” (898).
Life gives us many chances to learn lessons. Much like the main character in The Odyssey by Homer. I have learned to fight for what I want, listen to advice and that actions have consequences. Both Odysseus and I have learned these three life lessons. Odysseus and people around the world have to fight for what they want.
You would think I couldn’t need or want anything more with servants to wait on me day and night and priceless treasures to last a lifetime here of Aiaia, but I’m not content. I long for company, someone to share my days with and talk to who will listen, an equal. For years I have been luring travelers in to test them and see if they would be a worthy companion. Alas, they never made the cut.
The Epic Hero of The Odyssey The Odyssey is a tale of a great hero trying to get home. An epic hero. An epic hero is a courageous and honorable person. Homer’s character Odysseus exemplifies this in many ways.
In the poem, “The Odyssey,” Homer depicts an epic poem which took place in 720 B.C. In the era Homer talks about a man named Odysseus who was in the war of Troy. He has been cursed by the god Poseidon who has kept him from home for twenty years. Odysseus has been trying to get back home to his wife Penelope and his son Telemachus. Although on his journey back home he is unaware that suitors are threatening his home and family.
Determining the difference between right and wrong can be difficult, but life lessons help us figure it out. During The Odyssey, by Homer, Odysseus learns a few lessons, and one of them is that you should be aware of your surroundings and ready to use them. Another moral that he learned was to heed all warnings, regardless what your instincts say. These messages can be used in life today to help guide people during their lives.
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