Internal And External Conflicts In Homer's The Odyssey

Conflict is a prolonged struggle that only a few choose to overcome and those that choose to resolve it succeed for the long haul. The author of “The Odyssey” skillfully brings about many different adventures, that are simply magnified real world problems. As he manipulates mythical creatures and gods to his liking, the author exhibits Odysseus’ astonishing and breathtaking journey to his home in Ithaca. In the epic poem, “The Odyssey,” Homer has the protagonist, Odysseus, face many different internal and external conflicts that are overcome because of the specific character traits that are established through the series of stories demonstrated in this poem. Homer introduces Odysseus to the reader as a melancholy, yet patient hero,who longs

In, “The Lotus Eaters,” three of Odysseus’ men were sent to bring back information about the inhabitants of the island of the Lotus Eaters, but instead, at the urging of the Lotus eaters, they consumed the Lotus flowers without hesitation. The men were adamant in their wishes to remain, as “they longed to stay forever, forgetful of their homeland [but Odysseus] drove them, all three wailing, to the ships, [and] tied them under their rowing benches.” (lines 210-213) After the men ate the cursed plant, Odysseus felt that it was his responsibility to bring his men back home safely. Later, in the tale of “The Enchantress Circe,” Odysseus and his men arrive on an island where the goddess, Circe turns Odysseus’ men, who had wandered off, into pigs. Later, when Odysseus confronts Circe, “The goddess, realizing she has met her match frees Odysseus’ men.” (pg. 935) Again, in this external conflict, it is Odysseus who comes to save his men because he feels that they are his responsibility. Odysseus revealed the level of his maturity and responsibility, as he heroically fought through these two external conflicts to save his