Temptation Of Odysseus In The Odyssey

465 Words2 Pages

In this essay I will be talking about how temptation affects Odysseus and the rest of the characters in the story. I will be talking about how Odysseus is personally affected by the temptation. I will be talking about what Odysseus does to keep himself from falling for his desires. I will also be talking about how Odysseus helps himself in the end.

Odysseus is a moral man. He has been away from home for over twenty years, and his wife for nearly seven, living by himself on a small island. Odysseus’s wife, Penelope, has had men trying to get her hand in marriage ever since Odysseus left to go on his own epic adventure. Penelope, however, refuses, and loyally continues to wait for her husband. They often miss each other, and “Every day for the last seven years he's (Odysseus) has sat on the same rock gazing out to sea, weeping for home and Penelope. Athena speaks to …show more content…

The maids ran away, “but Nausicaa stood her ground. Odysseus had to choose between touching her knees in the gesture of a supplicant, or staying back and trusting to words. He decided that words were the safer course. He stopped his temptation from having control of him. “Are you a goddess or a mortal? He inquired. “If the latter, your parents must be proud. I've never seen your like in beauty. I don't dare to embrace your knees.” He finishes by asking, “Could you just tell me the way to town?” Nausicaa and the maids fed and and clothed him, and bathed him in oil. Afterwards, she gives him directions. She also offers to help him go the right way with herself disguised. Though after helping him him, Nausicaa, “Wished that her own husband might in some way resemble Odysseus.” Later, when saying goodbye, she states, “When you are safety home, you might remember me.” Odysseus replies, “Princess, I will give thanks to you, as a goddess, each day until I