Selfish is defined by the Merriam Webster Dictionary as: “seeking or concentrating on one's own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others.” Even though it may appear that selfishness can help one succeed, in the end, it could prevent one from accomplishing his/her final goal. The Odyssey, an epic poem by Homer, translated by Robert Fagles, follows Odysseus, a well known and successful war hero from the Trojan War, on his journey back to Ithaca. Odysseus’ journey begins at year 10, after the Trojan War ends, and continues until year 20. Throughout these 10 years, Odysseus and his crew embark on many dangerous quests and encounter many obstacles, which test Odysseus’ skills as a leader. As a result of the challenges he faces, he demonstrates hubris, or excessive pride, and selfishness throughout the …show more content…
Although Odysseus is portrayed as a good leader because of his determination, his hubris in his interaction with the gods and his lack of communication with his crew contradict that.
After his crew are turned into pigs by Circe, Odysseus goes out of his way to convince Circe to turn them back, demonstrating qualities of a good leader. When Odysseus and his crew reached Circe’s island, many of the crew members entered Circe’s palace, and were turned into pigs by Circe, a bewitching nymph. In order to rescue his crew, Odysseus uses persuasive techniques to try and convince Circe to turn them back into humans. “So she asked, but I protested, ‘Circe-/how could any man in his right mind endure/the taste of food and drink before he’d freed/his comrades-in-arms and looked them in the eyes?/If you, you really want me to eat