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The Negative Impact Of Temptation In Homer's The Odyssey

664 Words3 Pages

In “The Odyssey” by Homer, temptation has a negative impact on Odysseus. Some reasons for this being are, when he stayed with Circe for a year and when he wanted to listen to the sirens. Even though Odysseus has experienced many temptations he has learned to deal with them and to not give in.

Odysseus only wanted one thing and that was to go home and see his family. But he was tempted to do many things, one is staying with Circe. An example of this is ‘’As we are men we could not help consenting. So day by day we lingered, feasting long on roasts and wine until a year grew fat’’(179). Instead of going back home, Odysseus decided to stay with Circe for a year and feast. He didn't realize that another year was going to waste. Another example is “Or swear me first a great oath, if I do, you'll work no more …show more content…

Odysseus didn't have to sleep with Circe, he chose to. He also chose to stay with her for a year, proving that he was tempted to do these things he didn't see no harm, all he saw was a beautiful woman who was offering him pleasure and food. The temptation was also a problem for Odysseus when he heard the sirens. They were beautiful women who seduced men after being at sea for a long time. For instance, it says “But if you wish to listen, let the men tie you in the lugger, hand, and foot, back to the mast, lashed to the mast, so you may hear those harpies’ thrilling voices” (211); Odysseus knew his temptation of hearing the Sirens was going to make him want to stay. So if he must listen to them sing he’d have to do it tied up. The last example that shows Odysseus’s temptation to listen to the

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