Theme Of Growth In The Odyssey

In The Odyssey Homer uses the idea of both spiritual and physical growth. Homer shows this by placing Odysseus through rough and good times, temptations, and long travels. There are also many lessons to be learned in The Odyssey. In The Odyssey Odysseus takes a long journey, and Homer’s message about life is that while on “the journey” you will gain many traits and learn many things. Odysseus’ journey in returning home becomes a test to prove himself. The reader learns that in life one discovers patience, integrity, loyalty, and perseverance. In Homer’s The Odyssey, the reader learns that while on the journey of life you will grow, both spiritually and physically. One valuable lesson learned in The Odyssey is patience. Patience is

Odysseus’ crew gives in to their inability to resist hunger on the Sun god’s island. Although Odysseus tells them not to kill the Sun’s cattle, hunger takes over their sense of responsibility. Their crumbling integrity gives out and hopes begin to swing between the crew. Some thinking, “. . .to die by hunger . . . is the most pitiful of all. The crew becomes so dishonest that they would rather, “. . . open-mouthed in the sea , give up, . . . life at once then slowly let it wear away. . .” One’s integrity is often shown where there is humiliation or dishonesty. When Odysseus disguises himself as an old man, he shows integrity through his words. When he was told about the suitors, and how inhospitable they were being he replies, “. . .should they by their numbers crush me, all single and alone, far rather would I die, cut down within my own hall, than constantly behold disgraceful deeds, strangers abused, and damsels dragged to shame through the fair palace, wine running waste, men eating up my bread, all idly, uselessly, to win what cannot be!” Even though Odysseus is disguised, his words symbolize Odysseus’ own traits of high moral standards. His integrity is revealed through the words of the

Even in the last strings of hunger, Odysseus still follows his goals of returning home. While on the Sun god’s island Odysseus wants to “. . .spare the kine, for fear that comes to harm, for are the herds and the sturdy flocks of a dread god. . .who all things overhears.” This is showing the dread that Odysseus would face if he were to anger the Sun god. He fears that if he kills the god’s cattle he will not return home. Odysseus ignores his agonizing hunger, and the reader sees that even temptation cannot steer Odysseus off his path home. Another part of perseverance is tolerance. Odysseus figures out that his plan to kill the suitors will be great revenge for what they have done to his home and family. When a suitor “. . .passed recklessly kicked Odysseus on the hip, not did not force him from the path. Fixed stood. . .he was patient and by thought restrained himself.” Odysseus realises that if he were to kick the suitor back it would be a mistake because in the long run it would ruin his plan. He tolerated the kick, and it shows how his perseverance guides his tolerance. Perseverance can call for a sacrifice of something one longs for. Odysseus’ devotion in slaying the suitors is tested when he sees Penelope cry over his memory. Penelope sobbed “. . .as the snow melts on the loft mountains, when Eurus melts what Zephyrus has scattered, and at its melting flowing flowing