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Transformation In The Odyssey

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When someone or something experiences a personal transformation, they understand the importance of the journey rather than the actual destination itself. Throughout the stories, The Odyssey, written by Homer and translated by Robert Fitzgerald, “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen, and “Courage,” by Anne Sexton, readers witness the internal change the main character undergoes with the help of learning from past mistakes and the influence of peers. Also, they each have to overcome one complication at a time in order to get to their ideal destination. The three stories’ endings all result in the character looking back at self realization and understanding that without the journey they experienced, they would not be at the final destination. …show more content…

It proves to be a successful trip because he learns more about his own personal strengths and weaknesses that he can take back home with him. The first example of his growth is when he and his men encounter a wild Cyclops where he develops his first mistake, “Yet I refused. I wished to see the caveman, and what he had to offer-no pretty sight, it turned out, for my friends” (Homer, 1989, p. 565). Once he realizes that it was a bad choice on his part when he loses many of his men, he steps up as a leader to determine a safe escape. This demonstrates his maturity as he gains wisdom from his mistake and moves forward on the journey without letting his curiosity get the best of him again. Towards the beginning of the expedition, Odysseus displays a self-serving persona when he only looks out for the benefit of himself trying to get home. The shift in his character comes when he is forced to protect his men from the temptations of the Sirens, “My faithful company rested on their oars now, peeling off the wax that I had laid thick on their ears; then set me free,” (Homer, 1989, p. 583). He begins to look out for his men by putting the wax in their ears to keep them safe and putting himself at risk. This reveals his attempt of being a stronger leader, wanting all his men to get home safely along with him. Over the course of the 20 year campaign, Odysseus gains knowledge and wisdom that will forever be instilled to his heart and

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