Odyssey Essay
Brianna
“Life’s Journey through the Odyssey”
Homer 's The Odyssey can be truly considered as one of the best epic poems of all time. Odysseus ' journey in returning home becomes a test to prove himself. Only on the testing grounds of life can one discover integrity, loyalty and perseverance. Homer 's craft is so profound that theme 's found in the poem still pertains to man today. Odysseus ' character, his morals, and his views are still admired by people today.
A man 's actions speak for his integrity, especially in the face of corruption. Odysseus ' integrity is not questioned even when he slays the suitors. His moral principles are such that he sympathizes with Medon’s pitiful situation and spares him saying, "Be of good cheer, for he has cleared and saved you; that in your heart you may perceive and may report of others how much more safe is doing good than ill" (Homer 942). Although Odysseus ' wrath against the suitors may be strong, his character plays the role of a peacemaker in his thoughtful actions. One can see that Odysseus ' integrity guides his decision even in the presence of iniquity.
One 's integrity is frequently tried through petty needs. Odysseus ' crew succumbs to their inability to resist hunger. Although Odysseus instructs them not to kill the Sun 's cattle, hunger overpowers their sense of responsibility. Their ramshackle integrity gives out and hopes begin to waver among the crew. Some thinking "...to die by hunger...is the most pitiful of all" (923). The crew becomes so corrupt that they would rather, "...open-mouthed in the sea, give up...life at once than slowly let it wear away..." (923). The reader can see that the integrity of Odysseus ' crew is such that it yields under pressure, unable to stand like trees, rooted even through the worst storms.
One who holds integrity is frequently revealed where there is disgrace. Odysseus disguises himself as an old man, showing qualities of integrity through his words. When
“Life’s Journey through the Odyssey”
Homer 's The Odyssey can be truly considered as one of the best epic poems of all time. Odysseus ' journey in returning home becomes a test to prove himself. Only on the testing grounds of life can one discover integrity, loyalty and perseverance. Homer 's craft is so profound that theme 's found in the poem still pertains to man today. Odysseus ' character, his morals, and his views are still admired by people today.
A man 's actions speak for his integrity, especially in the face of corruption. Odysseus ' integrity is not questioned even when he slays the suitors. His moral principles are such that he sympathizes with Medon’s pitiful situation and spares him saying, "Be of good cheer, for he has cleared and saved you; that in your heart you may perceive and may report of others how much more safe is doing good than ill" (Homer 942). Although Odysseus ' wrath against the suitors may be strong, his character plays the role of a peacemaker in his thoughtful actions. One can see that Odysseus ' integrity guides his decision even in the presence of iniquity.
One 's integrity is frequently tried through petty needs. Odysseus ' crew succumbs to their inability to resist hunger. Although Odysseus instructs them not to kill the Sun 's cattle, hunger overpowers their sense of responsibility. Their ramshackle integrity gives out and hopes begin to waver among the crew. Some thinking "...to die by hunger...is the most pitiful of all" (923). The crew becomes so corrupt that they would rather, "...open-mouthed in the sea, give up...life at once than slowly let it wear away..." (923). The reader can see that the integrity of Odysseus ' crew is such that it yields under pressure, unable to stand like trees, rooted even through the worst storms.
One who holds integrity is frequently revealed where there is disgrace. Odysseus disguises himself as an old man, showing qualities of integrity through his words. When
Cited: Page: Books Homer. Fitzgerald, Robert. The Odyssey. Austin, Orlando, Chicago, New York, Toronto, London, San Diego: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 2003. Print