Identity in the Odyssey Term Paper

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Homeric heroes exhibit the fundamental values and qualities that ancient Greek culture esteemed. Doubtlessly, this is true of Achilles in the Iliad, Odysseus in the Odyssey and even Odysseus' son Telemachus. Yet, another pervasive theme in mythology is that the characters rarely exhibit any evolution or are changed very little by their experiences: this is certainly the case with Achilles, Penelope, Poseidon, Athena, and Agamemnon. It is obvious that all of these characters are quiet interesting and complex, but their identities seem to be limited by a set number of unchanging characteristics. From this standpoint, it is clear that Odysseus and Telemachus break this mold. Odysseus takes up the identity he left off with in the Iliad; he is strong, brave, cunning, bold, a decisive leader, and a man looking for glory. Although he certainly possesses these same traits be the end of the poem, he has been humbled by his trials: he is less brazen. Telemachus, analogously, undergoes a transition. His growth can be better understood as his progression from a boy into a man. Nevertheless, both characters exemplify the type of persona that Greek men and heroes were to strive for; considering this, Telemachus, by the end of the Odyssey, is something like a dulled version of his father.

Odysseus is a peculiar mix of both heroic and intelligent qualities that make him seem both human and supernatural. The Odysseus portrayed in the Iliad somewhat contrasts the Odysseus we see in the Odyssey. For the purposes of the former, he is represented as a man of conviction, possessing significant military genius and guile, as well as persuasive capabilities. In the latter, however, some of his more ignoble traits are revealed: he is a braggart, he almost dishonorably uses poisoned arrows, and he shows conceit in his victory over the Cyclops. It is sometimes difficult to reconcile this man with the one who willingly gives up eternal life for the moral condition and the chance to return to his wife. Largely, the problems with understanding the moral position of Odysseus stem from his immense experience and cleverness, which make him at once mortal and fantastic.

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Perhaps this is the underlying reason why the Odyssey has become so much more popular in American classrooms than the Iliad: Odysseus is mortal, he is human, he is flawed, and he changes. This contrast is almost openly stated when Odysseus encounters Achilles' ghost in the Odyssey. Achilles says, "I would rather serve as a hired laborer in the field of another, a man without his own portion who has a meager livelihood, than be lord over the dead corpses." (Odyssey, 11. 489-91). Thus, the theme of human action is made explicit. Even though the paths of both Odysseus and Achilles lives are greatly influenced by spirits, mortal lives depend entirely upon what is done before death. So, the ultimate goals of both heroes are granted more import for they are, essentially, the only chance they will get to leave an impression upon planet earth. It is significant that Odysseus is not allowed to experience immortality; the only way he can become timeless is through performing deeds so great and memorable that they live on in epic verse.

Still, Odysseus is portrayed as a pious man, someone who appreciates the power of the gods and does not willfully act to defy them. Athena points to Odysseus' piety when she pleas to Zeus on his behalf (Odyssey, 1. 60-2, 65-6). Although Odysseus is pious, this fails to ensure him a happy and unhindered life. Thus, the relationship between Homer's heroes and the gods is a tenuous one; they may have the favor or wrath of the gods for reasons that are out of their control. Additionally, they may find themselves in situations where they cannot in good will heed the gods' warnings. Still, despite his piety Athena's true….....

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