Odyssey Odysseus the Family Man Thesis

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 674 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1

Page 1 of 2



Even though Odysseus's family holds high opinions of his character as a family man, his actions with Calypso are the true measures of his character. In book five of the epic poem, Minerva, who goes to rescue Calypso, finds the father and husband "sitting upon the beach with his eyes ever filled with tears of sheer home sickness" (Book V). The poem goes on to explain that while Odysseus is forced to sleep in Calypso's cave each night, he does not do this of his own volition, and would much rather be home. Thus, while Calypso, a goddess, attempts to seduce Odysseus, he does not betray his home and his family, but rather remains homesick for them, while being tired of the goddess. Though Calypso is a goddess of extreme beauty, Odysseus is more enticed with his own wife and son. In fact, Odysseus loves his family enough to cry over their separation and undertake a perilous journey to be reunited with them. Thus, Odysseus's responses to Calypso suggest that he is a family man, not one to be swayed by empty beauty.

Stuck Writing Your "Odyssey Odysseus the Family Man" Thesis?

View All Our Example Odyssey Odysseus the Family Man Thesis

Have A Custom Example Essay Written



Thus, Odysseus the hero can also be aptly described as Odysseus the family man. Both Penelope and Telemanchus's reactions to Odysseus's disappearance suggest this. The wife and son miss father Odysseus, even enough to engage Minerva in finding him again. Furthermore, Minerva's own reactions to Odysseus suggest that the wife and son's characterization of their husband and father is true. In addition, Odysseus exemplifies this description of his character through his actions with Calypso. Although Calypso is a beautiful goddess, he goes to her out of obligation, not out of pleasure, all the while crying over his homesickness. Thus, while Odysseus is often regarded as the wandering hero, he is just as much family man as hero.

Works.....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Odyssey Odysseus The Family Man" (2008, October 24) Retrieved July 5, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/odyssey-odysseus-family-man-27368

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Odyssey Odysseus The Family Man" 24 October 2008. Web.5 July. 2025. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/odyssey-odysseus-family-man-27368>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Odyssey Odysseus The Family Man", 24 October 2008, Accessed.5 July. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/odyssey-odysseus-family-man-27368
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example