The Odyssey

The Odyssey

Write an essay in which you defend or refute the following thesis: The character if Odysseus as seen within Homer’s The Odyssey reveals the true representation of an epic hero.

With its larger-than-life plot twists, The Odyssey is a classic representation of an epic in literature. With that understood, it is no surprise that the main character of the story helps to define an epic hero. A character must express certain virtues to be considered such. Strength, courage, and nobility are almost prerequisites. Cleverness is an added bonus. Odysseus possesses many characteristics and virtues that make him a true representation of an epic hero.

Strength is one characteristic that Odysseus exhibits. One scene that displays this is when Odysseus, disguised as a poor man, bends his old bow. “He bent the bow with little difficulty. With his right hand he grasped the string and let it twang beautifully. During all this, the suitors were amazed.” 194. In contrast, the suitors cannot, try as they might. In particular, “Leiodes was the first to try. He was a fairly decent sort who did not approve of the suitors’ arrogance. He took the bow and tried it. He couldn’t stretch it. His hands grew sore from the unsuccessful attempt. 189.” It enrages them that some pauper has the audacity to be superior in any way. Little do they know that this “pauper”