Literature: The Character of Odysseus

Literature: The Character of Odysseus

Character Overview: Odysseus

• Odysseus is the protagonist of Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey.
• Characterised as clever, resourceful, cunning and eloquent.
• Considered one of the greatest heroes of Greek mythology and is known for his quick-thinking and strategic mind.
• He is also remembered for his long journey home after the Trojan War, which is said to have taken ten years.

Odysseus in the Trojan War

• Odysseus is a central figure in the Trojan War, shown by Homer in The Iliad, where he is portrayed as a brave and intelligent warrior.
• Noted for his significant contributions to the Greek victory, like the idea of the Trojan Horse.
• His recurrent use of stratagems and cunning should be noted. It sets him apart from other heroes who rely on their physical strength and warrior skills.

Odysseus on His Journey Home

• Homer’s Odyssey is basically the story of Odysseus’s journey home from the Trojan War.
• His journey is marked by numerous trials and tribulations, including encounters with the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens, and the witch-goddess Circe.
• Throughout these hardships, his ingenuity, and bravery are consistently emphasised.

Personality and Traits

• Odysseus is famously clever and cunning, with his schemes, like the Trojan Horse plan, often saving the day.
• He also has a darker, more troublesome side, being known for his pride and arrogance, particularly when he foolishly reveals his name to Polyphemus.
• Despite being a hero, he is seen as a relatable character because of his flaws and weaknesses, something that makes his character more complex and real.

Roles and Duties

• Odysseus is a warrior, husband, and father, juggling different roles and duties.
• His loyalty and love for his home and family motivate his entire journey in the Odyssey.
• Displays the qualities of a leader, taking responsibility for his crew, showing concern for their wellbeing, yet his arrogance sometimes leads to their downfall.

Relationships

• He has a strong and loyal relationship with his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus.
• His interactions with different characters, be it gods or mortals, reflect his ability to adapt and navigate social and diplomatic situations.

Study carefully the actions, decisions, and interactions of Odysseus to understand his character in depth, as this will provide a foundation for interpreting and analysing the text of the Odyssey.