Odysseus The Leader

Paper Summary:

This paper studies the character of Odysseus in the Greek mythic tale "The Odyssey" by Homer. The paper asserts that Odysseus is portrayed as an expert leader in this epic poem. The paper attempts to demonstrate Odysseus' various leadership qualities, including hard work, skill, loyalty, strength and intelligence. The paper also examines the role of the divine in assisting Odysseus. It concludes that despite his shortcomings as a man, Odysseus lives through all the dangers and risks which are presented to him by divine forces.

From the Paper:

"Odysseus displays the qualities of being a hard worker and expert sailor, which assist him in his journey. The hero is introduced in Book Five, when he is busy building his boat and thus showing his extreme resourcefulness. Odysseus announces, "For my performance, that myself should build A ship of power, my home-assays to shield Against the great sea of such dread to pass; which not the best built ship that ever was." This impressive introduction to Odysseus displays the hero's prowess and near-divine mythic stature. Furthermore, immediately after Odysseus builds his magnificent vessel, he is hurled into tumultuous storms created by Neptune; the hero navigates skillfully through the tempests to safety. As Homer writes, "two nights, yet, and days He spent in wrestling with the sable seas; in which space, often did his heart propose Death to his eyes. But when Aurora rose, And threw the third light from her orient hair, The winds grew calm, and clear was all the air." These scenes, which display Odysseus' diligence and seamanship, foreshadow the hero's excellence as he and his crews navigate the Mediterranean and back to Ithaca."

More papers on Odysseus The Leader:

• Poem Review # 74992 : "'The Odyssey'"
• Analytical Essay # 116302 : "Odysseus: A Great Leader?"
• Analytical Essay # 9610 : "Aeneid"

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