Greek Societal Expectations Of Odysseus In Homer's Odyssey

Greek Societal Expectations From an early age, boys are taught about their expectations in society; they are taught to be polite, to get a stable job, and to provide for their family, among others. In ancient Greek society, men were taught similar beliefs. The hero Odysseus must live up to the expectations pushed onto him beginning from when he was born. In The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus proves to be a great leader and proves that he can fulfill the expectations of Greek society in various ways.

Odysseus is always quick to a plan and always has his wits about him. When he and his crew get trapped with the Cyclops, he is immediately assessing the situation and thinking of an escape. He says, “As for myself I kept on puzzling to think how

He proves that he is a great leader and isn’t easily affected by conflict. He says, “[I] shouted out to him in my rage, ‘Cyclops, if anyone asks you who it was that put your eye out and spoiled your beauty, say it was the valiant warrior Odysseus…’” (96-98). As he and the remainder of his crew are leaving the island, he yells back to Polyphemus to make sure the Cyclops knows exactly who he is. Odysseus additionally shows he can easily trick others. He says, “...three times did I fill the bowl for him, and three times did he drain it… then, I saw the wine had got to his head” (12-13). He is able to assess the situation he and his crew are in and get Polyphemus drunk enough to overtake him. Therefore, Odysseus easily proves that he fulfills the expectations of Greek society.

Odysseus never fails to be an excellent leader and a hero during his time. His quick thinking results in his life and the lives of some of his crewmen being spared. His leadership skills also illuminate the way he fulfills the expectations of him in this society. It was once said that leadership is not a position or title, it is action and example, and Odysseus proves