The Flaw Of A Hero In Homer's Odyssey

Traits of Hero Tom Hanks once said, “A hero is somebody walks voluntarily into the unknow” (Hanks). In Homer's “The Odyssey”, Odysseus displays he is a hero. In the story Odysseus goes on a ten year journey with obstacles and eventually makes his way home to be reunited with his family. Many of the obstacles have shaped Odysseus as a character for the better. On this 10 year journey throughout the story, Odysseus shoes responsibility, loyalty, and wisdom, which are all traits that makes him a hero, One of the traits that he demonstrates is responsibility with being a hero.

A hero is someone who is revered for his or her exceptional achievements and bravery. Anyone who puts themselves before others not for recognition or an award, but because it is the right thing to do, is a true hero. In "The Odyssey," written by Homer is an epic poem about a man named Odysseus and his crewmates competing against the power of the gods to return to their homeland, Ithaca. Throughout his journey, he loses almost all of his men, but Odysseus finally arrives home, concluding his prolonged twenty-year voyage. Odysseus must battle the suitors that have taken his wife Penelope, and may soon kill his son Telemachus.

Saving Others, Selflessly The word “hero” usually brings to mind a knight slaying a dragon or a firefighter rescuing someone from a burning building. But does one have to save a life to be considered a hero? Oftentimes, we assume that heroism is limited to physical bravery. This term, however, implies the notion of helping and inspiring others: a teacher cultivating a love for learning or a paraplegic Olympian reaching out to youth with disabilities. Because heroes range from Olympians to teachers, not all are famous--in fact, many remain unrecognized.

Helen Keller showed people that no matter what disability, life might face someone with, they are still strong enough to conquer it. Helen Adams Keller was born on June 27, 1880, in Tuscumbia, Alabama, to Arthur and Katherine Adams. Helen was born a healthy baby and began talking at the age of six months and walking at one year old. In 1882, Helen contracted an illness known back then as “brain fever” which produced a high body temperature. At just eighteen months old, she had lost her sight and hearing (Biography

Helen Keller was an activist, who used her challenges of being deaf, and blind to help others with the same challenges. To help her along the way Helen Keller had a lot of motivations, had activism, and influences. One of her motivations were going to school to become educated. One of her activism was fighting for women’s rights. One of her influences was Anne Sullivan, who taught Helen to talk.

But ultimately, she overcame the pain of leaving him and went on to live many more years of her life. Finally, Helen Keller showed grit when she overcomes her troubles of being blind and deaf. She had a goal to communicate, but she became frustrated when she wasn’t getting it. She threw tantrums and refused to follow direction. But after she kept working, she eventually connected words to objects and she continued to work hard to read, write, speak.

The Story of My Life ended up being a mind-blowing classic and Keller was just only 23 years of age at the time. 3. Eventually, Keller used her time to travel the world for the American Foundation for the Blind to raise awareness and funds for those who are needy, blind and deaf. I. Conclusion 1. Helen Keller was a very strong minded social activist.

Heroes can range from the well-known Superman to Harriet Tubman during the American Civil War, to the very parents that get you up in the morning. Despite who the hero may be, heroes are said to display selflessness, humility, and integrity. Specifically, epic heroes are expected to also illustrate loyalty and devotion. In the Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus is depicted as the bigger than life epic hero of the epic poem that has had such an overwhelming impact on Western culture. However, his character flaws and the byproduct that are their consequences negate his heroism.

Odysseus is not a hero because he stabs Polyphemus in the eye and blinds him. Odysseus is still a hero because he is a leader. Moreover, after Odysseus and his men fight the Cicones, he orders ¨Back and Quickly! Out to sea again!” (Homer 984).

Jason Sierra Professor Williams 5 October 2014 Word Count: 752 Odysseus: An Epic Hero The definition of a hero is a person with supernatural abilities at performing specific tasks that normal people cannot typically achieve. In the epic poem called “The Odyssey” written by a poet named Homer, there is a character named Odysseus who contains these characteristics.

Odysseus, a True Hero     In the Odyssey, Homer beautifully illustrates Odysseus’ qualities that make him a hero. While reading the Odyssey, a reader learns of the hardships Odysseus and his crew face on their treacherous journey home from the Trojan War. They experience dangerous traveling conditions and terrifying monsters, and only Odysseus makes it out alive. This was a journey full of unfortunate events and learning opportunities. Odysseus proves he is a true hero by showing throughout his endeavors that he is clever in his actions, devoted to the people around him, and good hearted in all aspects of his life.

Heroism, tends to be difficult to define and remarkably ambiguous in literary works. In the Odyssey, however, Homer clearly defines a hero as a humble, determined, and loyal individual; thus, according to Homer, it is not enough to claim to be a hero, but it is also important to exhibit those qualities that Homer values as heroism. Odysseus, despite claiming heroism, upholds these traits inconsistently, as seen in his taunting of Polyphemus. In contrast, Telemachus, Odysseus’ overlooked son, dramatically grows up over the course of the epic and ultimately reveals his truly heroic qualities by the end of the poem. Thus, because Odysseus claims to be a hero, but fails to remain humble, determined, and loyal throughout the epic, he is not a hero.

When the word hero is spoken, many may immediately think of a character like Superman. Superman can fly and has extreme strength, allowing him to help his city. What truly makes Superman a hero is how he puts these skills to use with his outstanding personality qualities. Odysseus, from the Odyssey, also has overlapping traits of a hero. He is not gifted with supernatural capabilities but still put in an effort to help his men and community.

In Homer’s book, The Odyssey, the question has been raised as to whether or not Odysseus is considered a hero. In today’s society, a hero is someone who is brave and courageous. Heroes also typically give their life a life a meaning whether it is sacrificing their life to help other or doing something kind for someone. However, it does take more than these traits to consider oneself a hero. For example, one can consider himself a hero if that person decides to have the courage to go on a journey home.

Odysseus the Hero Superman may be the first person who comes to mind when thinking of the word hero, but not all superheroes wear capes. This is proven in Homer’s book, The Odyssey with the main character, Odysseus, who showed many heroic acts throughout the book. He was clever, brave, and, loyal, proving he's worthy of being a hero. The definition of a hero, doesn’t depend on how strong someone is, or if they can fly, it’s about courage, and noble qualities.