Virtue In Homer's The Odyssey

The Odyssey ~ Homer ~ Adventure, Epic Poetry, Folklore

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle ~ Avi ~ Adventure, Bildungsroman, Historical

From opinion, the most memorable moment of The Odyssey by Homer is when Odysseus and his faithful men execute the daring escape from Polyphemus the Cyclops, son of Poseidon the Earthshaker. In this section of the epic, Odysseus presents his cunning and daring character, showing ingenuity and athleticism as well. The thought put into the plan shows the intelligence Odysseus holds, for no man could ever have in mind such a brilliant plan. Great athleticism is shown through the red hot staff, as he and his comrades pick up the heavy object and drive it into the single eye of the Cyclops. “They lifted up

A significant virtue Homer’s story covers is the importance of loyalty. The most notable exudation of loyalty is when Odysseus’ wife, Penelope, waits faithfully for ten years for the return of her husband. While many others tell her that Odysseus was most likely dead and that she should move on, she ignores them and never loses hope. She also concocts a clever scheme so she does not have to remarry. Saying that she would remarry once she finishes making a burial shroud for her late father-in-law, Laёrtês, she undoes the stitches every night so she would never finish, hence never remarry. Another example is when Telemachus stood by his father’s side against the suitors. From the very beginning, Odysseus presents perseverance. Even with Poseidon’s whole-hearted grudge and torments, Odysseus remains determined to reach home once again to his tall house and lovely family. Also, the purpose of his journey back home helps him drive his determination. His yearn for survival and the ultimate goal of homecoming to kill the suitors courting his wife help Odysseus stay persistent. “‘You are a hard man, Odysseus. Your force is greater, your limbs never wear out. You must be made all of iron, when you will not let your companions, worn with hard work and wanting sleep, set foot on this land, where if we did, on the seagirt island we could once more make ready a greedy dinner; but you force us to blunder along just as we are through the running night, driven from the island over the misty face of the water,’” (pg. 155-156). Here Eurylochus praises Odysseus of his perseverance and mentions how he is so determined that it is as if his body is made of iron. Penelope also expresses this theme for she lives through those ten years without Odysseus while many others told her to forget about her husband. She did cry, indeed, but the