Theme Of Struggles In The Odyssey

Anoushka Sinha

Mrs. Bowick

English 1- C

12 April 2023

The Importance of Struggle Struggle is something that everyone has, no matter what family you were born into or how lucky you may be. Having difficulties in life allow all humans to grow into even better, stronger, and wiser people. In the epic, The Odyssey, Homer portrays a conflict within oneself, develops a connection between the hero and the reader through similar emotional experiences, and explores the connection between an ordinary man and Odysseus, ultimately illustrating that the realm of struggle is vital for all to pursue to accomplish their final mission no matter how much assistance you can receive. Homer portrays a conflict within oneself through the protagonist, Odysseus.

These external conflicts include many mythical creatures such as the Sirens; Polyphemus, the Cyclops; and Circe. As well as these monsters scattered throughout his journey, he had to deal with the wrath of Poseidon, god of the seas, and storms throughout most of his voyage. He also encounters human adversity through the suitors trying to take over his household and family. These external struggles serve as tests for Odysseus to show his strength and courage as he must overcome and return home. “I want to go back home, and every day I hope that day will come. If some god strikes me on the wine-dark sea, I will endure it. By now I am used to suffering--I have gone through so much at sea and in the war” (5.219-224). Poseidon has been interfering with Odysseus and his men’s journey throughout the story just because he harmed his Cyclops son, Polyphemus. These obstacles that Poseidon has been placing in their way have made him want to go back home even more. “And she says that I alone should hear their singing. Bind me, to keep me upright at the mast, wound round with rope. If I beseech you and command you to set me free, you must increase my bonds and chain me even tighter” (12.162-167). Odysseus encounters the Sirens who are known to lure every person who goes by them in to die. He knows the right thing to do to keep everyone safe though it is a difficult feat. Odysseus even takes advice from Circe, someone who was previously another example of an obstacle for Odysseus. These external conflicts allow Odysseus to grow stronger and become the best leader for his men. Forces who were meant to be harming Odysseus, in the end, are helping him become a better person. These types of conflicts are all around us in the real world helping us to grow as