In a bird simile she is compared to a "shearwater on the wing." 16 students ordered this very topic and got original papers. "Wretched man what becomes of me now, at last? And may the good gods give you all your heart desires: husband, and house, and lasting harmony too. This shows how Odysseus came up with a brilliant plan to hide in between the Cyclops rams and escape with the rams when the Cyclops let them out. Likewise, the greek tragedy by Sophocles Oedipus Rex details the tragic downfall of the hero King Oedipus. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 370-383. The father of the gods decides to intervene to allow Odysseus to return home. This was a bad leadership on the part of Odysseus because he was unable to keep track of his men and possibly save and because he did know he needed to give the crewmember a funeral, something he is morally obliged to do. Let us have but the one leader, the one true king, to whom Zeus, the son of Cronos of wily counsel, gave sceptre and command, to rule his people wisely.". This pep talk motivated his crew and prepared them for what was to come in the future. The lack of obedience and respect for Odysseus shows the lack of leadership role that he has between he and his followers. In TheOdyssey, why does Odysseus tell Polyphemus that his name is Nobody. After his boat is wrecked and he is adrift on a heavy sea for two nights and days, Odysseus is overjoyed to see the shores of Phaeacia. According to The Odyssey, it is shown that a hero has a quality of being a risk taker; a trait Odysseus demonstrates throughout his journey. Many cities of men he saw and learned their minds, many pains he suffered, heartsick on the open sea, fighting to save his life and bring his comrades home. In order to serve as a good leader one must have certain qualities about their personality and abilities. This shows that he prioritizes himself over his men and is clearly selfish, a quality good leaders should not have. In this passage Athena, who has a special relationship with Odysseus, pleads with Zeus to allow the "cursed by fate" hero home. "I reassured the ghost, but he broke out, protesting, "No winning words about death to me, shining Odysseus! This shows how powerful a woman Penelope is. We get a brief synopsis of the story of the epic poem. This shows bad leadership because Odysseus could not persuade his men to not land on the island of Thrinacia, which resulted in all of men dying. What are 3 examples of times when Odysseus demonstrated epic hero/god like qualities in The Odyssey? Penelope is the wife of Odysseus; she does not remarry while he is away. But they themselves- in their depravity- design grief greater than the griefs that fate assigns." Homer, The Odyssey 228 likes Like "Ah how shameless - the way these mortals blame the gods. Copyright 2023 IPL.org All rights reserved. Both he and Odysseus visited Antenor on a mission to arrange for the return of Helen, and Antenor talks about that visit here as he and others watch the preparations for the great duel, below the tower. Odysseus is still a hero because he is a leader. She tells Odysseus to abandon his raft and take her immortal scarf. Latest answer posted October 02, 2020 at 3:09:58 PM. The goddess and nymph Calypso keeps Odysseus as a sex slave on her island of Ogygia for seven years. What epic elements do you find in Homer's Iliad? Don't use plagiarized sources. Here the narrator describes Odysseus typical day in captivity: weeping by day because he is prevented from returning home, and being an unwilling lover by night. He believes that the gods are against him and his position is hopeless. Out to sea again! (Homer 984). "Man of misery, whose land have I lit on now? The Odyssey, Book 6, lines 148-158. Odysseus is quick to decide that they should stay even if it meant potential danger. If you are such a student, you can use 2023 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Significant Myths and Structure of the Text, http://classics.mit.edu/Homer/odyssey.html. In the Iliad, whois responsible for the death of Achilles and who helps him? on the headland, sitting, still, weeping, his eyes never dry, his sweet life flowing away with the tears he wept for his foiled journey home, since the nymph no longer pleased. He told them to hug the shoreline of the cliff and to keep rowing so that they do not see the Sirens on the mountain. Three time and four time happy those Danaans were who died then in wide Troy land, bringing favor to the sons of Atreus, as I wish I too had died at that time and met my destiny on the day when the greatest number of Trojans threw their bronze-headed weapons over me, over the body of perished Achilles, and I would have had my rites and the Proteus tells Menelaus that Odysseus is being held captive on a remote island by the lustful goddess Calypso. Strategy. On the Cicones Island, even though he didn't make much attempt to make his men leave and his lack of . Then, to demonstrate his own courage and fortitude, he asks them to tie him to a mast so he alone can hear the Sirens's song, while the others stop their ears. The Cicones were allies with the Trojans, meaning that they were enemies of Odysseus. Quote regarding Odysseus's trick on the Cyclops "My name is Nobody. DO USE INGENUITY WHEN FIGHTING YOUR ENEMIES: Odysseus showed good leadership when he saved the remaining men from his crew from the cyclops. Penelope, Odysseus's wife, and their young son, Telemachus, are powerless before her arrogant suitors as they despair of Odysseus's return from the siege of Troy. The more complicated a character is, the more he or she engages these major themes. Only Alcinous daughter held fast, for Athena planted courage within her heart, dissolved the trembling in her limbs, and she firmly stood her ground and faced Odysseus, torn now Should he fling his arms around her knees, the young beauty, plead for help, or stand back, plead with a winning word, beg her to lead him to the town and lend him clothing? Is he not being disloyal to Penelope here? What makes Odysseus a good leader in The Odyssey? He always looks out for his men and encourages them to keep moving forward when hope disappears. Unfortunately, the inhabitants [], The Odyssey is a story about Odysseus return home, and the struggles he faces. Nevertheless, heroes rules and commands are respected by their followers and it shows excellent leadership, yet this does not the speak to Odysseus. "Man of misery, what next? Also, Odysseus is evidently clever when devising the escape plan from the Cyclops' cave. Book 1 of The Odyssey is titled "Athena inspires the prince" and that is what the goddess is attempting to do. And now, withdrawing into the caverns deep recesses, long in each others arms they lost themselves in love. Log in here. Look at my wise Penelope. Odysseus is saying this to himself after being wakened up by a group of young Phaeacian girls playing ball. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper. And seventeen days he sailed, making headway well; on the eighteenth, shadowy mountains slowly loomed the Phaeacians island reaching toward him now, over the misty breakers, rising like a shield. DONT GET DISTRACTED AND LEAVE A MAN BEHIND: On Circes island one man fell off a rooftop drunk and Odysseus and his crew left him behind, Odysseus had to promise him a funeral only after he was reminded he was gone while in the underworld. Odysseus sometimes lacks self-awareness when he would kill his men or people just because it was a faster way to reach his goal. He has decreed that the exiled hero is to return home. GradesFixer. Despite this sudden change of heart, he is still wise enough to plan out what he is going to do when he gets to Circes Island and how to keep his crew safe, Lastly, Odysseus lack of leadership is shown when he tells his men not to open the bag of air. Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. or friendly to strangers, god-fearing men? So with his lordly ways he brought the ranks to heel, and they flocked back from their huts and ships to the Assembly, noisily, like a wave of the roaring sea when it thunders on the beach while the depths resound. In The Odyssey, it is clear that Odysseus has earned the respect and status of a leader to Ithacas people. Although Odysseus has some positive attributes he is a bad leader for the following reasons he keeps secrets from his crew, he falls asleep at inappropriate times and is arrogant to a fault. Furthermore, how can we consider Odysseus a hero if his commands are not followed by his men. If one of the gods who rule the skies up there, youre Artemis to the life, the daughter of mighty Zeus I see her now just look at your build, your bearing, your lithe flowing grace But if youre one of the mortals living here on earth, three times blest are your father, your queenly mother, three times over your brothers too. When does Odysseus show bravery in The Odyssey? Taste it, and see the kind of drink we carried under our planks Give me another, thank you kindly' The Cyclops drank three bowls of wine and became very drunk that was what Odysseus was trying to do so, A great leader has to possess certain qualities like being charismatic, responsible, competent, and determined. Get your custom essay from professional writers. Odysseus believes that he is going to die at sea, thanks to the storm sent by Poseidon. The Odyssey, Book 6, lines 142-153. "The Odyssey" is about a man named Odysseus and his ten-year journey to get home with his men after losing the Trojan war. Instead of killing Odysseus and his men, the hilltop made a big wave that brought the ships back to shore. He was reliable and strong, and so he earned title of king in Ithaca and was treated with great respect. What are they here violent, savage, lawless? ", "Three, four times blessed, my friends-in-arms who died on the plains of Troy those years ago, serving the sons of Atreus to the end. Athena on the other hand employs her considerable power at a meeting of the gods to help Odysseus and persuade Zeus to allow him return home. Ultimately his loyalty to family and homeland is more important than anything Calypso can offer. He attributes the Greeks eventual and hard-won victory to the will of Zeus, but also to the cunning of Odysseus. Following are some quotes from The Odyssey that demonstrate Odysseus's leadership qualities. If Odysseus looted the city and left, then he could have stolen many things without losing any. In order to do this, he hid his men in cattle to escape from the cyclops. What quotes show how Odysseus is a good leader? If I beg and pray you to set me free, then bind me more tightly still.". This is perhaps the most famous example of leadership by Odysseus. Students who find writing to be a difficult task. [], The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Odyssey both deals with characters that question their mortality due to death. ", "I saw him once on an island, weeping live warm tears in the nymph Calypsos house she holds him there by force. Leadership requires a person to lead a group of people and have people obey you, how can that occur if Odysseus men do not obey simple instructions. Example 2 "At first, my comrades urged me to grab some cheeses and return.but I did not agree" (Book 9. Accessed 5 Mar. Throughout the epic poem the main characters [], The Odyssey presents its readers with many moments of grief Penelope grieves over the possible loss of her husband, Telemachus is riddled with the grief the suitors give him by trying to take over his missing fathers estate. The Odyssey [], The relationship between male and female is a key theme in the Odyssey and has been increasingly popular in recent scholarship. You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers. He compliments her beauty and compares it in a metaphor to a blooming flower. Line 223-301). Odysseus was waiting for the beastly one-eyed man ''beholden them for his help, or any gifts you give- as custom is to honor strangers." The Cyclops had a great club which was lying near one of the sheep pens; it was of green olive wood, and he had cut it intending to use it for a staff as soon as it should be dry. (Page 21-22). A Homeric simile compares this to a farmer burying an ember in ashes to keep it warm, so that he can kindle a fire later. DONT LET YOUR CREW TELL YOU WHAT TO DO: Odysseus showed bad leadership with his men and Helios cattle. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 515-523. Like a fond father welcoming back his son after nine years abroad, his only son, the apple of his eye for whom he has sacrificed much, the admirable swineherd threw his arms round Telemachus'. In book two of the story, Odysseus is again compared to the chief of all the gods, Zeus; and when Odysseus speaks, he imparts wisdom and good counsel that should be heeded by all. Like pebbles stuck in the suckers of some octopus dragged from its lair so strips of skin torn from his clawing hands stuck to the rock face. Helen, the young woman over whom the Trojan War is being fought, provides some basic information on Odysseus. The story of The Odyssey with Odysseus being a great leader has been told for many years and will be told many years to come. He did all of this with only the goal of returning to his beloved family in mind. Latest answer posted July 08, 2020 at 12:54:27 PM. Odysseus is meeting with Tiresias (a blind prophet) to learn his future. . Enumerate the epic conventions that you can find in books 1 and 2 of the Iliad? 2021 StudyDriver.com - Big database of free essay examples for students at all levels. 2021 Dec 16 [cited 2023 Mar 5]. I went up to this club and cut off about six feet of it; I then gave this piece to the men and told them to fine it evenly off at one end, which they proceeded to do, and lastly I brought it to a point myself, charring the end in the fire to make it harder. Also, Odysseus angered Poseidon by destroying Troy. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/analysis-of-odysseus-as-a-good-leader/. Athena tells Telemachus that Odysseus is alive and being held captive on a faraway island. They readily address him as their king and leave many responsibilities in his hands. Related. Up with you, see how the land lies, see for yourself now.". With Alcinous' help, he can reach home. (Page 11), DONT ALLOW CURIOSITY TO COMPROMISE YOUR MISSION:. In the end I deemed it would be the best plan to do as follows. Odysseus is meeting with Tiresias (a blind prophet) to learn his future. In order to save his men, Odysseus, drove them, all three wailing, to the ships, tied them down under their rowing benches, and called the rest. Odysseus must fight monsters, Cyclopes and more . He considered how to deal with each problem and always did what was best for his people. She is the [], After the events of the Trojan War, Odysseus and his men headed back home to Ithaca. Hospitality. They are killed by the god Helios for their reckless action in consuming his cattle. "But my heart breaks for Odysseus, that seasoned veteran cursed by fate so long far from his loved ones still, he suffers torments off on a wave-washed island rising at the center of the seas. At Polyphemuss cave, Odysseus shows no fear confronting and speaking to the Cyclops in the beginning. However, Oedipus slowly uncovers the truth, ultimately leading to his own banishment from his. The epic poem "The Odyssey" is written by Homer and takes place in ancient Greece 700 B.C. Explore important quotes from the epic poem, learn how fate plays a role, and discover how . The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 476-478. The Iliad is not Odysseus's story; however, he is certainly an integral part of what happens in it. In this quote, we see that Odysseus is a cunning planner. However, Odysseus did not disclose any information to his crew. It chronicles the long journey home of Odysseus, after his time spent fighting in the Trojan War. The other name of the suitors mentioned by Homer in this epic poem include: commons.wikimedia.org Would to god I'd died there too and met my fate that day . Before leading the mission to blind Polyphemus, Odysseus even considered attacking the Cyclops himself. When the Cyclops comes upon to see that Odysseus and part of his crew members were munching down on his cheese he was frustrated. 15. It may be with us all our lives, or it may be many years or decades before we find it or it finds us. However, embedded in the story is the inevitably female-centered core of the battle. She is mortal after all and you, you never age or die Nevertheless I long I pine, all my days to travel home and see the dawn of my return. Latest answer posted January 22, 2021 at 1:12:04 PM, Latest answer posted December 06, 2020 at 10:35:48 AM. 16. Throughout the Odyssey, Odysseus a prominent Greek epic hero is on a quest . Moreover, after Odysseus and his men fight the Cicones, he orders Back and Quickly! Already a member? In brief, Odysseus clearly is a good leader because he is courageous, pensive, and intelligent. He's on the final leg of his journey, and this grand tale has culminated in his finally coming near his goal. Despair to their enemies, a joy to all their friends. But he cant destroy you, not for all his anger. The Odyssey, Book 1, lines 1-12. "Odysseus, master of many exploits, praised the singer: I respect you, Demodocus, more than any man alive surely the Muse has taught you, Zeus's daughter, or god Apollo himself. The major themes in The Odyssey are especially significant because they serve to form the moral and ethical constitution of most of the characters. So warm, Odysseus joy when he saw that shore, those trees. He has no way to voyage home to his own native land, no trim ships in reach, no crew to ply the oars and send him scudding over the seas broad back. Is this the end? He pleads for rags to cover him and assistance to get to the town. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 246-249. He prays to the river god as he swims towards the mouth of a river on the coast of Phaeacia. Critical Essays Major Themes in. Much have I suffered, labored long and hard by now in the waves and wars. When we do see him, he is generally described as being "godlike" or somehow connected to the gods Start your 48-hour free trial to unlock this answer and thousands more. He thought of a cunning plan to get most of his men out of the cave they were trapped in. Why is Odysseus a Bad Leader. eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. The three traits that makes Odysseus a bad leader are being dishonest, prideful, and careless. In the tug of war for Odysseus heart, it is Penelope who wins over Calypso. You can find some excellent answers on these topics in the eNotes links below, which can help guide you in your studies. 1 / 9. When we do see him, he is generally described as being "godlike" or somehow connected to the gods because of his wisdom or bravery. To calm them down, Odysseus told them what to do next. However, Odysseus did not disclose any information to his crew. However, the Odyssey states, Driven by hunger, they ignore Odysseus warning not to fest on Helios cattle Zeus sends down a thunderbolt to sink Odysseus ship. To begin, Odysseus shows endless consideration for all of his men which makes him a strong leader. To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below: By clicking Send, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. Odysseus is a combination of the self-made, self-assured man and the embodiment of the standards and mores of his culture. Unfortunately, Odysseus makes poor choices throughout his travels and his actions often do more harm than good. "Nohbdy, Nohbdy's tricked me, Nohbdy's ruined me" (Homer.9.317)! If I beg and pray you to set me free, then bind me more tightly still." This is perhaps the most famous example of leadership by Odysseus. Unique to Odysseus as an ideal hero as he was a rare intelligent hero Strategy quotes 'quick witted' 'resourceful' 'at every twist of strategy he excelled us all' - Nestor to Telemachus The ideal wife complements odysseus Puts him above other men as he and his wife can work together as a team.