blog
media download page
Essay / Odysseus' Goals in The Odyssey in his kingdom of Ithaca. This essay will explore the different goals Odysseus pursues in his quest and the challenges he faces along the way. By examining his desire for personal glory, his desire for his homeland, and his quest for knowledge, it becomes clear that Odysseus's goals are multidimensional and shape the poem's narrative. Despite the many obstacles he encounters, Odysseus remains determined to achieve his goals, demonstrating his resilience and strength as a hero. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Personal Glory One of Odysseus' main goals in The Odyssey is to achieve personal glory. This desire is evident from the beginning of the poem, as Odysseus proudly introduces himself as "Odysseus, reaver of cities" (Book 9, line 19). He seeks to establish his reputation as a hero by conquering new lands, defeating mythical creatures, and outwitting his enemies. For example, when faced with the Cyclops Polyphemus, Odysseus cleverly blinds him and boasts: “I am no one, no one, no one at all” (Book 9, line 366). This strategic move not only allows Odysseus to escape, but also showcases his intelligence and ingenuity. Additionally, Odysseus's desire for personal glory is also evidenced by his refusal to accept help or advice from the gods. Despite the fact that the gods often intervene on his behalf, Odysseus insists on relying on his own abilities. This is demonstrated when he rejects the goddess Calypso's offer of immortality, stating that he would rather return home and die a mortal death (Book 5, lines 231-234). Odysseus's unwavering determination to achieve personal glory sets him apart as a hero, as he is willing to face many challenges and risks in order to establish his name and reputation. Desire for Home Another crucial goal that Odysseus pursues in The Odyssey is his desire to return to his homeland. homeland, Ithaca. Throughout his ten-year journey, Odysseus constantly yearns to return to his kingdom, his wife Penelope and his son Telemachus. This desire is most evident in the episodes where Odysseus encounters various distractions and temptations that threaten to distract him from his ultimate goal. One such distraction is the enchantress Circe, who offers Odysseus eternal pleasure and immortality if he stays with her on her island. However, Odysseus resists this temptation, because his desire to reunite with his family and reclaim his throne outweighs any momentary pleasure (Book 10, lines 222-228). This demonstrates Odysseus's unwavering commitment to his goal of returning home, even when faced with tempting alternatives. Additionally, Odysseus' longing for his homeland is further emphasized through his encounters with the sirens and the nymph Calypso. The two beings try to seduce Odysseus and take him away from Ithaca. However, Odysseus resists their lure, because his desire to reunite with his loved ones outweighs any lure of immortality or sensual pleasure. These encounters highlight the depth of Odysseus' desire for his homeland and his determination to overcome any obstacle that stands in his way. Quest for Knowledge Along with his goals of personal glory and his desire for a homeland, Odysseus also embarks on a quest for knowledge. He seeks to learn more about the world, its creatures and the nature of humanity. This quest manifests itself in his encounters with various mythical beings and., 1996.
Navigation
« Prev
1
2
3
4
5
Next »
Get In Touch