Analysis Of Homer s The Odyssey - 1636 Words

Literature is one of the most powerful and revealing aspects of a society. In ancient Greek society, Homer’s The Odyssey provides a detailed insight into the values of this intricate culture. In particular, this epic discusses the ways in which the deathless gods influence the fates of the mortals. The overall impact of the gods’ power is the mental straining that emerges from the unrelenting conflict of man versus immortal. Likewise, the actions and misfortunes of others also catalyze this extremely significant and powerful mental battle. Homer’s The Odyssey reveals the values of ancient Greece by portraying the intrapersonal struggles between a person’s self-determined honor and his/her worthiness in the eyes of the Gods. This underlying†¦show more content†¦However, Odysseus was consumed in the thought that he had failed as a leader and a warrior because of his inability to protect his comrades. As such, Odysseus became much less confident in h is abilities to lead and protect his crewmembers and their journey, which caused him to deliberate his personal value in the eyes of the Gods. Homer describes the disastrous situation through the fearful, petrified tone that also conveys the intimidated emotions of Odysseus. Furthermore, Odysseus’ overwhelming self-doubt portrays a human characteristic of the hero, which is a severe lack of confidence in particularly dire circumstances. Thus, the Cyclops’ vicious actions highlight the role of fate in the unforgiving brutality of human nature. After the encounter with the Cyclops, a tremendous storm attacked Odysseus and his small raft as he ventured from Ogygia to Phaeacia. As he was tormented by the unrelenting waves, Odysseus exclaimed, â€Å"’Wretched man – what becomes of me now, at last? [†¦] What monstrous clouds – King Zeus crowning the whole wide heaven black – churning the seas in chaos, gales blasting, raging around my head f rom every quarter – my death-plunge in a flash, it’s certain now! [†¦] Would to god I’d died there [at Troy] and met my fate [†¦]† (Homer 161-162). Poseidon uses his influence over the seas to unleash his relentless fury at Odysseus for stabbing the eye of Polyphemus. Odysseus’ extreme anguish led him to question the level