The Odyssey

Casey Bellino

Professor Courtney

EN-201-A

January 21, 2011

The Real Prospective of Odysseus in The Odyssey

There have been many critical and analytical essays written about The Odyssey. Taking a look at most works there seems to be a focus on how this book Homer wrote is a mirror image of human life. Other scholars mention how it does mirror human life, but takes more interest on how Odysseus (the main character in The Odyssey) is a hero and his reputation remains untarnished. By taking a look at what two scholars have written about The Odyssey critically and analytically people come to understand a little better on why and how Odysseus remains a hero and how the story reflects human life. These two scholars that will be reviewed are Stewart Justman who wrote “Literature and Human Equality” that focuses on the hero of Odysseus and “The Odyssey by homer” which gives critical work written by many scholars that focus on human life and existence.

Taking a look at heroism of Odysseus, who is introduced in the beginning of the story as a prisoner of Calypso on her island. In a readers eye Odysseus is this great big and strong man who helped defeated the Trojans and has been known for his achievements in sports. By these features Odysseus is put into a category of heroes. A hero can be many different things according to what another person’s opinion is. A hero may be three things. One: someone who is brave and has moral courage. Two: someone that has made great achievements in their life. Three: someone who has risked and sacrificed their life for something or someone else. All of these characteristics and achievements that has made Odysseus who he is in this story going through many pains, losses, and suffering yet still making it home to his people with courage and dignity.

Stewart Justman in his book talks about Odysseus and how he is a hero, but there is one issue this author makes a point of that brings a question into many minds. “There have been an...