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To What Extent Is Odysseus A Hero

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Is Odysseus a hero? Although Odysseus was a great person, he was also very selfish. A lot of people believe Odysseus is a hero, but in closer examination, it shows Odysseus does not deserve that title. In the book The Odyssey, it shows how much his actions make him far from a hero. I can understand why many people think he's a hero because he did many good things, but the amount of bad things he did shows he's not a hero. One big reason I believe Odysseus is not a hero is his actions. While he was on his journey back home to Ithaca, he showed a sense of entitlement. This shows how the way he treats others like his own crewmembers. In book 9 Odysseus blinded the Cyclops and he says his true identity, which leads to many hardships for him and his crewmembers. “Cyclops, you asked my name, and I will tell you: give me afterwards a guest gift as you promised" (book 9). A real hero would show wisdom, rather than showing how big of an ego he has. …show more content…

Instead of trying to overcome challenges, he resorts to cheating and being dishonest. For example, he pretends to be a beggar when he comes back home to Ithaca to see the loyalty of his wife Penelope, and the people in his home. This shows manipulation and not trusting the people that have been faithful to him while he was gone for so long. "(I will) clothe thee in a ragged garment, such that one would shudder to see a man clad therein." book 17. Odysseus wanted to see his wife's loyalty to him when Odysseus slept with 2 other women while he was gone. A hero would trust his people, but Odysseus falls way too far in that

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