The pathos and ethos of cultures is often discernable in literary narratives as expressions of the sentiment of approval or disapproval. Thus, the impact of literary narratives on cultures cannot be understated; the arts do impact and influence culture in both positive and negative ways. This is not a new phenomenon and can be observed in cultures as early as 6 Century B.C. and can be traced throughout human history. An example of this can be seen in Homer’s Odyssey, in which there are certain characters within the narrative that portray what is known as “arete.” Arete is viewed as a desirable character trait which some define as the display of perseverance, quick-wittedness, prowess, valor, etc. The term arete was very prominent and influential in …show more content…
However, examples within the literary narrative of the Odyssey leaves the discussion open with regards to his leadership. Thus, the question of leadership supersedes the topic of Arete. Was Odysseus the ideal leader or did he portray undesirable leadership tendencies? The examples that will presented will illustrate that Odysseus hubris, risk taking prowess, and at times unwillingness to follow instructions often placed his crew in danger as he journeyed Ithaca. Yes, the terribly challenging circumstances in narrative in which the Odysseus finds himself is a challenge of courage and heroism of which very few would willingly volunteer. His ability to remain courageous in the face of brute beast, the actions of gods and demi-goddesses, and in almost impossible natural and supernatural circumstances certainly admirable. However, it is evident that there are circumstances where his hubris leads him to trust his intellect and wit over more reasonable course of action that not only endanger his life, but the life of his entire
Also, when being a leader, Odysseus must display appropriate conduct for and during the situation that is presented before him, for the people he is leading to follow. While Odysseus is leading his crew, he also displays that he and his men are
Odysseus the Great! Odysseus was a great leader. The first example that Odysseus was a great leader is he was determined to get back to Ithaca. This is helpful in a good leader because if he was not determined his crew would not want him to lead anymore and might find a new leader.
The Odyssey There is a big difference between leader and great leader. To be a leader you just have to tell people what to do. To be a great leader, you have to tell them what to do, do something, help them, and do everything you can to save them. Which is exactly what Odysseus did in The Odyssey. He did everything he could to keep his men alive, but it was their own fault that they died.
Odysseus is a Leader 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. Traits of being a good leader are being determined, being intelligent, and using good judgement. I define a good leader as someone who is an example for others to follow, someone who you trust, and someone you respect and who respects you. In The Odyssey Odysseus shows a copious amount of leadership while he’s fighting against the gods to get home.
Secondly, Odysseus in all his journeys, in my opinion has been larger than life. Surviving way too many times, has faced way to many difficulties, and he is still intact. An idiosyncratic part of Odysseus’ image is bravery, but he shouldn’t use it as a panacea all the time. He shows strong leadership and more nobility throughout the story than most men. An example of that is when he lead them through book 9 when he got his men out of the cave and got out of the island I would like to add that he which meant he still made sure his men are secure resulting in him looking very responsible and is really a true leader.
Odysseus could be considered prideful at times; however, he often shows his humility, especially with godly intervention. He also manifests his patience as he enduringly decides to wait for the perfect moment to act rather than to function off of his impulse. The most notable virtue of the heroic Odysseus is definitely his courage; he operates without fear in many situations including conflict with the gods, people, or other creatures. Homer’s “The Odyssey” is a one of the greatest literary works in history as it shows readers what outstanding and virtuous qualities can be found within complete and heroic men such as
Notwithstanding that Odysseus still have a weakness which is proud. However his still have meritorious abilities to be a hero and a leader. Odysseus’s discernment, scheme, and authority help himself and his men united as one and escaped from death. Although Odysseus saw his crews keep dying in his own eyes, but he didn't get crazy or give up, because he knew that there are still men behind him and followed him. This reminds me a quote which wrote by Ronald Reagen stated that, “There are no great limits to growth because there are no limits of human intelligence, imagination, and wonder,”(Ronald
A great leader views the world like he is looking through 3D glasses, always seeing the depth and vibrancy of the possibilities around him. A bad leader is like a cyclops wearing an eyepatch, never able to see his mighty hand in front of his own face. In The Odyssey, Homer illustrates the journey home to Ithaca taken by Odysseus and his men. Unfortunately, Odysseus makes poor choices throughout his travels and his actions often do more harm than good. Two character traits define Odysseus and shape his poor leadership style.
“Now, by the gods, I drove my big hand spike deep in the embers, charring it again, and cheered my men along with battle talk to keep their courage up: no quitting now.” pg. 156 Being able to not give up or shrink away from danger makes Odysseus an admirable, courageous hero. Furthermore, there were oher moments in which he and his men had to overcome grief from losing men and facing dangers in which they risked their lives. Once Odysseus makes it home and has revealed himself to Telemakhos, Telemakhos proves himself to his father that he is also worthy of being a hero; being courageous.
When most people think of heroes they think of figures who have super strength and wear capes. Although Odysseus does not do either of these things, he still shows heroism through his qualities and accomplishments. Throughout his journey, his heroic nature is shown as he handles situations using his intelligence and leadership. Odysseus commonly uses his clever mind to think on his feet and come up with well rounded solutions to his problems. When his crew is approaching the home of the sirens, he decides to take beeswax and “lay it thick upon [the men’s] ears” (Homer.)
In the novel The Odyssey, written by Homer, Odysseus is portrayed as a bad leader because of his selfish decisions and bad character. Odysseus makes a selfish decision when he leads his crew to stay in Polyphemus’s cave thinking he would offer gifts and Odysseus would “accept (his) help, or any gifts/” he had to “give” (9.726-727). This is a selfish act because he is putting his crew in danger for something that would only benefit himself. In the end, many of his people died and no one benefited. Once again, Odysseus displayed selfish acts when Circe told him “ he will be the only survivor of their long journey” (Homer 764).
Bravery, cleverness, and determination are three traits a good leader has. In Homer’s epic “The Odyssey,” Odysseus, the hero in the story, is trying to return home to Ithaca after his victory in Troy. On their way back home, Odysseus and his men hurt the cyclops, Polyphemus, and angered his father, Poseidon. With a god angry at them, Odysseus and his men had to overcome many obstacles. These obstacles led them to strange islands that had goddesses and dangerous creatures.
However, in the Odyssey, Odysseus makes choices that both his crew and the reader find questionable. 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. Odysseus’s
Throughout the story “The Odyssey” by Homer Odysseus, the main character counters countless amounts of trouble. As king and leader it is his job to keep his men save and get the job done. Odysseus does whatever it takes to keep his men unharmed, and more importantly, alive. All his crew and him dream about is getting back to their homeland, but first they have to pass the obstacles. Odysseus demonstrates good leadership qualities by doing whatever it takes to get the job done, using his advanced cunning abilities to trick his enemy, and constantly saving his crew from dangers.
In Homer’s The Odyssey, Odysseus repeatedly shows that he is polytropos, for as Zeus says “There is no mortal half so wise”(3). Using his wits, Odysseus gets him and his men out of several sticky situations in the Odyssey, proving his leadership through his actions that save the lives of his crew member. On the other hand Odysseus’ streak of constantly outsmarting challenges, goes to his head, and unfortunately causes Odysseus to develop a hubris. His pride at times makes him arrogant, believing that he always knows best, which leads to the untimely demise of his crew. While Odysseus proves to be good leader by saving his crew from trouble with his wits, he is ultimately a bad leader because he refuses to listen to advice.