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Odysseus, 2002.
A comparative analysis of the character of Odysseus in "The Metamorphoses" by Ovid and "The Odyssey" and "The Iliad" by Homer.
1,733 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 61.95
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Abstract
"The Metamorphoses" by Homer portrays a different side of Odysseus as a character, which is entirely different from the Odysseus that readers were acquainted to in "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" by Homer. While Odysseus is portrayed as a courageous and intelligent warrior in "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey," Ajax in "The Metamorphoses" is illustrated as a coward and a brilliant schemer in order to fool the people in believing that he is the rightful heir to the title of Achilles as the great warrior of the Achaean/Greek society. This main difference between Ovid and Homer's works is the focus of this paper.
From the Paper
"Ovid, on the other hand, portrays a different and more critical picture of Ulysses (Odysseus) as warrior in the Roman literature. In an article by James Hunter, Odysseus' character is similar to Ovid's portrayal in "The Metamorphoses," wherein he is known to be a cunning and treacherous warrior who would rather find ways out of a problematic situation than to fight bravely towards solving the problem (Hunter 2003). In fact, in W. B. Stanford's analysis of Odysseus character in the "The Ulysses Theme," he discusses the criticism of Ovid and other Roman literary writers in the portrayal of Odysseus in the "post-classical tradition." "
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Odysseus The Leader, 2006.
A review of the character Odysseus in Homer's "The Odyssey".
1,000 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper studies the character of Odysseus in the Greek mythic tale "The Odyssey" by Homer. The paper asserts that Odysseus is portrayed as an expert leader in this epic poem. The paper attempts to demonstrate Odysseus' various leadership qualities, including hard work, skill, loyalty, strength and intelligence. The paper also examines the role of the divine in assisting Odysseus. It concludes that despite his shortcomings as a man, Odysseus lives through all the dangers and risks which are presented to him by divine forces.
From the Paper
"Odysseus displays the qualities of being a hard worker and expert sailor, which assist him in his journey. The hero is introduced in Book Five, when he is busy building his boat and thus showing his extreme resourcefulness. Odysseus announces, "For my performance, that myself should build A ship of power, my home-assays to shield Against the great sea of such dread to pass; which not the best built ship that ever was." This impressive introduction to Odysseus displays the hero's prowess and near-divine mythic stature. Furthermore, immediately after Odysseus builds his magnificent vessel, he is hurled into tumultuous storms created by Neptune; the hero navigates skillfully through the tempests to safety. As Homer writes, "two nights, yet, and days He spent in wrestling with the sable seas; in which space, often did his heart propose Death to his eyes. But when Aurora rose, And threw the third light from her orient hair, The winds grew calm, and clear was all the air." These scenes, which display Odysseus' diligence and seamanship, foreshadow the hero's excellence as he and his crews navigate the Mediterranean and back to Ithaca."
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Athena and Odysseus, 2005.
An analysis of the friendship between Athena and Odysseus in Homer's "Odyssey".
837 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how in the "Odyssey", the only fully explored relationship is the friendship between Athena and Odysseus. It looks at how the Goddess and the Wanderer delight in virtuosities of deception and how they seek to out wit the other with affectionate larceny. It shows how it is a crafty, amused, deeply feminine amity that binds Athena to Odysseus and how it is Athena, the goddess of wisdom and the patron of Odysseus, who has the greatest impact on him.
From the Paper
"The help of Athena can be traced back to the Iliad. During the funeral games for Achilles' friend, Patroclus, Athena helped Odysseus take many prizes. However, Athena's impact on Odysseus does not truly come about until the Odyssey. As the Odyssey opens, Odysseus is in a situation he cannot get out of without the help of Athena. He is on the island of Ogygia with Calypso, a beautiful goddess. She offers Odysseus immortality if he will stay on the island as her husband. It is at this point in the poem that Athena first interferes in the life of Odysseus. She plans to reunite Odysseus with his family. "
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Odysseus, Joseph, and Gilgamesh, 2005.
A series of questions comparing the three seemingly different characters, Odysseus, Joseph, and Gilgamesh.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 4 sources, AU$ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper asks the questions 'what do the characters of Odysseus, Joseph, and Gilgamesh have in common? How do their adventures compare with one another?' While Joseph is a Bible character, Odysseus was the king of Ithaca, and Gilgamesh built the city of Uruk. This paper then compares the stories of Odysseus, Joseph, and Gilgamesh, pointing out many similarities in their adventures, trials, and victories.
From the Paper
"Joseph is a Bible character, Odysseus was the king of Ithaca, and Gilgamesh built the city of Uruk. Odysseus is remembered for building the wooden horse that made it possible to take Troy. Joseph is remembered for the coat of many colors. Gilgamesh was two-thirds god and only one-third human (Hooker). Comparing the stories of Odysseus, Joseph, and Gilgamesh show many similarities in their adventures, trials, and victories."
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Xenia and Odysseus' Homecoming, 2006.
An examination of the ancient social practice of "xenia" and its influence upon Odysseus' return to Ithaca.
2,350 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 78.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the elaborate ancient customs of hospitality, "xenia", established in the society of Odysseus' time. It maintains that these customs are crucial to understanding the methods by which the marginalized individual was reintegrated into the center. These social codes provided a means by which an individual could construct his social identity and define the interrelationship between the culture's participants. The paper takes a look at how Odysseus' voyage brings him into contact with alien cultural practices that he must navigate through in order to return home, entailing no small understanding of the functions of both society and the ways of the gods. The paper concludes that, as the foundational structure of Greek society, Odysseus' reestablishment of his position in the family yields a confirmation of the individual's identity and functions in parallel with the ritual of "xenia" as a symbol of identification within the community.
From the Paper
"Upon his return to Ithaca, Odysseus faces a complicated social situation that requires he bring to bear all the knowledge of social customs he has learned throughout his long and varied voyage. Warned against the treachery of women by Agamemnon's tale in book eleven, and having to somehow overcome a house full of suitors for his wife's hand who would gladly see him dead, it is the ritual principles of hospitality that provide the means to reclaim his place in society. "Xenia functions as a unifying principle by virtue of its capacity to as a ritual both to incorporate Odysseus into his household and simultaneously to continue his estrangement from it." Through this concept Odysseus is able to disguise himself and reenter his familial space to witness the situation and decide what actions will be necessary to reestablish himself there, thus avoiding Agamemnon's fate and the threat of the suitors."
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Odysseus and Olympian Gods, 2002.
A look at the relationship between Odysseus and the Olympian Gods in the "Odyssey" by Homer.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, AU$ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper will seek to analyze the relationship of Odysseus to the Gods in the "Odyssey" by Homer. By managing to show this supernatural connection to a higher power, we can surmise how Odysseus learns valuable lessons from them.
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Moses and Odysseus, 2004.
A comparison of the leadership qualities of Moses and Odysseus.
1,200 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how, in the "Book of Exodus" in the Holy Bible, and in Homer's "Odyssey", the leadership qualities of Moses and Odysseus are thoroughly demonstrated by their individual actions and reactions to particular circumstances in their lives. It shows how, with Moses, several examples of his leadership traits are connected to the Egyptians and to his own people, being the Israelites. With Odysseus, the best examples of his leadership qualities lie in his concern for his fellowman and the future of his family in Ithaca, comprised of Telemachus, his son, and Penelope, his good wife, who has waited more than twenty years for his return from the Trojan War.
From the Paper
"One of the first important incidents related in Exodus that demonstrates the leadership qualities of Moses concerns the time when he wandered out of the Egyptian palace and came upon a scene that opened his eyes to the fate of his fellow Israelites--"And it came to pass in those days when Moses was grown up, that he went out unto his brethren and looked on their burdens; and he saw an Egyptian smiting a Hebrew, one of his brethren" (2:11). In response to this act, Moses rescued a fellow Israelite from a beating and inflicted a kind of justice on the Egyptian that symbolized the worst excesses of the Egyptian monarchy. Thus, Moses exhibited one of the best attributes of leadership, being the saving of a fellow human being while putting his own life at risk for the sake of another."
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Odysseus, 2002.
The paper analyzes Odysseus, the main character in Homer's "The Odyssey" and looks at the important characteristics that make him the epitome of Greek society in the Homeric period.
1,133 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 42.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the use of symbolism by Homer to depict Odysseus as the embodiment of the various attitudes, behavior and stature present in the Mycenaen society in which Homer lived. The paper then explores the three prevailing symbolic themes reflected in Odysseus' qualities that depict him simultaneously as father and husband, warrior, and human/mortal.
From the Paper
"Another proof of male dominance in "Odyssey" is through Odysseus' character, as he introduced himself to a special gathering organized by King Alcinous. In introducing himself, Odysseus says, "I am Ulysses son of Laertes, renowned among mankind for all manner of subtlety, so that my fame ascends to heaven." His self-proclaimed greatness illustrates the male dominance of his society. Odysseus deems it proper to introduce himself in terms of patriarchal lineage, while simultaneously praising himself through his ascendancy and popularity as a warrior."
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"Odysseus" and "Ulysses", 2005.
A comparison and contrast of Homer's "Odysseus" and Ovid's "Ulysses".
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a comparison and contrast of Odysseus and Ulysses. It shows that on the one hand Ovid's "Ulysses" reveals striking similarities to Homer's "Odysseus" in that he is a hero who frequently engages in what we would today consider morally dubious actions; but whose defining characteristics are intellect and cunning rather than strength or success in battle.
From the Paper
"A comparison and contrast of the representation of the character of Odysseus in Homer's epic The Odyssey and Ulysses from Ovid's Metamorphoses is complicated by two key issues. The first complication is that while they are essentially the same character in the mythic narrative of ancient Greece, Homer's representation is - as best we know - the original version of the character. Ovid's Ulysses is a Roman recreation of the original, shaped by the language and culture of classical Rome, many centuries after Homer. The second key complication is the fact that Odysseus is the protagonist of a immense poetic epic by Homer, whereas the Ulysses of Ovid is merely a minor character in the Metamorphoses."
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Odysseus and Achilles, 2006.
A comparative analysis of Homer's two characters Odysseus and Achilles.
3,732 words (approx. 14.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 112.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Homer's two central heroes, Odysseus and Achilles, are, in many ways differing manifestations of the same themes. While Achilles' character is almost utterly consistent in his rage, pride and near divinity, Odysseus' character is difficult to pin down to a single moral; though perhaps more human than Achilles, he remains more difficult to understand. It shows how both heroes are defined not by their appearances, nor by the impressions they leave upon the minds of those around them, nor even so much by the words they speak, but almost entirely by their actions. Action is what drives the plot of both the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey" and action is what holds the characters together.
From the Paper
"Odysseus is a peculiar mix of both heroic and intelligent qualities that make him seem both human and supernatural. The Odysseus portrayed in the Iliad somewhat contrasts the Odysseus we see in the Odyssey. For the purposes of the former, he is represented as a man of conviction, possessing significant military genius and guile, as well as persuasive capabilities. In the latter, however, some of his more ignoble traits are revealed: he is a braggart, he almost dishonorably uses poisoned arrows, and he shows conceit in his victory over the Cyclops."
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Gilgamesh and Odysseus, 2005.
A discussion on the two differing heroic ideals of Gilgamesh and Odysseus.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 8 sources, AU$ 48.95
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Abstract
The following paper examines the heroic ideals embodied by the Sumerian hero Gilgamesh and the Greek hero Odysseus. The paper argues that the former is noteworthy for his bristling physicality, the latter for his resourcefulness and cunning. Thus, it may be posited that one embodies early, "primitive" man and the other a more restrained, thoughtful and (arguably) more advanced male archetype.
From the Paper
"Gilgamesh is a very conventional sort of hero. He is extraordinarily powerful - in contrast to Odysseus who must rely upon his cunning to survive - and he is extraordinarily beautiful. He is also, it must be said, given over to intemperance and to bullying (Epic trans. Kovacs xix). While Odysseus's pursuits are ultimately sanguinary, it may be said that Gilgamesh requires no prompting to forcibly impress himself upon others and his martial skills are conspicuously praised in the tabular artifacts that have survived to the present day (Epic of Gilgamesh Ancient Texts tablet I.32-35). In this regard, it is hardly inaccurate to suggest that Gilgamesh is heroic precisely because of his might whereas Odysseus is valued for other qualities that have little if anything to do with physical prowess."
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Odysseus -- a Reflection of His Own Heroism and the Help of the Gods, 2002.
A discussion of the character of Odysseus from Homer's "Odyssey" .
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, AU$ 38.95
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Abstract
This essay takes a passage from Homer's "Odyssey" and analyzes it in the context of how Odysseus's success and character are intertwined with who the Gods are and what they do.
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Helen and Odysseus, 2002.
An insight into the Greek concept of heros and heroines using Helen and Odysseus as examples.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 2 sources, AU$ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper is written about the Greek Hero or Heroine - Helen and Odysseus. The Greeks seemed to have favored a view of the heroic that contained its element of imperfection, and against a background of grand events in which the hero, or heroine, typically present themselves.
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Beowulf and Odysseus the Unlikeliest of Heroes, 2002.
A compare and contrast analysis of Beowulf and Odysseus - two heroes from different eras.
985 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper considers the similarities and differences shown between the Greek Hero Odysseus in Homer's "Odyssey" and the Northern Hero Beowulf in the saga "Beowulf", discussing how either can be heroes and arguing in some ways that it is more than deeds that marks a hero, but also the way in which they behave and relate to others.
From the Paper
"In the Odyssey we see Odysseus as a complex character and in may way as contrast who is both similar and different to that of his counterpart Beowulf.. However we can argue that the way in which they were brought up had an impact on their characters, and that the absence of any real documented evidence of the truth we cannot have a clear precise detail of what may have influenced either at the time of the sagas being spoken or their deeds being carried out."
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Gilgamesh and Odysseus, 2002.
Compares the main characters in "The Epic of Gilgamesh" (author unknown) and Homer's "The Odyssey".
1,508 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 53.95
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Abstract
There are many similarities between Gilgamesh, the legendary Babylonian king, and Odysseus, the Greek warrior famous for his cunning and fortitude. The paper shows that both characters' stories are told in poetic epics ("The Epic of Gilgamesh" by an anonymous author and ancient Greek writer, Homer's "The Odyssey"). The paper shows how both characters are engaged in quests - Gilgamesh, who is partially divine, does not wish to die and searches for a way to achieve immortality, whilst Odysseus is fully human and even rejects an offer of immortality in order to continue his struggle to return home after the end of the Trojan war. Both epics also feature the interference of the gods who encourage, assist, or thwart the two heroes and debate among themselves about the courses they should take in regard to the relatively insignificant human beings. The paper shows that the endings of the two epics are different--as might be expected from the differences in the two characters' goals. However, the basic themes of the endings have much more in common than might be expected. Gilgamesh is eventually convinced that immortality is something reserved for the gods. His partially mortal parentage means that he must die and that he should, therefore, take pleasure and pride in what is best about life rather than worrying about living forever. The paper shows that Odysseus is also intent on restoring order by returning home and in doing so, he makes the best of life, accepting fate and eventual death.
From the Paper
"The episodes involving the offers of the goddesses also provide similarities and differences. In the case of Gilgamesh Ishtar "looked with longing" on his beauty and begged him to be her "bridegroom" (6.6-7). But Gilgamesh boldly rejected her, despite the list of beautiful things that she promised him, because he was aware of the sad histories of all the men and animals that she had taken for her lovers in the past. In the case of Calypso and Odysseus, however, the goddess is not accused of falseness and her offers of everything wonderful are quite serious. She does indeed want Odysseus to remain with her forever and makes the offer of immortality. He would be ageless and would "preside in our house with me / and be immortal"."
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The 'Tall' Tales of Odysseus, 2004.
A look at the concept of lies and falsehood in Homer's "Odyssey"
1,358 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 49.95
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Abstract
In the last half of the "Odyssey" by Homer, the disguised Odysseus tells blatantly false tales about himself. This paper examines the meaning of these lies and explains that he had the underlying motive of protecting either himself or someone else. It shows that, in his quest to protect others, Odysseus uses whatever he deems necessary, including the telling of lies and being deceitful.
From the Paper
"Odysseus has an almost infinite capacity to improvise, to do whatever is necessary to deal with a particular situation: he will disguise himself, lie, cheat, use force, change his mind, compromise, endure hardship, and so on, in order to win through. His ability to reason has led to his reputation as the wisest of counsels. It would seem that a wise man, a hero to the people of Homer's time, would be above deceit. A fair response to the lies Odysseus tells would be to seek a deeper reason than simple fraud.'
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