I believe that Odysseus would be in some ways a hero for our times, and in some ways not. He is very cunning, and can get his way out of most things, like when Cyclops held him and his ship mates captive, and then Odysseus came up with a plan that helped them escape. We would need Odysseus in times when we were in a jam, and needed a clever plan to escape. Odysseus would also be a good hero because he has a strong, willpower. Like when he is caught in Poseidon's storm, he does not lose hope, and still fights for his life. I would want a hero that never gives up, and one that is strong especially in times of trouble.
Odysseus would also not be a good modern hero because he is a killer. His plans include killing many people, and in modern day, you would be considered a serial killer. An example of his killing plans is the final plan to kill all of Penelope's suitors. They were all viciously killed, that would not be a normal thing in present day. Another reason why Odysseus would not be a good hero is that he is really not very self-conscious, and somewhat a rash person. Like when he woke to Nausicaa and her maids singing and bathing, and walked out to them naked and started asking for help and directions. We, at least I, want my hero to make very well and educated decusions, instead of acting on impulse and making yourself look like a fool.
Overall, I think that Odysseus would not make such a great modern hero, just because some of the things he does are not quite as acceptable in our society now, but some of his character traits would be GREAT in a hero that we could use today
5 comments:
I can see your point! He would make a good hero for his ability/ willingness to fight but also not because of his pride and lying streak. I like the example you used with the cyclops, we could definately use him if we got into a jam like that. Ha Ha..
Emily, I agree very much with your ideas on why Odysseus would and wouldn't be a good modern hero. His skillful mind helps him get himself out of sticky situations which is a good aspect of a hero no matter what the time-period. But the fact that many of his resolutions include killing-sprees leads to the idea that his choice of action is not acceptable in our modern-society. It could be that the situations back in "Homeric time" called for hand to hand combat which led to one man conquering another was the reason for why the acceptability of killing has changed so much. And for this reason it seems Odysseus might not be a fitting hero for our time. :)
True, true! The killing thing does leave much to be desired-- at least for teenage books in our age. But for adult thrillers... *shrug* I bet Odysseus would be fantastic. He has the cunning mind, the brilliant plans, the ability to pull off any scheme... good guy or enemy, he'd be a fun guy to have around, though he'd have to have mental issues, of course, which someone degrades the current Odysseus. He is much too happy with himself currently, which I suppose adds to the unacceptance of him killing people. Anyway, nice post, clear and some new ideas there!
Emily, you give very good reasons on how Odysseus could be a modern hero and how he could not. You are very right on how Odysseus is cunning. That is a very good quality for a hero to have. To be able to get out of sticky situations is always good. I liked your example on how Odysseus found a way to escape from the Cyclops. That truly showed how cunning he really is. I agree with you on how Odysseus would not be a modern hero because he is a killer. Throughout the whole epic poem, there is always talk about Odysseus killing more and more people. A modern hero shouldn't act on rash movements and kill people. I like how you said he acts on impulse because that is very true. Overall, I also think that Odysseus would not be a great modern day hero.
I agree with you about Odysseus. Although he can talk his way out of anything and is very brave and cunning, he would not fit in with our society. He is too murderous, which would get him into a lot of trouble. Great examples from the text!
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