Get your custom essay on, https://studydriver.com/odysseus-showed-bad-leadership/. Explore important quotes from the epic poem, learn how fate plays a role, and discover how . When does Odysseus show bravery in The Odyssey? Leaders have more expectations and responsibilities that they must cater to as well. This is Odysseuss response to the situation.After Circe releases his men from the spell, Odysseus spends a year with her (pg 506). "Noman is my name, and Noman they call me, and my father and my mother and all my fellows'. or friendly to strangers, god-fearing men? He believes that the gods are against him and his position is hopeless. While Odysseus longs to return to his wife Penelope in Ithaca, the bewitching goddess Calypso holds him back. eNotes Editorial, 7 Oct. 2019, https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-quotes-show-how-odysseus-is-a-good-leader-1948083. for. Even immortal gods will show a man respect, whatever wanderer seeks their help like me I throw myself on your mercy, on your current now I have suffered greatly. "Ah great goddess dont be angry with me, please. But when the other [Menelaos] drove to his feet, resourceful Odysseus,he would just stand and stare down, eyes fixed on the ground beneath him,nor would he gesture with the staff backward and forward, but hold itclutched hard in front of him, like any man who knows nothing.Yes, you would call him a sullen man, and a fool likewise.But when he let the great voice go from his chest, and the words camedrifting down like the winter snows, then no other mortalman beside could stand up against Odysseus. Odysseus was given advice from Circe that said not to try to fight Scylla even when she takes six of your men, but Odysseus tried to fight her and he lost . Some readers argue Odysseus should have shown them the bag in order to avoid the situation, Temptation had its way with [his] companions, and they untied the bag. 2021 StudyDriver.com - Big database of free essay examples for students at all levels. Listen: shouting, echoing round me women, girls or the nymphs who haunt the rugged mountaintops and the river springs and meadows lush with grass! Even if Odysseus fought in the Trojan War, he is not a hero because he is self-centered and ignorant to other people's values and needs.There are multiple examples of Odysseus being self-centered, such as not taking people's advice. 19 Odysseus dauntlessly went after his men and was determined to rescue them from her curse. He took risk and find solutions to all the problems they faced. Odysseus, in his apathy with regard to the crisis, did not want to have to manage his crew's fear. After barely escaping, the Cyclops he placed a curse on Odysseus out of his fury. (Page 12), DONT GET COCKY WHEN YOU HAVE A VICTORY: Odysseus showed bad leadership when he started to mock the cyclops after they left his island. But he could not save them from disaster, hard as he strove the recklessness of their own ways destroyed them all, the blind fools, they devoured the cattle of the Sun and the Sungod blotted out the day of their return. The Odyssey, Book 1, lines 15-18. The fate of Odysseus is being controlled by a vengeful Poseidon, angered at the blinding of his son, Zeus acknowledges. The three traits that makes Odysseus a bad leader are being dishonest, prideful, and careless. In another instance, he ensures his crew's safety from the sirens who try to lure them away. Odysseus is inspired once again by Athena as he tries to swim safely to shore in heavy seas. It chronicles the long journey home of Odysseus, after his time spent fighting in the Trojan War. He then grabbed one of Odysseus' men "and made his meal, gaping and crunching like a mountain lion-everything: innards, flesh, and marrow bones" on him without regret. eNotes Editorial, 26 Nov. 2013, https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/there-any-good-quotes-about-odyseuss-being-hero-464644. We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 329-337. Where do you want us to send this sample? Odysseus lacked to be a good leader when him and his men were on the way to Ithaca. So, thoughtfulness is clearly another trait of Odysseus that he uses to make him a stronger leader. From beginning to end of the Odyssey, Odysseus repeatedly motivated his crew to not give up during their journey by announcing "My friends, I know how much/ you have endured. Over the course of the epic, Oedipus gradually loses his men until he has none when he comes home because of his hubristic leadership. The Odyssey, Book 1, lines 57-60, 65-68. Odysseus and his men will be left for dead. 2021 Dec 16 [cited 2023 Mar 5]. However, he prophecies that Odysseus will end up back in his homeland of Ithaca with many treasures, because that is his destiny. He seized and drained the bowl, it went down so firey and smooth he called for more Now, by the gods, I drove my big hand spike deep in the embers charing it again. Helen tells the story of how Odysseus cunningly disguised himself as a begger to slip into Troy unrecognized during the Trojan war. What role does war play in the Iliad? Following are some quotes from The Odyssey that demonstrate Odysseus's leadership qualities. With our Essay Lab, you can create a customized outline within seconds to get started on your essay right away. The first main trait that demonstrates Odysseus is a worthy leader is his optimistic approach to the difficult tasks both he and his men faced during their adventure. This shows Odysseus as a good leader because he tied his men down to the ship and left the island because he knew it was the best way to save them from the Lotus. You can also use our tools to come up with interesting topics and points to argue in your The Cicones were allies with the Trojans, meaning that they were enemies of Odysseus. Odysseus is still a hero because he is a leader. His men try and convince him to leave, but to this he ignores their pleas and says Yet I refused. . He encountered and overcame many obstacles that include fighting cyclops, monsters, giants and more. While not fully explored in [], We provide you with original essay samples, perfect formatting and styling. So the man prayed and the god stemmed his current. (2019, Nov 18). You can find some excellent answers on these topics in the eNotes links below, which can help guide you in your studies. He is being a leader by protecting his men from the Ciccone 's army by leaving before reinforcements come. I went up to this club and cut off about six feet of it; I then gave this piece to the men and told them to fine it evenly off at one end, which they proceeded to do, and lastly I brought it to a point myself, charring the end in the fire to make it harder. And seventeen days he sailed, making headway well; on the eighteenth, shadowy mountains slowly loomed the Phaeacians island reaching toward him now, over the misty breakers, rising like a shield. And out he stalked as a mountain lion exultant in his power strides through wind and rain and his eyes blaze and he charges sheep or oxen or chases wild deer but his hunger drives him on to go for flocks, even to raid the best-defended homestead. This was a bad leadership on the part of Odysseus because he was unable to keep track of his men and possibly save and because he did know he needed to give the crewmember a funeral, something he is morally obliged to do. This shows the lack of obedience the men have and Odysseus lack of leadership. "Odysseus, master of many exploits, praised the singer: I respect you, Demodocus, more than any man alive surely the Muse has taught you, Zeus's daughter, or god Apollo himself. Long-enduring great Odysseus, overjoyed at the sight, bedded down in the midst and heaped the leaves around him. Latest answer posted September 04, 2020 at 11:53:03 AM. What power we had! When we do see him, he is generally described as being "godlike" or somehow connected to the gods because of his wisdom or bravery. We get a brief synopsis of the story of the epic poem. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 338-345. 'Running forward to meet his master, he kissed his forehead, his fine eyes, and both his hands, while the tears streamed down his cheeks. Odysseus sometimes lacks self-awareness when he would kill his men or people just because it was a faster way to reach his goal. More fearsome, is it now, than when the kyklopes penned us in his cave? Here, take this scarf, tie it around your waist it is immortal. Another part of the adventure where this is portrayed is when Odysseus and his men are on Circes island. The goddess and nymph Calypso keeps Odysseus as a sex slave on her island of Ogygia for seven years. Scylla was a huge monster that had twelve large legs like tentacles and 6 heads with fangs. Odysseus barely managed to escape this, but his actions put him and his crew at a huge risk. I believe that Odysseus is a good leader because he is very determined to get back home and back to his wife and son, he is intelligent while he used the idea to kill the cyclops by getting him drunk and putting him to sleep so his men could kill him and escape,and Odysseus uses good judgement when he keeps a secret from his men that six of his crew members are going to be sacrificed for the rest of his crew to stay alive. No finer, greater gift in the world than that when man and woman possess their home, two minds, two hearts that work as one. "There is a time for many words, and there is also a time for sleep." The Odyssey. Human feelings are always mixed, and there is no true unconditional love. The opening line of The Odyssey introduces Odysseus by his epithet, "the man of twists and turns." Odysseus is "the man of twists and turns" because his journey, and his story, are anything but straightforward. Explain this statement by analyzing the relationship of Helen and Paris in the Iliad. Odysseus is a king who is deeply respected for his combat triumphs and heroism in the trojan war. Let us know your assignment type and we'll make sure to get you exactly the kind of answer you need. Latest answer posted January 16, 2020 at 6:51:02 PM. Although he and his crew may face obstacles, Odysseus usually comes up with a plan that serves the crew well in the long run. Notably, Homers epic The Odyssey charts the journey of Odysseus and his men traveling from Troy to Ithaca. Therefore, he warned Amphinomus to leave his house before the final battle took place. As a man will bury his glowing brand in black ashes, off on a lonely farmstead, no neighbors near, to keep a spark alive no need to kindle fire from somewhere else so great Odysseus buried himself in leaves and Athena showered sleep upon his eyes. In closing, throughout the whole story, Odysseus progresses himself and designates many Greek, While Odysseus is a little arrogant, he can also be a great leader because he is able to trust his second in command, Eurylochus, and give him more power while he is away. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 305-308. Is it presented as a good or bad thing? What relevance does the Iliad have in modern times? Why was Odysseus not a good leader? He might be intelligent but really he tolerably manipulated his crew by saying things such as dont you want to go back to your home again?. In order to save his men, Odysseus, drove them, all three wailing, to the ships, tied them down under their rowing benches, and called the rest. ", "Show me the way to town, give me a rag for cover, just some cloth, some wrapper you carried with you here. In order to do this, he hid his men in cattle to escape from the cyclops. After that, he stays equally as strong when faced with Poseidons anger and the journey ahead of him. 260). Nevertheless, heroes rules and commands are respected by their followers and it shows excellent leadership, yet this does not the speak to Odysseus. By continuing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 476-478. Throughout the Odyssey, Odysseus a prominent Greek epic hero is on a quest . Odysseus is a combination of the self-made, self-assured man and the embodiment of the standards and mores of his culture. In Homer's 'The Odyssey', the forces of fate, destiny, and justice factor into Odysseus' journey home. Retrieved March 4, 2023 , from https://studydriver.com/odysseus-showed-bad-leadership/, Get in touch with our top writers for a non-plagiarized essays written to satisfy your needs. Odysseus is a Leader The first trait is that he is a very arrogant person and this often puts him and his men in danger. 2023 gradesfixer.com. Odysseus showed bad leadership when his curiosity resulted in some of his men dying. In an epic simile, we are told how his skin sticks to the rocks just like pebbles stick in the suckers of an octopus. Many cities of men he saw and learned their minds, many pains he suffered, heartsick on the open sea, fighting to save his life and bring his comrades home. He is a man who inspires others to do the right thing by speaking well and wisely, even though he has not yet had his own experience with suffering or loss. This resulted in some of his men being eaten by the Cyclops, due to Odysseus curiosity. The poet asks the Muse for inspiration to learn about the "man of twists and turns" and his arduous journey home. In brief, Odysseus clearly is a good leader because he is courageous, pensive, and intelligent. The Odyssey, Book 3, lines 131-136. First, he discloses the disturbing information to his men, so they know as much as he does about the fate that awaits them on the sea. Then, he planned for his men to escape concealed by being bound under the bellies of sheep. Significant Myths and Structure of the Text. 15. When they land on the island his men are held captive and are turned into animals. Often mortals will turn to the gods to help them achieve justice, and fear of divine . We learn that Odysseus is driven off course many times on his perilous voyage home. Afterwards, at the Cyclops cave, Odysseus also showed how thoughtful he was as he lead his people through a well-devised plan to save them from the Cyclops. Leaders must fall above their followers in certain ways, like levels of knowledge and readiness for whatever may come their way. Odysseus is an epic hero, he is a natural leader and at some points in the book smarter than everyone else. He is favored by the gods and respected and admired by the mortals. Od. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/analysis-of-odysseus-as-a-good-leader/. He compliments her beauty and compares it in a metaphor to a blooming flower. Read More What a piece of work the hero dared and carried off in the wooden horse where all our best encamped, our champions armed with bloody death for Troy. Nothing to fear now, neither pain nor death.". Line 660). According to Helen's description, Odysseus is the son of Laertes (a well-respected . Let's start by finding a writer. 50-54). DO USE INGENUITY WHEN FIGHTING YOUR ENEMIES: Odysseus showed good leadership when he saved the remaining men from his crew from the cyclops. "What quotes show how Odysseus is a good leader?" At the beginning of the poem the narrator invokes the Muse the Muses were ancient Greeces goddesses of literature, science and the arts. Launch out on his story, Muse, daughter of Zeus, start from where you will sing for our time too. Words 181. Beset by vengeful gods and facing many challenges, Odysseus has lost nearly everything, but his ultimate goal has remained unwavering. The Odyssey, Book 6, lines 131-138. 2023. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. To start off, Odysseus is a good leader because he is determined to get back, Anteclous, the wine Its wine the drink of the gods (The Odyssey). Remember: This is just a sample from a fellow student. He thought of a cunning plan to get most of his men out of the cave they were trapped in. They said dreadful danger/ lurks there for us. What are the worthwhile causes for fighting a war? Latest answer posted January 22, 2021 at 1:12:04 PM, Latest answer posted December 06, 2020 at 10:35:48 AM. He thought of an elaborate, but organized way to blind Polyphemus after drugging him. He failed to tell them what was going on when they arrived and failed to tell them how long they were staying. Is this the end? Why does a conflict take place between Agamemnon and Achilles in the Iliad? Two character traits define Odysseus and shape his poor leadership style. Get your custom essay. Gilgamesh and Odysseus are motivated by attaining glory and honor. "Here I am at your mercy, princess are you a goddess or a mortal? Odysseus Page Number this Quote Three, four times blessed, my friends-in-arms who died on the plains of Troy those years ago, serving the sons of Atreus to the end. Latest answer posted June 12, 2016 at 4:51:53 PM. 2023. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. ", "You are our messenger, Hermes, sent on all our missions. Odysseus is a prominent figure in the story about his journey home after the Trojan War,The Odyssey; however, he is merely a supporting character in the Iliad by Homer . 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 had what it takes to be a good leader because he was intelligent, fair and fearless and he supported and did not do anything that would blemish his men's courage. In this quote, we see that Odysseus is a cunning planner. This shows that he truly cared about his men and kept their wellbeing in mind no matter the circumstances. Likewise, the greek tragedy by Sophocles Oedipus Rex details the tragic downfall of the hero King Oedipus. They use their power of trickery to trick and deceive humans, to fulfill their wishes. By continuing well assume you board with our cookie policy. While the were on an unknown island inhabited by Cyclops, Odysseus wanted to know if they were friends or foes. In other words the most ideal leaders are capable to accomplish the tasks they already have. Instead of killing Odysseus and his men, the hilltop made a big wave that brought the ships back to shore. But he is to make the journey alone and on a raft that he must build himself. Enjoy eNotes ad-free and cancel anytime. I fear the nymph foretold it all too well on the high seas, she said, before I can reach my native land Ill fill my cup of pain! What are they here violent, savage, lawless? I can help you save hours on your homework. Heroes orders are followed and pursued, but Odysseus wasn't. In the tug of war for Odysseus' heart, it is Penelope who wins over Calypso. During the time Odysseus encounters many divergent tough tasks, he always overcomes many tasks with his men when he encourages them. From the conversation between Hector and Andromache inthe Iliad, choose details which show great love between the two. In the end I deemed it would be the best plan to do as follows. An important figure in Greek mythology is Metis. 2023 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. When the Cyclops comes upon to see that Odysseus and part of his crew members were munching down on his cheese he was frustrated. our extensive database of written samples to find the inspiration or research youre looking In book two of the story, Odysseus is again compared to the chief of all the gods, Zeus; and when Odysseus speaks, he imparts wisdom and good counsel that should be heeded by all. DONT ANGER THE GODS:Odysseus angered Poseidon by blinding and making fun of the Cyclops, who was his son. Only Alcinous daughter held fast. Let us have but the one leader, the one true king, to whom Zeus, the son of Cronos of wily counsel, gave sceptre and command, to rule his people wisely.". The brilliant U.S. Army General Douglas MacArthur once said, A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. This description of a leader can be used when telling of the great adventures of Odysseus on his way home to Ithaca after fighting in the Trojan War. The same men who had been rushing back to their ships, giddy at the prospect of returning home, now become an overwhelming tide of humanity flowing back to the battlefield. Consequently, this gives him experience when it comes acting in difficult situations. Odysseus' sharp wit distinguishes him from other heroes of his era, who only use strength to overpower their enemies. Look at my wise Penelope. Being a leader is a very honorable and important status. He also tries to bring home his comrades, but fails. Stop wasting your time searching for samples! This is not an example of the work written by professional essay writers. Odysseus is a good leader in that he uses his wits to get his men out of trouble. However, the Odyssey states, Driven by hunger, they ignore Odysseus warning not to fest on Helios cattle Zeus sends down a thunderbolt to sink Odysseus ship. Critical Essays Major Themes in. paper. Latest answer posted September 17, 2018 at 7:55:02 PM. Odysseus longs to be back home with her in Ithaca, no matter what trials he faces along the way. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 167-172. When Odysseus and his men are stuck in Polyphemus's cave Odysseus tricks him into drinking a lot of wine so he falls asleep so they can make a plan to get out alive. All that you say is true, how well I know. He was reliable and strong, and so he earned title of king in Ithaca and was treated with great respect. Odysseus knew that he would encounter this monster because Circe warned him about her. The Odyssey Quotes and Analysis "Tell me, why do you weep and grieve so sorely when you hear the fate of the Argives, hear the fall of Troy? Helen, the young woman over whom the Trojan War is being fought, provides some basic information on Odysseus. ", "but what a feat that hero dared and carried off in the land of Troy where you Achaeans suffered! While he does not appear to be particularly sagacious, as soon as he speaks it is evident--even to Antenor, the king's wise counselor--that Odysseus is a gifted and wise orator. DO INSTILL CONFIDENCE IN YOUR SUBORDINATES: The men became terrified when they saw smoke of white water and heard loud sounds of water. "Nohbdy, Nohbdy's tricked me, Nohbdy's ruined me" (Homer.9.317)! But come, all of us here put heads together now, work out his journey home so Odysseus can return. Add this to the total bring the trial on!". Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. At that moment to there shock this Cyclops does not for tray the "rules" of the Gods. After stabbing the cyclopes in the eye and the cyclopes moving the boulder Odysseus had to think of a way to get his men out safely and this quote shows his intelligence and leadership skills "I tied them silently together, twining cords of willow from the cyclops's bed; then slung a man . Even though Odysseus knew that the Cyclops could be very dangerous, he still went on to their island in order to explore. His men relied on him to prepare them on what was going to happen during their journey. (Page 11). What a misery, keeping watch through the night, wide awake -- you'll soon come up from under all your troubles." Homer author Odyssey book hoping sleeping night misery concepts 02 Share "Nobody -- that's my name. When Odysseus and his men go to the island of the Cyclopes, they discover a cave that Odysseus wants to explore. As Odysseus claimed his name to be "Nohbdy . When I had done this I hid it under dung, which was lying about all over the cave, and told the men to cast lots which of them should venture along with myself to lift it and bore it into the monster's eye while he was asleep. Only Alcinous daughter held fast, for Athena planted courage within her heart, dissolved the trembling in her limbs, and she firmly stood her ground and faced Odysseus, torn now Should he fling his arms around her knees, the young beauty, plead for help, or stand back, plead with a winning word, beg her to lead him to the town and lend him clothing? In a culture that equally values wisdom and physical prowess, Odysseus can hold his own. She is mortal after all and you, you never age or die Nevertheless I long I pine, all my days to travel home and see the dawn of my return. When he realizes his men are in danger, he is confident in an escape plan and taking the risks to go through with it. . That is the gods' work, spinning threads of death through the lives of mortal men, and all to make a song for those to come." Alcinous, 8.647-651 The Odyssey [], The relationship between male and female is a key theme in the Odyssey and has been increasingly popular in recent scholarship. Menelaus is aggrieved at the loss of his comrade Odysseus and laments his fate. They are killed by the god Helios for their reckless action in consuming his cattle. "I reassured the ghost, but he broke out, protesting, "No winning words about death to me, shining Odysseus! The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 236-246. Example 2 "At first, my comrades urged me to grab some cheeses and return.but I did not agree" (Book 9. Scylla was a huge monster that had twelve large legs like tentacles and 6 heads with fangs. A professional writer will make a clear, mistake-free paper for you! He shall see his loved ones, reach his high-roofed house, his native land at last". A Homeric simile compares this to a farmer burying an ember in ashes to keep it warm, so that he can kindle a fire later. In the Iliad, Odysseus appears as the man best suited to cope with crises in personal relations among the Greeks, and he plays a leading part in achieving the reconciliation between Agamemnon and Achilles. In this story, he solidifies his reputation as a strong leader, which is why we are willing to follow his journey. ", "And now for his blinded son the earthquake god though he wont quite kill Odysseus drives him far off course from native land. Quotes in Odyssey Quote #1 "Tell me about a complicated man. For instance, Odysseus speaks with Circ and discovers that their journey ahead will not be easy. Here Odysseus appears to be flattering and even flirting with her. Leadership requires a person to lead a group of people and have people obey you, how can that occur if Odysseus men do not obey simple instructions. But listen to me now./ Tiresias and Circe both insisted/ we must avoid the island of the Sun, the joy of mortals. The epic poem "The Odyssey" is written by Homer and takes place in ancient Greece 700 B.C. Odysseus longs to be back home with her in Ithaca, no matter what trials he faces along the way. Would to god I'd died there too and met my fate that day . " This is perhaps the most famous example of leadership by Odysseus. Here the narrator describes Odysseus typical day in captivity: weeping by day because he is prevented from returning home, and being an unwilling lover by night. This shows how powerful a woman Penelope is. Calypso is portrayed in the epic poem as a maniulative seductress. Muse, tell me how he wandered and was lost when he had wrecked the holy town of Troy, and where he went, and who he met, the pain he suffered in the storms at sea, and how he worked to save his life and bring his men back home." Lines 1-7 Straight forward they sprinted, lifted it and rammed it deep in his eye chater (Hom. Tricking Polyphemus into drinking the wine, sharpening a huge tree trunk into a spear, and driving it into the eye of the cyclops shows not only slyness but strength and leadership. Then, to demonstrate his own courage and fortitude, he asks them to tie him to a mast so he alone can hear the Sirens's song, while the others stop their ears. Written in the late 8th or 9th century BC, The Odyssey remains one of the all-time greatest quest stories. And if a god will wreck me yet again on the wine-dark sea, I can bear that too, with a spirit tempered to endure. The lack of obedience and respect for Odysseus shows the lack of leadership role that he has between he and his followers. We should care about this topic because it is pertinent in our world today. A heavy sea covered him over, then and there unlucky Odysseus would have met his death against the will of Fate but the bright-eyed one inspired him yet again. In Homer's epic poem The Odyssey, Odysseus exhibits many qualities that confirm his ability to fit the role of a good leader. "Wretched man what becomes of me now, at last? "Men are so quick to blame the gods: they say that we devise their misery. Their response is not what he expected: they cheer loudly and head back to their ships, eager to go home rather than finish fighting the war they came here to fight. Early in the poem we are informed that Odysseus had chosen one of his friends to be the overseer of his family and property.