Critical Lens Essay For The Odyssey

Natalie Wendlandt
12/4/12

English Critical Lens Essay for “The

Odyssey”
Oliver Fox once stated, “Characters in literature become heroes when they model behaviors and characteristics we, as the reader, admire.” In other words, this quote suggests people are drawn to relatable behaviors and characteristics readers often value and idolize.
This quote is true when one considers literary elements such as conflict and characterization.
Due to conflict, characters are often forced to express heroic traits. In the epic poem, “The
Odyssey” by Homer, the characters of Odysseus and Telemachus both prove the quote is true as they possess characteristics readers would see as heroic. Homer uses conflict to illustrate these traits.
In the epic poem, “The Odyssey” by Homer, the character Telemachus shows many heroic traits, such as determination, patience, and optimism. This character becomes a hero when he models behaviors and characteristics the reader admires. For example,
Telemachus’s thoughts throughout the poem are mainly that of determination in order to find his father. His heroic traits show through when he strives toward determination. In the poem,
Telemachus states, “I cannot stay here. If my father may live, I must find him” (43).
Telemachus’s words in this quote clearly show he is strong­minded; never giving up his search for Odysseus. Determination is the heroic trait portrayed to the reader. He moved along when he didn’t hear news of his father from Menelaus (134). This action shows patience. Telemachus doesn’t want to stay in one place for too long; proving he is resolute, yet patient while looking for Odysseus. Menelaus and Athena both give him hope that his father is still alive (20 & 37). His thoughts show he is optimistic about his father’s life, which makes the reader admire this trait. Lastly, his actions support the idea that in literature,

characters become heroes when they model behaviors and characteristics readers could idolize. The reader would admire this character as he shows heroism through his determination, patience, and optimism. Overall, the poem shows characteristics of
Telemachus as a hero. His thoughts, words, and actions support his heroic traits. His heroism shows through to the reader allowing the characteristics to be valued. Telemachus becomes a hero to the reader, when he begins to resemble characteristics the reader can relate to.
These traits Telemachus possess support the quote by the use of conflict.
There are many heroic characters in Homer’s epic poem, “The Odyssey” especially
Odysseus himself. Odysseus shows multiple heroic traits such as being clever, sacrificial, and destined. This character becomes a hero when he portrays behaviors and characteristics the reader admires. Odysseus’s heroism is displayed with his thoughts. He is clever because he always thinks through his decisions in order to make the best one. Odysseus has to decide which dangerous route to take, between the Charybdis or the Scylla (117). This decision was crucial to their journey and his men. By doing so, he shows heroic characteristics in which readers admire. Odysseus’s words often show heroism as well. He is sacrificial when he says,
“Whether we live or die, we may do so with our eyes open” (118). His words are important; they bring out his inner hero as the reader values him. Odysseus’s actions also support the idea of readers seeing him as a hero. Throughout the poem, he faces dangerous challenges in order to get back to his throne in Ithaca, he faces destiny. He builds a raft on Calypso’s
Island with the idea of returning home (50). Odysseus was destined to return home. This shows he is a hero to the reader as they idolize his choices and traits. Overall, in literature characters such as Odysseus become heroes when they show behaviors and characteristics readers admire. Odysseus’s traits prove the quote is true as Homer illustrates this through conflict. In the epic poem, “The Odyssey” by Homer, Odysseus and Telemachus posses characteristics readers would consider heroic. Homer uses conflict to illustrate these traits.
Thus, proving the quote is true. The first body paragraph tells about Telemachus, and how he connects to the quote. It gives examples of Telemachus’s thoughts, words, and actions that support the idea of the quote. The paragraph mainly discusses Telemachus’s heroic traits such as optimistic, determined, and patient. The second body paragraph tells about
Odysseus, and how he connects to the quote. It gives examples of Odysseus’s thoughts, words, and actions that support the idea of the quote. The paragraph mainly discusses
Odysseus’s heroic traits such as being clever, sacrificial, and destined. People in general outside of literature, become heroes when they portray behaviors and commit actions others admire because it allows others to idolize and want to have those same traits.