Odysseus: Nothing but a Pompous Fool

In modern-day society, Odysseus could easily be considered the "ideal hero". Bravery, cunning, and strength are just a few of the god-like qualities he possessed. Although he was amazingly strong, clever, and unwavering he was far from perfect. His well renowned skills caused him to be big headed and his arrogance seemed to blot out all of his good characteristics showing us, instead of a hero, a somewhat annoying, pompous man who is too wrapped up in his own greatness to be concerned with others. I do not see Odysseus as a hero because he is not compassionate and has no feelings for anyone other than himself. What is the use of having amazing skills when you only use them for your own good?

In the Odyssey, Odysseus spends the entire time trying to get back to his hometown, not bothering with the hundreds of comrades he loses or how many people he harms in the process. Odysseus is so full of himself that he doesn't care about the welfare of his crew or the other creatures around him. Odysseus may be considered brave by some, but many times in the epic poem, he crosses the thin line between bravery and stupidity. When escaping the Cyclops' cave, Odysseus cannot help but taunt Polyphemus and even when his crew begs him to stop in order fear for lives he could not be stopped, "So they begged but they could not bring my fighting spirit round" (227). He has a horrible case of arrogance as well. Wherever he goes, he boasts of his amazing deeds and fame. When he first arrives on Alcinous' island, he complains of the hardships he has endured and the awesome things he had done before saying, "I am Odysseus, son of Laertes, known to the world for every kind of craft-my fame has reached the skies" (212). Odysseus is not a hero, he is simply a talented man who misuses the gifts he was given.

We must remember, in the midst of Odysseus' great strength and brains, that he was a very flawed man. Throughout the epic, Odysseus repeatedly shows us his weakness for women. Even when he thinks of his wife and yearns to be back by her side, he can be found that very night in bed with any of the beautiful women that house him along his journey. Odysseus tells Calypso that he pines for his wife, even though she is not as beautiful as the nymph but "Even as he spoke the sun set and the darkness swept the earth. And now, withdrawing into the cavern's deep recesses, long in each other's arms they lost themselves in love" (159). He also has a nasty temper, which could cause him to lash out blindly. We can sense the growing rage inside while the suitors taunt and tease him in his beggar form. When he watches the maids sneak out to go with the suitors "The heart inside him growled low with rage, as a bitch mounting over her weak, defenseless puppies growls, facing a stranger, bristling for a showdown-so he growled from his depths, hackles rising at their outrage" (411). All people are flawed, but Odysseus has so many flawed characteristics that they block him from becoming the hero he has the potential to be.

Heroes are strong, brave, and smart, but they also must have other qualities like compassion and a conscience, two qualities Odysseus doesn't possess. He is too pompous, daring, has too many weaknesses, and cannot control his anger. I do not believe that a hero must be perfect, but I do not think Odysseus should qualify as a "hero". I do not see Odysseus as a hero because he is not compassionate and has no feelings for anyone other than himself.