Is Odysseus a Thoughtful, Mild and Kindly Ruler as Mentor describes Him?.
In book II of Homer's Odyssey, Mentor describes Odysseus as a "thoughtful, mild, kindly" king ruling his city like a "gentle father." Mentor's description does not convey the full aspects of Odysseus" personality. It is true that in most parts of the poem, Odysseus appears to be a wise, gentle and caring leader. With his composure and guile, he is able to save himself and his shipmates from jeopardy many times; because of his mild manner, he seems more a of a dear friend to his crew than a commander; being kind, he has the absolute loyalty of his grateful slaves. However, there are also moments when he is rash, headstrong and inconsiderate. He loses his prudence when elated by his triumph over the powerful Kyklops Polyphemos and puts his men in great peril; he ventures into the Kyklops" island despite his crews" reluctance; he at times can also be selfish, sending his crew into unknown land of Kirke to avoid potential danger from himself. Mentor's description of Odysseus is too partial. He has idolized his king and portrayed an idealized image of him. .
The protagonist is exceptionally cunning and calm. He is known as the man with formidable "guile in peace and war" (l. 22, p. 145) among both mortals and gods. Menelaos has seen the best men of various countries during his seafaring and his years in the Troja war, but he has met no man that is Odysseus" equal in wisdom (61). Athena also recognizes Odysseus to be of her own kind. She is the goddess of wisdom and deception, and he is the man most sophisticated "in plots and story telling" (239).
Odysseus" cunningness and detached mind can be observed from his deception of the Kyklops Polyphemos. At the horrifying sight of his companions being torn up alive by Polyphemos, Odysseus is still able to retain his composure and thinks an escaping scheme for him and his men.
Everyone has different thoughts on what it requires to be a good leader. Leaders should retain good traits.. Although, they will also have bad traits. Of course everyone makes mistakes , but a good leader learns from their mistakes and overcomes them. In the same way, Odysseus in Homer's The Odyssey, is a good leader. ...