Odysseus

            A question that is asked regularly when analyzing The Odyssey, written by Homer, is whether Odysseus evolved as a character during the story, or whether his growth was stagnant. Before Odysseus left Ithaca to fight in Troy, he was a well-admired man and the quintessence of his society. Therefore, the changes in Odysseus" character that occur throughout the book are less evident but do occur nonetheless. Odysseus displays his spiritual growth by learning from mistakes, making better judgments, and gaining more wisdom. Through his odyssey, these new acquired qualities helped him defeat the suitors and ultimately made him a better leader of Ithaca. .
             Odysseus is a man that has achieved greatness in his life by using his logic and intellect. However, his character displays vices that could lead to his demise. He tends to be extremely prideful and arrogant. Odysseus" confidence has made him unable to back down from any battle, which leads to more harm than good. Alkinoos" son, Laodamas asks Odysseus if he would like to compete in sports with them, and Odysseus lightheartedly declines the invitation. Seareach then publicly questions Odysseus" skills, and therefore his manhood, by saying, "[you] have no skill in any of the contests of fighting men" (129). Seareach's words highly insult Odysseus" pride and leads him to take the men up on their challenge. He retaliates by hurling a discus further than any Phaeacian could throw. Later in the book when Odysseus identifies himself to the Phaeacians, he says, "Men hold me formidable for guile in peace and war: this fame has gone abroad to the sky's rim" (145). Here, Odysseus is obviously boasting with a statement of great magnitude, letting the audience feel his power. These actions that Odysseus displays shows that even though he is confident, he can be insecure of his manhood and when his manhood seems threatened, he will defend it. Odysseus" pride is a quality that needs to be reformed in order to ensure survival.