Why Odysseus is an Example of a Dynamic Character?
A dynamic figure, Odysseus undergoes steady development throughout the Odyssey. As the hero experiences challenging circumstances and unfavorable events, his character evolves. Through the course of the narrative, Odysseus’ character, identity, and social standing change and develop.
The Odyssey’s main character is Odysseus. Homer, a poet of ancient Greece, was the author of the epic poem. The poem tells the tale of the Ithacan monarch and the Trojan War hero. He is renowned for his brilliance, sageness, and bravery. The Odyssey shows how different circumstances can cause people to alter their identities or social rank. The main character of the poem runs into a number of enemies and adventures. They have a big impact on who he is.
Odysseus is portrayed as a loving father and a devoted husband at the beginning of the poem. Odysseus hesitated when asked to join the fight against Troy by Lord Agamemnon and Menelaos. but, ultimately decided to embark on a voyage. On the one hand, Odyssey was forced to flee his home, his kingdom, and his family to battle Troy. On the other side, a calm king’s personality was altered by the Trojan War. He returned to Ithaca as a renowned war hero 20 years after leaving home. He became a brave and astute fighter as a result of the battle. It turns out that Odysseus had the idea to construct the wooden Trojan horse. That was a huge factor in overcoming Troy.
During his encounter with Polyphemus, Odysseus assumed a new persona. Odysseus introduced himself as “Nobody” when the Cyclops asked for the warrior’s name. He was able to outwit the rival and conceal his real name thanks to this trick. The Cyclops claimed that “Nobody” had wounded Polyphemus after the hero blinded him. However, his pseudonym wasn’t just a means of escape. The hero was compelled to put his heroic past behind him. Odysseus was no longer in him. The anonymous, non-heroic escape of the Ithacan king made him “no one.”
Odysseus learned that his strongest weapons were his brains and wisdom during his battle with Polyphemus. After he managed to escape, Odysseus discovered how to adjust to many circumstances. Athena posed as a beggar for him at one point in the narrative. Odysseus lost his high social prestige as a king and warrior as a result of the disguise. In order to resume his former role as a noble king, he had to start over from scratch. Odysseus ran upon his wife’s suitors on the way back to Ithaca and murdered them. The incident revealed his former self. Odysseus symbolizes the hero’s corporeal return by murdering the suitor.
Odysseus struggled to be recognized by his family upon his return to Ithaca. Penelope believed that Odysseus had passed away because he had been missing for twenty years. She did not recognize him when he returned home. Penelope was motivated by Athena to select the arrow-shooting duty. Odysseus would successfully finish the assignment, the goddess knew. She assisted in getting the family to accept Odysseus. With her assistance, he also reclaimed his position as the society’s monarch. She orders the inhabitants of Ithaca to recognize Odysseus as their king. Odysseus’ return to Ithaca as a native brought him back to himself. By the end of the epic poem, Odysseus has developed into more than just a valiant hero and commander. He is once more a calm and understanding husband and parent.
