Odysseus Life Analysis

What does it mean to have a virtuous life? Most of Odysseus’ life was not virtuous. To live a virtuous life you must be in a place you are happy in, with people you love and you can’t be being faced with constant challenges. A virtuous life means being in a comfortable place. “Nine whole days we sailed, nine nights nonstop (231; 33).” This shows Odysseus was not where he wanted to be. He would not waste that amount of time and energy sailing unless he knew he would be happier somewhere else. “Circe, Circe, how dare you tell me to treat you with any warmth? You who turned my men to swine in your house and now you hold me here as well (241; 374-375)… Odysseus was being held with Circe against his will which mean he was not happy with where he was. Odysseus was constantly trying to get home therefore unhappy with his environment.
“Calypso the lustrous goddess tried to hold me back” (212; 34). He wanted to be with Penelope and not Calypso; he was not with a person he loved. “Yet he set the west wind free to blow us on our way and waft our squadron home” (232; 29-30). Odysseus didn’t want to be with his crew because they caused him constant challenges, he would’ve much rather been with his family. “Why cover the same ground again? (285; 488)” Odysseus does not want to return to calypso’s island because he does not love her, he wants to be with his wife who he loves. Odysseus was not home therefore not with his loved ones therefore not living a virtuous