Odyssey Essay Example

The lessons in life are learned by choice or the experiences of others. In Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, life applications are implied through the different adventurous journeys of Odysseus, the protagonist. These adventures relay certain and different knowledge to every individual reader. Some of this knowledge includes the relation of numerous morals to everyday life experiences such as identity and boasting, surrogates, and enjoying life as a whole. In Homer’s The Odyssey, Odysseus models how identity can be related to modern day life through his experiences. For example, after the Cyclops had been blinded, Odysseus states, “Cyclops, if ever mortal man asks you the story... say that Odysseus made you blind, the spoiler of cities...”(Homer 115) This shows that the implications that nothing good comes out of boasting is perceived, as a poor reflection becomes of Odysseus. This also shows that just as today, people are characterized by their actions including boasting, just how Odysseus is distinguished. In addition, Odysseus shows patience with his identity as it states, “...speaking in winged words he said, -yet uttered the truth, but turned his words awry, ever revolving in his breast some gainful purpose.” (Homer 164) This shows that Odysseus’s character now has the willpower to keep him from revealing himself. This also shows that sometimes its not all about the “look at me” feeling, as Odysseus rubs off in a positive direction by being humble. In conclusion, the morals of identity found in this novel are applicable to modern day life through the lessons Odysseus learns. Due to the multiple stops durning Odysseus’s journey home, lessons of surrogates can be interpreted to modern day life. For example, Odysseus had been visiting long-term with Circe, in which during this time stated, “... for a time I doubted in my mind and heart whether to go and search the matter...” (Homer 120) This shows that temptation of surrogate loved ones, family,