What Type Of Hero Is Odysseus Essay - Free Essay Example

A hero is defined as: a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal. The definition of a hero is someone who is respected for doing something great, and is respected for doing so. An average hero also has flaws to accompany his heroic acts. Archetypal heroes are people who do noble or hero like things. Accomplish his or her goals, or are looked up to by others. Archetypal heroes also have a crucial flaw, which serves as an imperfection that can often affect the hero themselves or others around them. Odysseus, the protagonist in the epic, is a good example of an archetypal hero. Odysseus does so by accomplishing his goals and overcoming obstacles, but has flaws that can get him involved in new conflicts. Odysseus shows the traits of a hero by accomplishing his goals, and overcoming any obstacles he happens to face. For example, in the section of the book where Odysseus and his crew are about to pass the island of the sirens, that also pose a great deal of danger to them all. Odysseus chooses to be honest to his crew, and explain how that they are in danger: Friends its wrong for only one or two to know the revelations that lovely Circe made to me alone. Ill tell you all, so we can die with our eyes wide open now or escape out fate and certain death together. (Book 12, lines 166-170) Odysseus was being honest to his crew, to tell them to prepare for danger, telling them that people will die, and that nobody will be safe along their journey. This is a heroic act, because Odysseus is doing something that can save the lives of his crew. Odysseus also saves his crew from the sirens as they are about to encounter them: Now with a sharp sword I sliced an ample wheel of beeswax down into pie ces, kneaded them in my two strong hands and the wax soon grew soft, worked by my strength and Helios burning rays, the sun at high noon, and I stopped the ears of my comrades one by one. (Book 12, lines 189-193). By deafening his crew, Odysseus is saving them from the Sirens. The Sirens kill people by drawing anyone passing their island with their songs. After the person is drawn in, the only way to reach the island is by boat. Their ship would hit the rocky perimeter of the island, destroying their ship, and leaving the crew to drown. By making sure that his crew cannot hear the Sirens and that they wont be drawn in by the Sirens. This impacts Odysseus journey by making his crew survive one of the obstacles they all had to face. This is a characteristic of a heroic act by saving lives, and by accomplishing his goals, because after doing this, Odysseus and his crew are able to pass the island without being drawn towards the Sirens, resulting in nobody dying. Overall, Odysseus is a hero because he is saving lives, and overcoming obstacles. There are also moments where Odysseus can instantly contradict himself with his own actions even when his previous actions were heroic. An example of this is when Odysseus and his crew encounter Polyphemus (a Cyclops and the son of Zeus), who begins killing Odysseus crew. Odysseus in an attempt to outsmart Polyphemus, spots a large wood club that Polyphemus left behind the previous night and, with the help of his men, sharpens the narrow end to a fine point. That night, Polyphemus returns from herding his flock of sheep. He sits down and kills two more of Odysseus men. At that point, Odysseus offers Polyphemus the strong wine. The wine makes Polyphemus drunk. When Polyphemus asks for Odysseus name, Odysseus says: I will tell you, but you must give me a guest-gift as youve promised. Nobody- thats my name. Nobody- so my mother and father call me, and all my friends. (Book 9, page 223, line 409-411) Odysseus was not telling Polyphemus his real name; Polyphemus doesnt know who Odysseus really is yet. Polyphemus thinks of it as Odysseus real name and says that he will eat no-one last and that this shall be his guest-gift. Polyphemus falls to the floor and passes out. Odysseus, with the help of his men, lifts the stake, charges forward and drives it into Polyphemus eye, blinding him. With Polyphemus now blinded he yells for help from his fellow Cyclopes brothers that no one has hurt him. The other Cyclopes think Polyphemus is making a fool out himself or that it must be a matter with the gods and walk away. When morning comes, Odysseus and his men escape from the cave, unseen by Polyphemus, by clinging to Polyphemus sheep as they go out to graze. And with that threat he let my ram go free outside. But soon as wed got one foot past cave and courtyard, first I loosed myself from the ram, then loosed my men, then quickly, glancing back again and again we drove our flock, good plump beasts with their long shanks, straight to the ship, (Book 9, page 226, lines 515-520) O dysseus was able to escape Polyphemus as well as getting his crew out along with Polyphemus cattle, which they needed. This shows hero qualities by Odysseus being able to save others from trouble that could have gotten all of them killed. Overall, this is one of Odysseus biggest heroic feats. He came up with a clever plan that outsmarted his enemy, and then managed to save him and others from danger. However, Odysseus then contradicts his own heroism by saying: Cyclops- if any man on the face of the Earth should ask you who blinded, shamed you so- say Odysseus, raider of cities, he gouged out your eye, Laertes son who makes his home in Ithaca! (Book 9, page 227, lines 558-562). Odysseus wanted to let Polyphemus know who was the man who outsmarted him, and revealed his name, kin, and home. Not only was this one of Odysseus biggest mistakes; this is the contradiction to Odysseus heroism earlier. Earlier, when Odysseus told Polyphemus that his name was Nobody, he was protecting his identity, so that Polyphemus could not harm him. After Odysseus tells Polyphemus his real name, he prays to his father, Poseidon for revenge. But at that he bellowed out to Lord Poseidon, thrusting his arms to the starry skies, and prayed, Hear me Poseidon, god of the sea-blue who rocks the earth! If I really am your son and you claim to be my father- come, grant that Odysseus, raider of cities, Laertes s on who makes his home in Ithaca, never reaches home. After this, Poseidon hears his sons prayer and supposedly gave Polyphemus the strength to hurl a large boulder at Odysseus ship, which lands in the water next to the ship, causing the ship to collide with nearby land. This would have never happened if Odysseus hadnt told his name to Polyphemus than he wouldnt have been able pray to Poseidon, resulting in him having the strength to harm Odysseus and his crew. Odysseus has a tendency to be reckless and do things without thinking about what affect it could have on his future. His pride can often get in the way of his accomplishments, and make his efforts seem like they were for nothing. Overall, Odysseus is a shining example of an archetypal hero, by being able to overcome his own conflicts and save others while having flaws that can counteract his heroism. These traits are shown over the course of Odysseus journey. Odysseus shows heroism when he and his crew pass by the island of the Sirens. Odysseus saves his crew by plugging their ears with beeswax so they cannot hear the Sirens song that if they heard it; they would have died. Odysseus also has flaws that every hero must, and Odysseus has the flaw of pride. He shows it during the island of the Sirens by allowing only himself to hear the Sirens. This was Odysseus proving that a man could hear the Sirens and live, but it was an unnecessary act and put his crew in danger. More examples of this were when Odysseus and his crew encountered Polyphemus. Odysseus outsmarted Polyphemus and got his crew out safely, until Odysseus told Polyphemus his real name, home, and family, allowing Polyphemus to pray to Poseidon for r evenge. In total, Odysseus is an archetypal hero, by saving himself and others and achieving his goals, but can also have flaws just like any other person, making him a person that someone can relate to.

Blanche’s Flaws and Her Ultimate Downfall - Literature Essay Samples

In Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, despite Blanche Dubois’ desire to start fresh in New Orleans, her condescending nature, inability to act appropriately on her desires, and denial of reality all lead to her downfall. Blanche believes that her upper class roots put her above the â€Å"commoners† she spends the summer with, which gives her a pretentious attitude that bothers other characters. Desire, a main theme of Streetcar, acts as a precursor to negative outcomes in Blanche’s past and time spent at Elysian Fields. Blanche also lives in a fantasy world, finding herself entangled in lies she tells others and herself. These flaws in Blanche’s character cause her eventual destruction. The distaste Blanche has for â€Å"commonness† is present from the beginning, and is condescending and offensive to others. Blanche is surprised upon her arrival to Stella’s home in Elysian Fields, which is described by Williams as â€Å"poor, but, unlike corresponding sections in the American cities, it has a raffish charm.† (13) When she finds Stella, she demands to know why her sister lives where she does. â€Å"Why didn’t you let me know †¦ That you had to live in these conditions?† (20) Blanche, coming from a very different lifestyle than those in this area of New Orleans, had expected more of her sister’s married life. Stella argues that it is not that bad at all. Blanche also expresses her disapproval of Stanley, repeatedly calling him common and primitive. She again references their past, thinking Stella deserves better: â€Å"You can’t have forgotten that much of our bringing up, Stella, that you just suppose that any pa rt of a gentleman’s in his nature!† (71). She begs Stella to reconsider her life in New Orleans with Stanley: â€Å"He acts like an animal, has an animal’s habits!Don’t hang back with the brutes!† (72). Stanley’s hatred for Blanche increases heavily over the period of Blanche’s stay. He is extremely offended by Blanche’s incessant comments about his vulgarity, roughness, and commonness. Stanley: â€Å"She calls me common!† Stella: â€Å"†¦ I grew up under very different circumstances than you did.† Stanley: â€Å"So I’ve been told! And told and told and told!† (98). Stanley finally has enough of Blanche’s frustrating behavior at the end of scene ten. â€Å"You come in here and sprinkle the place with power and spray perfume and cover the light bulb with a paper lantern, and lo and behold the place has turned into Egypt and you are the Queen of the Nile! Sitting on you throne and swilling down my liquor!† (128). Stanley’s anger towards Blanche quickly becomes uncontrolled, leading to him raping her. â€Å"The inhuman jungle voices rise up. He takes a step toward her, biting his tongue which protrudes between his lips. ‘Come to think of it- maybe you wouldn’t be bad to- interfere with†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (129). The â€Å"inhuman jungle voices† reference Stanley’s animalistic behavior that Blanche had commented on many times before. The rape is also foreshadowed by Blanche earlier in the scene, when she says, â€Å"Deliberate cruelty is not forgivable. It is the one unforgiveable thing in my opinion and it is the one thing of which I have never, never been guilty.† (126). This remark gives more depth to Blanche’s seemingly shallow personality, and turns Stanley, who is â€Å"deliberately cruel,† into the villain. Stanley believes that Blanche’s obnoxious behavior justifies rape. Though this terrible outcome is not Blanche’s fault, and she is a victim, it shows the effect her pretentious and insulting attitude has on others, especially Stanley. When Blanche first arrives at Elysian Fields to visit her sister Stella, she talks to Eunice about taking a â€Å"streetcar named Desire†, a representation the downward spiral of Blanche’s life, led by desire. â€Å"They told me to take a street-car named Desire, and then transfer to one called Cemeteries and ride six blocks and get off at- Elysian fields!† (15). The streetcar is later referenced again, and the metaphor becomes clearer: â€Å"What you are talking about is brutal desire- just- Desire! the name of that rattle-trap street-car that bangs through the Quarter, up one old narrow street and down another †¦ It brought me here.- Where I’m not wanted and where I’m ashamed to be †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (70). Desire has driven Blanche to a time in her life she is ashamed of. The readers are told that the negative consequences of Blanche’s uncontrollable desires begin with her first love. â€Å"When I was sixteen, I made the discovery- love. All at once and much, much too completely.† (95). Blanche is infatuated with her husband, and, as Stella tells Stanley, â€Å"worshipped the ground he walked on† (102). However, he kills himself after Stella tells him she finds his homosexuality and desire for an older man disgusting. This sends Blanche into severe emotional distress. â€Å"And then the searchlight which had been turned on the world was turned off again and never for one moment since has there been any light that’s stronger†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (96). She tells Mitch that death is the opposite of desire, as she has seen one result in the other: â€Å"Death- I used to sit here and she used to sit over there and death was as close as you are†¦ We didn’t dare even admit we had ever heard of it! The opposite is desire†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (120). Lonely, remorseful, and emotionally fragile, Blanche tries to fill the emptiness caused by death with desire. These actions lead to Blanche’s descent from living a respectable life of wealth and upper class in Laurel, to being shunned even by whom she considers beneath her in Elysian Fields. Blanche lives in her own fantasy world, lying about her age, her appearance, and her past in order to feel young again. She avoids harsh lighting to appear younger and soften her fading looks. She’s constantly worried about what people say and think about her, so she tries to hide as many shameful things about her life as she can. She says to Mitch: â€Å"I don’t want realism. I want magic! [Mitch laughs] Yes, yes, magic! I try to give that to people. I misrepresent things to them. I don’t tell truth, I tell what ought to be truth. And if that is sinful, then let me be damned for it! (117) When Blanche meets Mitch, she finds the tenderness and sweetness that she once admired in her dead husband. In a desperate attempt for Mitch’s approval, she lies about her morals, which the readers know from Stanley’s â€Å"research† are questionable. â€Å"I guess it’s just that I have- old-fashioned ideals!† (91) When Stanley alerts Mitch t hat Blanche is not who she is pretending to be, Mitch feels deceived. He addresses Blanche’s promiscuous behavior, and says she is unfit to bring home to his mother. â€Å"That pitch about your ideals being so old-fashioned and all the malarkey that you’ve dished out all summer. Oh, I knew you weren’t sixteen any more. But I was a fool enough to believe you was straight.† (117) Blanche’s fake propriety only backfires. In scene seven, Stanley reveals the truth to Stella regarding her sister. â€Å"The trouble with Dame Blanche was that she couldn’t put on her act any more in Laurel! †¦ That’s why she’s here this summer, visiting royalty, putting on all this act- because she’s been practically told by the mayor to get out of town!† (100) As Stanley is talking, Williams ironically uses Blanche’s song in the tub about a fantasy world to affirm that Stanley is right about what he has heard. â€Å"Itâ€℠¢s a Barnum and Bailey world, just as phony as it can be-â€Å" (101) Blanche’s fantasies are finally shattered by Stanley in scene ten. â€Å"There isn’t a goddamn thing but imagination! And lies and conceit and tricks! And look at yourself! Take a look at yourself in that worn-out Mardi Gras outfit, rented for fifty cents from some ragpicker! And with the crazy crown on! What queen do you think you are?† (127) Blanche lives in denial of her lonely and aging self, convinced she is better than she really is. Her need to be appear a certain way to others eventually drives her mad. Blanche’s hopes of starting over are impacted by her approach and her past. The death of Blanche’s first love leaves a void that she fills with desire. This leads to the promiscuous and deceptive behavior that stirs negative reactions from other characters, like Mitch and Stanley. Stanley plays a main role in Blanche’s downward spiral. Though her past aided her downfall, Stanley’s confrontation of Blanche’s delusions sends her over the edge.