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Hayden Lee

English H 1, Per.4

Mrs. Klinger

26 November 2012

Courage

The ideals and values of the ancient Greek people are mirrored through the internal and

external conflicts of the characters in the Odyssey written by Homer and later translated by

Robert Fagles. Books 1-4 are focused on the character Telemachus, Odysseus son. His

experiences reveal the central message (or theme) that courage is needed in the Greek culture

in order to achieve a goal.

The goddess, Athena, needs the courage to tell all the gods her opinions on Poseidon.

For example, because Athena found the courage to discuss the problem of Poseidon with the

gods, the other Gods realized Odysseus punishment was unnecessary. My child, what

nonsense you let slip through your teeth. How on earth could I forget Odysseys?(1.76-78). If

Athena did not have the courage to tell the gods, Odysseus would have been stuck on the

lonesome land dreading for his family. With the courage, Athena was able to send Odysseus

son, Telemachus on a journey to rescue Odysseus from the dreadful land secured by Poseidon.

While I myself go down to Ithaca, rouse his son to a braver pitch, inspire his heart with

courage to summon the flowing-haired Achaeans to full assembly(1.102-105). In addition,

Athena told the gods the plan despite the possibility of Poseidon being outraged from finding

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out of the meeting of the gods. Lastly, she needed courage be the one to tell Telemachus the

news of his father because she didnt know what his reaction would be. She had to realize that

the consequences of Telemachus action would all be blamed on Athena.yet I tell you great

Odysseus is not dead, Hes still alive, somewhere in this wide world, held captive, out at

sea(1. 227-230).

Telemachus needs courage to speak his mind to the suitors. The suitors have been living

at Odysseus Kingdom stating that the queen is bounded to fall in love with one of them. The

suitors are described as rats feeding off other peoples hard-worked earnings. The suitors have

been dwelling in his house for years and with the courage he gave them his opinion about what

they were doing wrong. (1.380-389). With a reminder of the power of courage from Athena,

Telemachus was able to scare off some of the suitors. how he lept to his feet and off he

went!(1.468-469). As time passed by, he gained more courage and confidence in himself, he

began to express his thoughts more freely to the suitors. You suitors who plague my mother,

you, insolent, overweening (1.420-422). Lastly, he was able to decide and explain his plan to

rescue his father to the suitors, without courage he wouldnt have been able to make it happen.

find a good ship with twenty oars, the best in sight, sail in quest of news of your long-lost

father (1.320-329).

King Odysseus is filled with courage and throughout all the events of the book 1-4 it

shows that courage is a factor to a stress-free life. Odysseus is a king very well known for his

courage. Great Odysseys who excels all men inwisdom, excels in offerings too (1.78).

Odysseus is greatly respected by humans and gods. Great Odysseus who excels all men in

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wisdom (1.79). Lastly, the author Robert Fagles, points out the fact that a person with

courage can light the way for the other by stating this one line. Oh how much you need

Odysseus, gone so long-how hed lay hands on all these brazen suitors(1.296-297).

In the final analysis, the purpose of books 1-4 in the Odyssey is to teach that everyone

that courage is a key factor to having a trouble free life. Books 1-4 have repetition of events

happening that shows courage. It is clearly hinted from the passages, that the courage was

needed to be shown in the Greek culture.