The Odyssey: Exploring Leadership and Duty
The Odyssey, an epic poem written by Homer, delves into the life of its protagonist Odysseus. Within the poem, we observe the many roles that Odysseus takes on as he confronts various challenges. Despite the difficulties encountered, Odysseus remains steadfast in his personality traits (Dougherty 2001 p. 26). Throughout the poem, he demonstrates a deep longing to be reunited with his wife and shows unwavering determination and courage in overcoming obstacles.
The text presents a character who embodies positivity and courageous leadership. In the epic poem, the Odyssey, this character faces formidable challenges as a heroic leader dedicated to overcoming obstacles. Despite enduring years of worry and terror in a foreign land, he confronts witches, nymphs, and Cyclopes on his journey to the unknown. He successfully guides his crew away from this unk
...nown land towards their long-awaited freedom and reunion with family. Throughout the text, the story takes unexpected twists and turns, highlighting the qualities that make a true hero. The protagonist's leadership abilities and approach to his role position him as the ultimate hero.
The poem utilizes flashbacks and narratives set in various locations, some of which have a supernatural atmosphere, to convey its story. These different settings help to convey important information and deepen our understanding. Throughout the poem, we observe Odysseus facing challenges that he overcomes through his intelligence and self-control. We are introduced to a character who possesses the necessary skills to lead the entire crew. Additionally, Odysseus is portrayed as intelligent and not simply showy in his achievements. He proves himself to be a strategic warrior, evidenced by his invention of the Trojan horse and
his proficiency in military intelligence.
Having obtained this knowledge, he can enter unnoticed by adorning himself in rags to hide his true identity. In the guise of a beggar, he infiltrates his own residence and carefully examines any potential clues that may expose who he really is. This clever tactic allows him to devise the perfect plan, enabling him to rendezvous with his target without the suitors suspecting his true identity. In Odysseus' absence, the suitors seized control of his palace, forcing him to act swiftly and cunningly in order to overthrow them. The epic illustrates how Odysseus employs clever tactics to outwit the suitors. Similarly, the poem portrays the role of gods as fate, emphasizing how these deities influence human interactions with one another (Pierce 2003 p.
Aeneas, a significant character in this narrative, is destined for greatness and is guided towards achieving various honors and triumphs in the future. He assumes a leadership role and utilizes his eloquent speech to influence and guide his audience. The poem frequently mentions the thoughts and actions of the gods, emphasizing the essential moral principles that should be observed.
This epic is renowned for its creation of numerous gods and goddesses, who hold significant roles. Some argue that these divine beings had no impact on the ensuing victories of various battles. Conversely, the author presents overlooked supernatural revelations and attempts to disclose truths about their application. In order to emphasize the importance of becoming a nation or a world led by moral ethics, with potential leaders upholding traditional norms, Odysseus is highly revered. He is regarded as someone who cherishes his home and was ready to overcome any obstacles that
hindered him from reclaiming the former glory of his palace. The first book portrays the longing of this character to return to his palace.
Despite being aware that his palace had been taken over by suitors, the protagonist remained fearless of whatever lay ahead. The central focus of his life was his longing to return to his ancestral home and resume his ordinary existence. Moreover, we can perceive a significant contrast in the character's attitude during the early adventures. The intense desire to go back home only emerges later in the text. He displayed unwavering dedication in pursuing his enemies and leading his crew, indicating they were not ready to return home at such an initial stage.
Many members of the team, including Odysseus, had left their homes and went to Troy for many years, willing to die rather than return home. They were like traditional warriors, ready to sacrifice everything and fight for their country's reputation and fame. Odysseus, a self-assertive and aggressive leader, was always curious about encounters with enemies. He prepared himself and his crew with courage and strength for meetings where they had to confront the unknown. He took care of any tragedies that arose and fulfilled all given duties to the best of his ability. Additionally, he made sure that all his crew members were prepared to face any challenges that may arise.
The Treatment of Leadership and Responsibility in the Faerie Queen
The Faerie Queen by Edmund Spenser is a remarkable narrative that aims to convey essential qualities individuals should exemplify in their everyday challenges. In this book, we meet two lovers who embark on a mission to defeat a dragon in order
to save themselves. Their relentless determination is evident as they make considerable sacrifices to overcome this formidable opponent. Redcrosse exhibits his leadership abilities by fulfilling his responsibilities, illustrating his willingness to risk his life in the pursuit of freedom.
Despite its seemingly unconquerable nature, the dragon poses no match for the determination, commitment, and dedication of Una and Redcrosse (Nohrnberg 2014 p. 10). Finally reaching Una's parent's homeland, they are greeted with the terrifying roar of a dragon. Una bravely steps forward, instructing Redcrosse to stand back, as she musters the courage to confront the monstrous creature. The dragon's scales glisten like armor, resembling a metallic coating.
Despite the fact that it subdues them and carries them into the air, the characters are able to overcome the dragon's power and it drops them to the ground. Una's sword strike on one of the dragon's wings causes a significant wound. This showcases the demonstration of leadership capabilities and potential by the characters who are brave enough to take on the challenge of fighting the dragon. Una becomes even more resolved to pursue the dragon with all his strength and confronts it once again, successfully managing to wound its head.
The dragon retaliates by injuring Redcrosse's shoulder with its tail and attempting to steal the sacred claws. Despite encountering numerous obstacles, Redcrosse and Una remain undeterred in their quest to defeat the dragon. Both Redcrosse and Una experience a sense of triumph when victory is achieved. Additionally, Redcrosse is saved multiple times from the perilous creature.
The writer highlights the significance of seeking God's assistance in overcoming life's obstacles and emphasizes this when discussing leadership. Recognizing the worth and potential of
the individuals they lead is a vital initial step for anyone aspiring to be a leader. As leaders take on their roles, it is essential for them to continuously seek input and suggestions from those they lead. When facing urgent situations, leaders must be willing to ask for help. Ultimately, Redcrosse symbolizes Protestantism's fight against Catholicism and is celebrated as a heroic figure in the final Canto.
Although he has the ability to defeat the dragon, Redcrosse's marriage to Una is conditional and allows for time to complete his mission. It is important to note that the title "Faerie Queen" represents Queen Elizabeth, indicating that arrangements must be made with a Pope or Catholic leader. The underlying message of this text is that Redcrosse will marry Una when the church has strong leadership and false religion is rejected. These two characters demonstrate the willingness and readiness to take on leadership roles, despite the numerous challenges they may encounter.
The trick is to persist and keep trying each moment as you get more skills to perform your duties effectively without much strain.
The Treatment of Leadership and Duty in the Lotos-Eaters
Odysseus tells his Mariners to have enough courage and take all the challenges positively because they will soon overcome and reach their destinations safely. While on their journey back to their homes, they come into an encounter with a group of Lotos-eaters, whose dark faces look pale against the sunset. These Lotos-eaters come bearing the flower and fruit of the Lotos and distribute them. Whenever a particular mariner in the crew eats the Lotos, there is an immediate feeling of sleeping deeply, and only sit on the
sand on the seashore just staring at other Mariners unable to do anything else.
This Lotos makes them even more desperate and unwilling to find their home within their home. Their mind becomes diverted from the original intention of going back home, and they openly state that they will not return anymore. The poem also portrays the songs being composed by the Mariners, who strive to express their desire to stay with mariners indefinitely.
Writing numerous songs, they praise the land of the Lotos-eaters while criticizing the necessity for humans to work in order to eat. They argue that nature enjoys peace without labor, unlike humans who constantly face challenges throughout their lifetime without finding respite.
Despite the potential for joy and satisfaction found within the human spirit, nature has turned the tables on the global situation. The Mariners argue that all things in the world are allotted a specific lifespan, after which they will either disintegrate like dust or perish. Similar to other living beings that face death when their time comes, all creatures in the natural world will ultimately be forgotten. They also condemn the toil that humans endure in order to sustain their lives (Anton 1998 p.2).
According to their claims, the laboring man's efforts hold no value and will ultimately result in destruction. When an individual works tirelessly and passes away, others benefit from their contributions. The confusion lies in determining which activities can truly withstand the test of time. They assert that everything in life leads to emptiness and is thus pointless. The Mariners insist that finding solace in eternal rest, even through death, is a beneficial way to escape a life filled with
ceaseless toil.
In the preceding stanza, the Mariners express the joy and fulfillment of a luxurious and comfortable life. They emphasize that a life filled with everything one desires leads to ultimate satisfaction. The only remaining activities are sleeping, dreaming, eating, and enjoying the beach with friends. Through these vivid experiences, people can forget their past challenges and the loss of loved ones. Despite the pain, there is hope in the land of the Lotos-eaters, where one could stay indefinitely and establish new memories that hold no significance.
The people of Lotos-eaters believe in letting the broken pieces remain and allowing what is left to continue progressing in all areas. However, when the Mariners attempt to reunite with their families, it becomes problematic as their children have already taken most of their belongings. Additionally, their hearts are exhausted from the battles they have fought during their years of wandering. As a result, they advise the Mariners to stay in Lotos-eaters to prevent the confusion that would arise from returning home.
Bibliography
- Anton, J.P., 1998. Art and Society: Homer and the Drama of Predicaments. Western Humanities Review, 14, pp.3-12.
- Dougherty, C., 2001. The Raft of Odysseus: the ethnographic imagination of Homer's Odyssey. Oxford University Press: pp.24-36.
- Nohrnberg, J., 2014. The Analogy of" The Faerie Queen". Princeton University Press.
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