Essay on The Importance of Identity in Homers Odyssey

The Importance of Identity in Homers Odyssey Within the epic poem The Odyssey, Homer presents the story of Odysseuss quest to find his home and his identity. According to Homers account, with its origin in oral tradition, the two quests are interchangeable, as a mortal defines himself with his home, his geographic origin, his ancestors, his offspring, etc. But in addition to this Homer illustrates the other aspect of human identity, shaped by the individual and his actions so that he may be recognized in the outside world. Through this Homer presents Odysseus in two ways: the first his internally given identity as ruler and native of Ithaca, son of Laertes, father of Telemachos; the second the definition of the external world†¦show more content†¦Homer presents this clearly in the following instances: Helens description of Odysseus disguising himself to enter into the city of Troy and in doing so gaining information that would allow him to destroy his mortal enemies, a trademark ploy that he also uses when returning to his homeland of Ithaca to infiltrate the rank of suitors; additionally in the sequence with the Cyclops in which Odysseus eludes danger by taking on the guise of Noman or one without a name. For Odysseus, the ability to disguise his identity presents an opportunity through which he can conquer his enemies at Troy and thereby establish great fame and external identity through public recognition. Through the voice of Helen, Homer demonstrates how Odysseus became so unrecognizable that he was able to enter into Troy, defying both his mortal enemies and the immortal Poseidon who built Troys walls to be impenetrable: But what a deed this one mighty man did and dared... When he had submitted himself to disfiguring blows, He threw a poor covering over his shoulders and in the likeness Of a servant he entered the enemys broad-streeted city... In that guise he entered the city of the Trojans. They all Overlooked him. I alone recognized him as he was. And I questioned him. He eluded me cunningly, But when I wasShow MoreRelatedThe Epic Of Homer s Odyssey1433 Words   |  6 PagesHomer’s Odyssey makes use of its epic qualities to narrate the lives of three men. The tale begins with Telemachus, a young prince who leaves his homeland to learn about his father and about himself at the same time. 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