Essay Database

The Returns and the Odyssey As Odysseus tries to go home he is seen changing from an arrogant young man who carelessly travels with a group of renegades to a more tempered and wiser person who desires, more than anything, to go home. The early Odysseus was as reckless and careless with his words as he was in his actions. After making himself comfortable in Polyphemus’ cave (and eating his food) and then narrowly escaping, …

…the insults of suitors and other beggars while dressed in the disguise of a beggar then gently persuades his wife that he is really Odysseus. Penelope, equal to Odysseus in bravery and intellect, has also transformed and demonstrates it near the dramatic conclusion when the true Odysseus is finally revealed to her. Then as a last act of a changed man Odysseus appeased Poseidon, whom he earlier insulted, by founding a shrine in his honor.