The Odyssey: An Endless Story of Reaching Home

Abstract

In Ulysses, we see a strong empathy and sense of duty but at times seems to develop a coldness and indifference to others outside of his desired goal. While this could create a less human character and not endearing, the paradoxical nature of his responses to those he seems to love or care for creates a more human portrayal. In this, Homer delivers a means of understanding a long past culture. One that we can see is very different from our own. One that embraces aspects of violence and rapine that we like to believe is gone, yet in times of war and violence remain close to the surface. Through Ulysses, we see a side of humanity that modern sensibilities like to believe have been expunged. Yet equally, a side of humanity that in times of stress and anarchic conflict bubble and foment to display past aspects of our nature.

Keywords: Ulysses, the Odyssey, comparative cultures