In Chapter 10, lines 517-524, we see that Odysseus listens to his friends and admits that he was stubborn. This is one of his characteristics that helps define him as a hero. His men want him to make it home and they remind him of that goal. The fact that he listens to them and values their opinions is a virtue that makes them want to follow him. Odysseus may struggle with pride sometimes but he has enough wisdom to listen to the counsel of his friends. However, he also knows when not to trust someone and discerns a person's true motives very well. He maintains a good balance of trust and caution.
P.S. I commented on Hannah Atkins' and Charis Brown's posts.
Oh, the line we must walk: To trust or not to trust?
ReplyDeleteGreat point. Odysseus is a great picture (in this scene at least) of what a leader must do in order to be successful. Thanks for the post.
Oh, the line we must walk: To trust or not to trust?
ReplyDeleteGreat point. Odysseus is a great picture (in this scene at least) of what a leader must do in order to be successful. Thanks for the post.
I agree, I think this shows one of Odysseus' leadership traits. A good leader has to be humble sometimes and listen to what his men have to say.
ReplyDeleteI agree also. Odysseus' willingness to admit fault sets him aside as, not only a clever leader, but a humble one. His humility is one of the reasons that the men continue to trust his leadership after his many mistakes. This shows that even though many great leaders are imperfect individuals, they can still hold great power and influence.
ReplyDelete