To what extent is Odysseus a good leader?

You can argue that Odysseus is selfish in Homer's 'Odyssey' due to a myriad of different reasons. For example, he makes his crew plug their ears with wax in Book 12 so they cannot hear the tempting sounds of the Sirens but makes them also tie him up to the mast of the ship so he can listen to them instead. Furthermore, you may also argue that his selfishness is seen when he reveals his identity when escaping the Cyclops and thus causing the Cyclops' father (the god, Neptune), to seek revenge on Odysseus and his crew. This is arguably Odysseus showing his 'kleos' (a Greek term for reputation). However, you can argue that Odysseus shows a lack of selfishness. For example, at the land of the Lotus-Eaters, he ties his men to the bench so they would not be able to eat the delicious, yet addictive lotus fruit. Additionally, Odysseus first approaches Tiresias in the Underworld, not his dead mother. 

Related Classical Civilisation A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does Oedipus suffer so much in Sophocles' Oedipus Tyrannus?


'Women are deceptive and should not be trusted in the Odyssey.' How far do you agree?


How effectively does Pericles try to win the support of the Athenian people in this passage? AQA 2018


In the Agamemnon, Clytaemnestra behaves more like a man than a woman’. How far do you agree with this statement? (June 2005)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences