Characteristics of Odysseus in the Odyssey Book 6 - Essay Example

One of the most notable aspects of the Princess and the Stranger scene in the Odyssey is the story’s characterization of Odysseus in a largely vulnerable and un-heroic context. Throughout Odysseus’ articulation in literature, most notably in the Iliad, but also in portions of the Odyssey, he has been presented as the heroic warrior from the battle at Troy. In this scene, Odysseus is witnessed as vulnerable and journey-torn. The first instance of Odysseus's weakness is seen when the princess first throws a ball in his direction.

Odysseus states, “what are the people like? Are they violent/ and wild, without a sense of justice?/ Or are they kind to strangers?” (Homer, p. 213, 149-151). This instance occurs directly before Odysseus encounters the women and serves to highlight his fear and vulnerability in the new surroundings.Odysseus’ characterization is later advanced in a slightly different incarnation after he encounters Nausicaa. Nausicaa speaks with Odysseus and recognizes his state. She then turns to her attendants and talks about him to them.

In this discussion, insight is provided into the nature of Odysseus's demeanor. Nausicaa states, “Surely you don’t think he’s an enemy?/ For there’s no man now alive or yet to be/ who’ll reach this land of the Phaeacians/ bringing war, because gods truly love us…No. So this man is some poor wanderer” (Homer, p. 234, 258-261). While Nausicaa’s impression is naive and largely mediated by the confines of the situation, it holds several overarching thematic elements regarding Odysseus’ characterization.

In these regards, Nausicaa’s trust in Odysseus’ character is motivated by a divinely inspired impression of his arrival. In these regards, Odysseus's characterization in this scene is imbued with an almost ethereal and angelic quality. When one considers further placements of Odysseus in the water and the covering of his nether-regions with a fig leaf, one notes the similarity to later Christian New Testament mythology. While it’s beyond the realms of this essay to draw comparisons between the two texts, it seems clear that they function to promote Odysseus’ overriding virtuous nature.