Is Odysseus A Good Leader
What is some evidence that Odysseus is a good or bad leader in Homer's Odyssey?
- print Print
- list Cite
Expert Answers

calendarEducator since 2011
write6,821 answers
starTop subjects are Literature, History, and Business
Odysseus is not intended to conform to twenty-first century notions of "good leadership." Homer existed within a very different culture. Many acts that would horrify us, such as fairly casual ways of thinking about rape and murder, excessive boasting, and valuing saving face over survival, are common in Homer. Moreover, Homer is a poet who praises the "great deeds" of individuals and is less concerned with things like teamwork, shared goals, and working within systems than modern business leaders. In fact, any modern business leader with the attitude or habits of a Homeric hero would end up fired or in jail in a matter of days.
Within Homeric context, Odysseus is one of the great Greek heroes, although this does not mean he is without flaws. He is renowned for his cleverness, as can be seen in his schemes for defeating Polyphemus. He is loyal to Penelope and apparently a good and benevolent ruler of Ithaca. He is favored by many of the gods (even if offending Poseidon), something that...
(The entire section contains 2 answers and 609 words.)
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial to unlock this answer and thousands more. Enjoy eNotes ad-free and cancel anytime.
Related Questions
- What makes Odysseus a good leader in The Odyssey?
- 3 Educator Answers
- In The Odyssey, was Odysseus a good leader?Was Odysseus a good leader and in what way(s)?
- 4 Educator Answers
- In The Odyssey by Homer, is Odysseus's craftiness a bad or a good thing?
- 1 Educator Answer
- In what parts of Homer's The Odyssey is Odysseus represented as a good leader?
- 2 Educator Answers
- What are examples that demonstrate the good or bad leadership or decision-making abilities of...
- 2 Educator Answers