response to Question number 2, is odysseus a hero in mordern times?

In the time that odysseus travels the seas, trickery, guile and deception were excellent traits to have. In mordern times not many people believe that these attributes are worthy of having or flaunting. However Homer proclaims in the Odyssey that trickery and guile are characteristics that will elevate one's posistion in life. The character Odysseus is the best portrays these features. When he first arrives in Ithaca he attempts to fool the goddes Athena, for this she rewards him with knowledge and a plot. If Odysseus had not done this he would've been off much worse. In modern times people can make Athena the equivelant to their boss, in most cases bosses will not give people a pat on the back for lying to them. Actually bosses will probably try to retaliate for such insubordinate behavior. Odyyseus gives us another illustration of guile being positive, when he fools all of the suitors in his own house. By doing this he manages to gain the upperhand in the fight because suprise is on his side. If a person is in a fight and loses because the other person uses treachery the person who uses treachery will be shamed and harrassed by people watching. Odysseus also lies to his very close friend to prevent word of his return from spreading. This lie can be compared to batman lying to robin to prevent crime lords from hearing of him. Batman as long as i can remember never lies to Robin but rather toughs it out like a man. Odysseus decieves his own wife about his return for the smallest gain. Odysseus gains the peace of mind that his wife will not spread word about his return. If modern heros were like this they would be considered compassionless and therefore lose their admiring fans. In ancient greek times Guile and treachery were more admirable than they are now. This is because a change in soceity and an increase in the want for commendable heros.