Every challenge that is taken and that has been overcome changes people. Their ability to react is tested, and often desires and hidden traits are often revealed. Odysseus’ journey presented him with a variety of challenging tasks and trials. From Scylla to Polyphemus, Odysseus and his crew face tribulations that have changed them. Odysseus ultimately learns that his crew, although loyal, possess human traits, like greed and selfishness. He also learns that trust must go both ways. These lessons change him in preparation of his return home because he will learn from his mistakes, act on these lessons, and improve his leadership in the future.
Primarily, Odysseus learns that his crew possess greedy and selfish characteristics. Once the crew …show more content…
Odysseus hears from the Theban prophet to “leave the beasts [known as] the cattle of Helios [on the] Thrinacia Island unharmed.” (11.125) Odysseus realized that, “it was wrong for only one or two to know the revelations that lovely Circe,” (12.167-170) so he “informed [his] shipmates point by point [and] warned his shipmates gravely [about the] dire prophecies” (12.180) of the prophet. This shows the change in leadership that Odysseus goes through when he realizes that not “only one or two to know the revelations,” everyone must be informed. This is different from before, since he now tells his crew members all the information he has and puts them at an equal position. Although the crew did not heed the warnings, the change in leadership that Odysseus experiences will be useful in the future.
Odysseus’ journey has taught him a lot about his crew and society. Mainly, he has learned how he must be entirely truthful to his crew otherwise greed and selfishness will overtake them. He has changed as well and that is evident when he starts telling his crew members everything. It’s important for a leader and their crew to have trust, because when there is trust, the society as a whole can