The Struggle to Overcome Temptations in the Odyssey Essay Example

Odysseus is tempted by physical desires and curiosity, however, he shows self-control and leadership qualities when needed which exemplifies the human struggle to overcome temptation. In Book 9, Odysseus’ curiosity results in the death of many of his men. When he sails to an island of Cyclops, he finds sheep and food, but he decides not to take it, and decides to rather seek out the Cyclops. He says, “My companions urged me /not to stay there: to let them make off with the cheeses, /then go to the cave and drive all the lambs and kids /out of the pens, load them on board, and set sail. /But I didn’t take their advice, though it would have been far /better for us if I had. I wanted to see / the creature who lived there hoping that he would give me the kind of presents a guest deserves…” (IX, 192-222). Here, he gives in to his curiosity and seeks out the Cyclops, thinking that his status would raise their chances of being welcomed warmly. His status, on the contrary, is of no importance to the Cyclops. The Cyclops becomes angry, resulting in the slaughter of many of Odysseus’ men, and does not allow for the rest of the men to escape. However, Odysseus does not become overrun with emotion that would enable him to be rendered useless. It would be easier to simply give up, and he is likely tempted to. He instead remains a strong leader, and uses his cunning ability to outsmart the creature, and continues on his journey, therefore saving his remaining men and himself. In addition, Odysseus being tempted by physical desires but showing self-control, therefore exemplifying the human struggle to overcome temptation when needed, is displayed when he meets Circe. During Odysseus’ stay with Circe, he is tempted many times to stay with Circe, and to not return home to his true love. If Odysseus decides to stay, he would endure less hardships on the remainder of his journey, but have a less ideal outcome, which is not seeing his wife.  “The goddess Calypso detained me for a long time, and Circe did too, that cunning witch…but neither could win my heart…” (IX, 29-32). Here, Odysseus decides that he would not give into the physical temptation of Circe, and overcomes it through self-control and his ability to tell the witch that he would not accept the offer, and would instead lead his men home to the place that he would be truly happy. Most men in this situation would not be as strong as Odysseus, allowing themselves to be subject to Circe’s physical attraction.