Read the excerpt from The Odyssey.

Question

I shall not see on earth a place more dear,
though I have been detained long by Calypso,
loveliest among goddesses, who held me
in her smooth caves, to be her heart's delight,
as Circe of Aeaea, the enchantress,
desired me, and detained me in her hall.
But in my heart I never gave consent.
Where shall a man find sweetness to surpass
his own home and his parents? In far lands
he shall not, though he find a house of gold.

What characteristics of Odysseus, the story’s epic hero, are most shown in this excerpt?

knowledge and strength
confidence and courage
leadership and perseverance
character and loyalty

Answer 1

In this excerpt from The Odyssey, the characteristics of Odysseus that are most prominently shown are character and loyalty.

Odysseus reflects on his longing for home and his parents, indicating his deep loyalty to his family and his homeland. Despite being held captive by powerful figures like Calypso and Circe, he emphasizes that he never gave consent to remain with them, showcasing his strong moral character and devotion to returning home. His recognition that no far-off place could compare to the sweetness of his own home further underscores his loyalty and emotional ties to his roots.