Descriptive language makes the plain ink on white paper come alive and dance in a reader’s mind as it appeals to her different senses, providing an entirely different experience. Colorful similes, adjectives, imagery, and numerous other techniques add to the liveliness of the characters as Odysseus crosses the barren ocean in The Odyssey. Homer’s use of descriptive language presents an insight into Odysseus’ persona as a famed king with each calamity he encounters.

         While Odysseus makes his escape from Calypso’s island, his actions in his keenness to go home reflect his deftness and persistence. Even when heartsick for Ithaca, Odysseus still plays his steps with caution. His questioning of the goddess with “a sharp flight of protest” indicates his instant alertness and suspicion at Calypso’s sudden decision to let him leave, especially after her lusting (5, l.191). “Deftly” making his escape raft, Odysseus’ rigor shows through his “clean,” “trued” wood, “[snug]” drills, and “bottom flat as a merchantman when a master shipwright turns out her hull” (ll.269, 270, 272, 274-275). Similarly, the efficiency and vigor at which he works illustrate his grit and resilience despite countless more challenges lying in his path, as well as his loyalty toward Penelope and his son. Finally, Odysseus’ eagerness and determination to reunite with his family drives him on in the face of Fate’s harsh plans.

         Even in front of Poseidon’s divine power, Odysseus still manages to cling on to his valor, endurance, and levelheadedness. Just breaking away from Calypso’s clutches, he displays his fortitude against the sea-god’s rage, “probing his fighting spirit” (5, l.392). Odysseus “[leaps] aboard one timber and [ride] it like a plunging racehorse” with the energy and dauntlessness of a champion (ll.407-408). “Scanning sharply,” though beaten by the waves, Odysseus nevertheless stays vigilant and clear-minded (l.434). Although fear fills his mortal being, he forces himself to be valiant and saves himself from Poseidon’s godly wrath with Athena’s nudges.

         King Odysseus’ clash with the Cyclops Polyphemus unveils several of his characteristics and faults. As soon as the Greeks meet Polyphemus, Odysseus brandishes his cunningness as he “[shoots] back” a lie about the whereabouts of his ships (9, l.319). This diction suggests certainty in Odysseus’ tone and a lack of hesitation when he replies, demonstrating his fast-thinking skills. Additionally, Odysseus’ preparations for stabbing the Cyclops also shows his organized and precise nature as he inspects the olivewood club, cutting off “a fathom’s length,” letting his men make it “smooth,” carving it to “a stabbing point,” and finally burning it “good and hard” (ll.360, 363, 365, 366, 367). Moreover, the simile “as a shipwright bores his beam with a shipwright’s drill” conveys Odysseus’ bravery and resolve as he unblinkingly rams the stake into Polyphemus’ eye with the power and precision of a ship builder (l.430). Despite having such a strong and calculating intellect, Odysseus’ pride, anger, vengefulness, and sudden impulsiveness bring disaster as he throws “stinging taunts”, ignoring his crew’s warnings in the heat of the moment (l.530). Ultimately, Odysseus rises a crafty, daring king from his encounter with Polyphemus, but his pride and vindictiveness betray him.

         Whether this tale is real or not, god-inspired Homer brings the characters to life in a world where the mortal and immortal mix. He unveils an incredible hero but keeps him human with his flaws. Yet, every turning of a page leaves the reader with a clearer sense of the seasoned king’s courage, organization, and intellect. He, without a doubt, shall remain worthy of his name, Odysseus, Ithaca’s brilliant ruler who plows through endless toil to reach his native land. The renowned king whose story bards send through time and space. People still praise this worldly hero, just not in gleaming marble palaces brimming with shimmering notes of song.