In famous literature, no matter when written, common themes can be found. One particularly acute example is shown in Homer’s The Odyssey and Charles Frazier’s Cold Mountain. In both of these timeless classics, the heroes share similar traits, interactions,
and goals.
The most clear example is the corresponding character traits between Inman and Odysseus. Both men show their sheer determination to succeed in their journey. Despite the many adversities they face, neither of the heroes’ strength of will flags. When Odysseus’ men fear death at the hands of the mighty Polyphemus, Odysseus tries to rally them, saying, "Dear friends, surely we are not unlearned in evils. This is no greater evil now than it was when the Cyclops had us …show more content…
Odysseus longs to return to his homeland, Ithaca, and his wife, Penelope. On the island of Calypso, Odysseus’ heartfelt longing for Ithaca is displayed. “But as for great Odysseus— … Off he sat on a headland, weeping there as always, wrenching his heart with sobs and groans and anguish, gazing out over the barren sea through blinding tears” (5.96-100). Similarly, Inman wishes to return to the peacefulness of his home, Cold Mountain. Inman also wants to reunite with Ada, a young lady who has shown interest in a relationship with Inman, but he was sent to the war before he could court her. Later, After Inman sees her again, he thinks to himself, “He had been alone in the world and empty for so long. But she filled him full, and so he believed everything that had been taken out of him might have been for a purpose. To clear space for something better” (543). The idea of home and family is the driving force behind Odysseus’ journeys and determination. Inman seeks a potentially bright future to contrast his darker past, and Odysseus wishes to return to the stability and happiness he had before the …show more content…
This is mirrored in Inman, though Inman is even more a pacifist than Odysseus. When confronted by the man with the whitworth, he is intelligent enough to know when to back out of a fight. “If you could see it and had even a measure of skill
in marksmanship, a Whitworth could hit it. Inman wondered how the men like these might come by such a fine rifle” (133). Inman tries various methods to avoid his
attention and continue undisturbed on his way. “Inman said nothing. It would do no
good for the man to notice him . . . His last wish was for them to mob him” (134-135). And when a battle becomes inevitable, Inman shows his ability to protect himself.
“But even in these unfavorable circumstances he found that all the elements of scything- . . . fell into the old pattern and struck him as being a thing he could actually do to
some actual effect . . . He kept at it until they all lay prone and quiet, faces down (136-137).” This displays that both men know their ability to harm those around them, should the need come, but attempt to avoid it when possible.
In every story, there are defining traits that make a hero who they are, and are often similar across time. There are many other qualities throughout these works that compare Inman, and Odysseus. The two timeless heroes, though different in many ways, share many common traits and make their unique ones stand
and goals.
The most clear example is the corresponding character traits between Inman and Odysseus. Both men show their sheer determination to succeed in their journey. Despite the many adversities they face, neither of the heroes’ strength of will flags. When Odysseus’ men fear death at the hands of the mighty Polyphemus, Odysseus tries to rally them, saying, "Dear friends, surely we are not unlearned in evils. This is no greater evil now than it was when the Cyclops had us …show more content…
Odysseus longs to return to his homeland, Ithaca, and his wife, Penelope. On the island of Calypso, Odysseus’ heartfelt longing for Ithaca is displayed. “But as for great Odysseus— … Off he sat on a headland, weeping there as always, wrenching his heart with sobs and groans and anguish, gazing out over the barren sea through blinding tears” (5.96-100). Similarly, Inman wishes to return to the peacefulness of his home, Cold Mountain. Inman also wants to reunite with Ada, a young lady who has shown interest in a relationship with Inman, but he was sent to the war before he could court her. Later, After Inman sees her again, he thinks to himself, “He had been alone in the world and empty for so long. But she filled him full, and so he believed everything that had been taken out of him might have been for a purpose. To clear space for something better” (543). The idea of home and family is the driving force behind Odysseus’ journeys and determination. Inman seeks a potentially bright future to contrast his darker past, and Odysseus wishes to return to the stability and happiness he had before the …show more content…
This is mirrored in Inman, though Inman is even more a pacifist than Odysseus. When confronted by the man with the whitworth, he is intelligent enough to know when to back out of a fight. “If you could see it and had even a measure of skill
in marksmanship, a Whitworth could hit it. Inman wondered how the men like these might come by such a fine rifle” (133). Inman tries various methods to avoid his
attention and continue undisturbed on his way. “Inman said nothing. It would do no
good for the man to notice him . . . His last wish was for them to mob him” (134-135). And when a battle becomes inevitable, Inman shows his ability to protect himself.
“But even in these unfavorable circumstances he found that all the elements of scything- . . . fell into the old pattern and struck him as being a thing he could actually do to
some actual effect . . . He kept at it until they all lay prone and quiet, faces down (136-137).” This displays that both men know their ability to harm those around them, should the need come, but attempt to avoid it when possible.
In every story, there are defining traits that make a hero who they are, and are often similar across time. There are many other qualities throughout these works that compare Inman, and Odysseus. The two timeless heroes, though different in many ways, share many common traits and make their unique ones stand