Odysseus, the Chameloen

[Sharon]

Though Odyssues was always told lies and disguised himself to the
point that one can not be sure of who he really is and what really
happened to him, I admire his adaptability. He would never have
survived without it. The ability to understand the situation to the
depth that he must have to come up with such an elaborate and convient
lie is uncommon. Whether he was right or wrong for it, he is alive
and everyone else is dead. As Achillies tells him it is better to be
alive than to be dead no matter what the situation. Even if he made
up the entire story, the fact that he is capable of making up that
story and getting riches for it is pretty impressive. His lies helped
him out again when he returned to Ithika and was able kill the
unprepared suitors. For Odysseus, the ends always justified the
means. If he is happy and remains happy until the end of his days,
then what else really matters much more?

[brittany boven]

Well, Sharon, I think you make a very valid point. And for that very
point he is given the title a hero by many. Part of me feels that I
can not respect someone who lies more than truth, but such a survival
should be granted some praise, right?

As far as your last stated question, "If he is happy and remains happy

until the end of his days, then what else really matters much more?"

well, in this setting, I agree. Of course, in my life today I have my
own beliefs and feel that the end doesn't justify the means, however,
with Odysseus, it seems like his life on the earth was really the
height of his enjoyment; so your point definitely has validity, in my
opinion.