... by others, but their own speech, often clearly shows character flaws and attributes that one might not come across otherwise. Strict narration often polarizes a character, casting them as black or white, good or evil. However, in most writings, and certainly in The Odyssey, the speech of a character allows us to see the various shades of grey, thus portraying the character more fairly. Odysseus was a powerful man, lording over his own small kingdom. Odysseus shares the same love of his homeland, his people, and his wife. He says that it is his "never-failing wish" to see the "happy day of (his) return" (b.5/l.221). Although not clearly laid out for all to see, it is no less evident that he feels a certain respect, perhaps even servitude, to his country from which he has been absent so long. Our hero professes this duty, devotion, and patriotism, on an individual ...

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