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Odysseus wanted to compete for Penelope, to win her back. Because he was disguised as a pauper he was able to demonstrate his skills to all the dissolute suitors and show that he is still the legendary king. But when the suitors saw him they sardonically taunted him. So, Odysseus unflinchingly went ahead and proved their opinionated prejudices wrong.

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The theme in Homer's epic "The Challenge" is, cunning and brain power beats brute strength and force.

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Through out the story the theme revolves around Odysseus's journey. It starts in the beginning with his call to action. With news of Penelope searching for a new husband, Odysseus jumps at the chance to prove his skills. Then displayed when he disguises himself as a vagrant, Odysseus was crossing the threshold. Getting ready to begin his diligent quest in once again winning over his beautiful wife. During his journey there were trials, and the main one of course was the competition that was occurring. Even though Odysseus was confident in his abilities, the suitors tried to throw him off. For example the story asserts, The suitors attempted to daunt Odysseus by saying, "A bow lover! (Homer 1035) Dealer of bows" and even "That sly old buzzard" (Homer 1035). But even in their brazen attempts to botch his preformance, Odysseus stayed unflinching and made known his artistry to the townsmen. Finally there was the return. After Odysseus had presented himself to the suitors and to Penelope he declared himself the king over all the town. And at long last was reunited with Penelope and his son, Telemachus.

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In Homer's "The Challenge" he uses imagery to develop the theme that cunning beats sheer force and brute strength. Homer shows that Odysseus has superb skill in all ways when he states, "But the man skilled in all ways of contending... when with his quiet hand upon the instrument he draws between his thumb and forefinger a sweet new string upon a peg: so effortlessly (Homer)." The imagery of Odysseus' effortless perfection shows that his cunning and skill overwhelms the suitors brute strength. Odysseus' cunning is again proven superior when he wins the contest leaving dumbstruck suitors in his wake.

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The theme is displayed in Homer's "The Challenge" through the utilization of Characterization. Shown at the start of the story when it states, ''But the man skilled in all ways of contending, satisfied by the great bow's look and heft, like a musician, like a harper when with a quiet hand upon the instrument" (Homer 1035). This is an example of indirect characterization. Odysseus utilizes his skillfulness throughout the challenge. He uses the real weapon which was not his might but it was in fact his brain. He cleverly takes charge of the bow and holds it as if it were a fragile instrument waiting to be played. And in one motion "so effortlessly" he plucked the instrument and let go, to hear the sweet sound of victory ringing in his ears, leaving the suitors in awe of his talents. In by which he was revealing his superb skills and once again reminding us that brute strength isn't always the better option.

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The theme is displayed in Homer's "The Challenge", through the usage of Setting and Diction. Homer using amazing diction states, "Effortlessly Odysseus in one motion strung the bow (Homer 1035)". Homer uses diction by saying the word effortlessly, his astonishing diction builds a picture of how skilled Odysseus is with a bow. Odysseus' incredible skill overwhelms the suitors brute force and in the end leaves them speechless.

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In Homer's The Odyssey, the author uses different forms of figurative language to emphasize Odysseus' dedication to the challenge set by Penelope. While Odysseus prepared to enter the limelight, the suitors around him mocked him by referring to him as "bow lover"(Homer 1035) and a "dealer in bows"(Homer 1035). These exagerations show the intense situations placed infront of him. Homer placed these elements in the story to shift the tone and show the importance of Odysseus' patience with this tedious sport and his tenacious will to fight.

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What Modern Day Heroes Reflect These Characteristics?

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What Modern Day Heroes Reflect These Characteristics?

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There are several modern day hero's applicable for resembling the characteristics of Odysseus, but the main person best fitting is Ben Carson. Ben Carson used his brain to achieve incredible things, saving many lives. He put his knowledge to work and invented many life-changing procedures.

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Why is the theme relevant for modern day heroes?

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Why is the theme relevant for modern day heroes?

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Our theme of wit over strength, is a concept modern day heroes become accustomed to. Throughout history our leaders in war showed that strategy wins over a mass of men any day. In The Revolutionary War, America was at a disadvantage because of our small voluntary army and few resources, but in one particular battle we turned the tables on our opponents. In The Battle of Bunker Hill, one of our commanders demanded, "Don't shoot till you see the whites of their eyes" (Boston 1775 Blogspot). This decision helped the Americans win the battle which gave us the confidence to finish the war with pride.

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Homer's epic, "The Challenge" applies to modern day life by showing the resemblance of Odysseus's trials as a hero to today's hero's circumstances and there quest to overcome the obstacles that may come their way. Whether they are facing real dragons or their inner dragons, it is a constant battle to the end and that is what Odysseus portray's in this epic.