Job and Odysseus

Odysseus is the main character from The Odyssey. Homer describes his physical appearance as being strong and muscular. Since Odysseus has been to war several times, he is built like a warrior. In my opinion, Odysseus is strong on the inside and out. He is very smart and cunning, and persistent.

I believe that Odysseus is the protagonist because he is morally just. No matter the cause, he always tries to make the right decision. He goes through many struggles and obstacles, but he always remains persistent in returning to his love.

Odysseus is considered a dynamic character because he changes throughout The Odyssey. While Odysseus is with Calypso, he strays away from the thoughts of seeing his family ever again. At the beginning of the story, Odysseus is portrayed as arrogant and overly confident. But throughout his trials and tribulations, you see him humble over time.

"First, she told us to avoid the eerie voices of the Sirens and sail past their soft meadows. She ordered me alone to listen. Bind me hand and foot upright in the mast-step and tie the ends of the rope to the mast. If I command you and plead with you to release me, just tie me up tighter." (Book 12. Lines 165-171)Odysseus is arrogant because he is choosing to listen to the sirens, even though he knows the affect it may have on him.

Eurylochus: "let's just get out of here with those that are left. We might still make it."Odysseus: "All right, Eurylochus, you stay here by the ship. Get yourself something to eat and drink. I'm going through."(Book 10, Lines 287-293)Odysseus is courageous because he chooses to go to Circe's house and rescue his men.

"I know very well that Penelope, for all her virtues, would pale beside you. She's only human, and you are a goddess, eternally young. Still, I want to go back. My heart aches for the day I return to my home." (Book 5, Lines 215-220.)Despite Calypso's beauty and goddess like features, Odysseus remains loyal to Penelope.

"Noman is my name. They call me Noman - My mother, my father, and all my friends, too" (Book 9, Lines 368-369.)Odysseus proves that he is clever when he tells the Cyclops that his name is 'Noman.'

In The Book of Job, Job was wealthy man with a large family that owned a lot of land and livestock. He was a very kindhearted, good man and had a very strong relationship with The Lord. Although the author does not give any details about his physical appearance, being from that time period, Job probably had a beard and wore a long tunic.

Job is a protagonist because always does what is right and remains strong in his faith with God, despite having everything taken away from him. He also does not fall under temptation from his 3 friends.

The conflict is both an internal struggle and is also driven by an external force. Satan takes everything away from Job, which makes it an external force. The internal struggle is that Job is suffering internally and deciding whether to deny The Lord or not.

Job is a static character because he remains the same throughout the book. For example, his family and many possessions being taken away affects him negatively, but he remains faithful and true. Also, when his three best friends tempt him to deny The Lord, he remains the same.

"And Job answered The Lord and he said: I know you can do anything and no devising is beyond you. 'Who is the obscuring counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I told but did not understand, wonders beyond me that I did not know. 'Hear, pray, and i will speak let me ask you, that you may inform me.' By the ear's rumor I heard of You, Therefore I do recant, And I repent in dust and ashes." (Job 42. Pg 217. Lines 1-10)These are the words that Job spoke after his pain and suffering. He is faithful because he continued to praise The Lord throughout his tribulations.

"And The Lord said to the adversary, 'Have you paid heed to my servant Job, for there is none like here on Earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and shuns evil?'" (Page 193. Job 1)

"And The Lord restored Job's fortunes when he prayed for his companions, and the Lord increased twofold all that Job had." (Job 42. Pg 217-218.)Job was patient with the Lord while going through his time of difficulties. In the end, God blessed him abundantly.