Your assignment is to prepare and submit a paper on homer: the odyssey. The characters of Odyssey are responsible for the illusion of life in a work of fiction. Their behavior and relationships create

Your assignment is to prepare and submit a paper on homer: the odyssey. The characters of Odyssey are responsible for the illusion of life in a work of fiction. Their behavior and relationships create an impression of reality within the world of literature. Homer invests in his characters-especially Odysseus-with personality and individuality which will explain adequately and believably why they behave the way they do and why they choose to make the decisions and actions stated in the poem.

There were numerous characters present in Homer's work. It is very noticeable that the variety of characters ranges from human, gods, elementals and animals. They cause the events in the plot for the actions in response to the situations they face become integral parts of the plot.

Argos is most commonly described as the faithful dog of Odysseus. Argos exhibits human characteristics and experiences recognizable human situations. In Fagles' translation of Odyssey, Book XVII mentions the character of Argos as one of the loyal supporters and friends of the Odysseus.

Odysseus was known to a master of deception. He used his wit and strategies to become an anonymous person that they would fail to recognize until he reveals himself to them. He failed one time in his Argos was able to see Odysseus beyond his clothes and appearance. It is stated in Book XVII that Odysseus disguised himself as beggar to minimally hide his true identity with his return to Ithaca.

There were several possible reasons for his plans to deceive other people when it comes to his identity. It could be to protect himself from any unpredictable harm or treachery or he wanted to identify who among his loved ones and closest friends knew him best. And indeed, Argos was one of his faithful followers that he was able to uncover the truth behind the filthy clothes.

When Argos recognized that the beggar was Odysseus, it represents how well he remembered his master. Argos was not fooled by the faade that Odysseus used when he returned to Ithaca. Argos showed that in spite of his frail condition due to old age and disease, his mind was still as cunning and sharp that he knew exactly how Odysseus looked though absence challenged him of his memories of Odysseus and of his hope that his master will one day return to Ithaca.

He knew his lord. he knew, and strove to meet.

In vain he strove to crawl and kiss his feet.

Yet (all he could) his tail, his tears, his eyes,

Salute his master, and confess his joys.

Soft pity touch'd the mighty master's soul.

Adown his cheek a tear unbidden stole,

(Book XVII page 363)

The loyalty of Argos to Odysseus cannot only be measured by the length of time he waited for his master's return but also on the eagerness and happiness he expressed just at the mere sight of Odysseus. His remembrance of the features of his master was not tainted or even forgotten given the time span of twenty years of not seeing Odysseus.

The irony was apparent when it was stated that Argos remembered his lord but Odysseus was unable to recognize his most faithful dog. Men were regarded as beings of higher wisdom and intellect balanced out by conscience and emotions. However, the epic poem showed that Argos who was an animal was capable of thinking and feeling like a man.