Unconventional Leaders
Homer’s The Odyssey, a cornerstone of ancient Greek literature, is deified for its epic tales of heroism and adventure. Still, beneath the surface of Odysseus’ fabulous trip lies a nuanced disquisition of leadership through characters frequently overshadowed by the archetypal idol. This series of case studies delve into the leadership qualities displayed by Penelope, Athena, and Telemachus, each representing a distinct hand of leadership that contrasts with traditional sundries.
Case Study 1 Penelope – frequently flashed back simply as the loyal wife of Odysseus, Penelope’s character embodies a flexible and strategic form of leadership. Her trip of staying, coupled with her part as a single parent and protection of her household, reveals her strengths in tolerance, wisdom, and emotional intelligence. Penelope’s story challenges the conventional understanding of leadership, pressing the power of attachment and moral integrity in the face of adversity.
Case Study 2 Athena – As the goddess of wisdom and war, Athena’s involvement in The Odyssey goes further with godly intervention. Her guidance and strategic support for Odysseus and Telemachus parade a leadership style that blends intellect, empathy, and foresight. Athena’s part in the grand presents a complex interplay of power dynamics, challenging traditional gender places and societal morals and offering a deeper insight into leadership that values wisdom over brute strength.
Case Study 3 Telemachus – The coming-of-age story of Telemachus, frequently overshadowed by his father’s exploits, provides a unique perspective on imperative leadership. His trip from a passive, overshadowed youth to a visionary and assertive existent reflects the transformative nature of leadership. Telemachus’ story resonates with themes of growth, self-discovery, and the significance of upholding particular values and integrity.
These case studies aim to shed light on the varied confines of leadership in The Odyssey, emphasizing the significance of unconventional leadership styles that transcend the traditional heroic narrative. They offer a recontextualized understanding of the epic, revealing how each character contributes to the overarching theme of leadership in their own unique way.
Case Studies
Penelope
The wife of Odysseus, Penelope, is one of few characters in The Odyssey. As Odysseus’ wife, nobody thinks to remember Penelope as a leader in the storyline. She can be renowned as a loyal wife to Odysseus, and mother to Telemachus, and finds her own definition of leadership through her journey of waiting for her husband to come home from his own journey. As a parental guidance for her child Telemachus, she has to now raise him on her own without Odysseus present, all while dealing with the household as a single leader.
As Odysseus heads for his travels, the kingdom and their child is now in the hands of Penelope, as she takes authority over Ithaca and handles business without Odysseus by her side. Little does Penelope know that for the next twenty years, Odysseus will be gone and she will not know when his return from his journey will take place. Penelope in this situation shows great leadership in which she is left to fend for not only herself, but for her son and the household as well. The vulnerability Penelope faced after being left in the hands of everybody including their home is what challenged her to become the better leader during Odysseus’ time away. Book 1 of The Odyssey does a great job of emphasizing on Penelope’s independence and responsibility she must withhold in order for her, her son, and for her kingdom to continue being successful without their other leader present.
Soon after Odysseus leaves, suitors begin to bombard the town, attempting to swoon and win over his wife while in his absence. The suitors take advantage of Odysseus’ absence as an opportunity to quickly win Penelope over and hopefully be the next head leader of Ithaca. Penelope faces no difficulties when straying away from the suitors, in which she has no issue continuing to remain loyal towards her husband and furthermore refuses any attention from them. Although she is grieving and overall in distress without her husband present, she remains persistent to provide a strong role model for her child and to herself as well. She balances between the hopefulness of her husband returning home and also staying powerful for herself in times without him at home. Her determination to remain calm and collected all while being strong as an independent woman is collectively what makes her a leader. The adversity of the suitors being unplanned shows another great characteristic in leadership towards Penelope, in which she acts upon a downfall of suitors trying to take over. Through this, she is able to protect her household and Telemachus for the next twenty years, and is able to hold accountability in keeping it together while Odysseus is gone. Overall, Book 1 is a great example as to how her character can still serve its features of a leader on her own terms.
Even though an obvious leader such as Odysseus fights in battles and goes to physical war, Penelope still finds leadership characteristics in her own storyline. Emily Wilson, translator of The Odyssey, speaks in an interview with The New Yorker. She proclaims Penelope as a character who is
“canny” “strong-willed” and “has grit”. Wilson continues to speak about how Odysseus as a character has more opportunities and the choice of reinventing himself to be different around others, Penelope only has one, and that is her marital status and committing to her relationship to Odysseus while he is gone. While Odysseus’ character is more of a physical and literal definition of a leader, Penelope’s definition of a leader type character comes from her faithfulness and loyalty towards her commitment to Odysseus. This also can correlate back to gender roles, whereas at this point in time, females all together had no power over a male and were overlooked for their hardship. Characters such as Penelope did not intend to be a leadership character in the story, but when you analyze the plot, we come to a realization that she is a leader in her own way. Defending a kingdom and raising a child are two tasks that are overlooked in The Odyssey due to it not being a manly job such as fighting in wars like Odysseus. Penelope’s untraditionally type of leadership is what separates her as a character and can be known for her emotional and responsibility strength.
In conclusion, a character such as Penelope is overlooked in the part of a leader. As Odysseus, the husband of Penelope, is our main character who shows leadership skills in going to war, battling along his journey, and guiding a team to victory, Penelope faces her own types of struggles and adversity at home which is what makes her her own kind of leader.
With this, she learns to become resilient, faithful, and powerful all while still being able to balance the emotions of grief, anxiety, and sensitivity. Not knowing when her husband would return, this put Penelope in a position to see faith in Odysseus making it back home eventually. When not being told of
when Odysseus would return, this inspired Penelope to become a role model for Telemachus as he grew up over the next twenty years during Odysseus’ absence. Throughout the twenty years of Odysseus being absent, Penelope and her son began to face more adversity when the suitors arrived. The suitors’ mission was to take advantage of Penelope’s vulnerability to her husband being away, and attempted to take his place in winning over Penelope’s heart. This way, they can become just as powerful as Odysseus. Penelope’s emotional strength showed here in which she became very hopeful of her husband’s return after his long awaited journey. Overall, Penelope balancing between the anxiety of if or when her husband will return, as well as taking care of her son and the household after the suitors arrive, Penelope shows great leadership in balancing everything and staying resentful towards what is outside of her morals.
Athena
Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, courage, and warfare, has long been a figure of conspiracy and respect in ancient traditions. Her part in Homer’s The Odyssey, especially in Emily Wilson’s retelling, presents her as an unconventional leader, one whose characteristics and conduct defy the morals of her time and reverberate explosively with ultramodern generalities of leadership. This disquisition of Athena’s leadership style in The Odyssey, drawing parallels with Glinda and Dorothy from” The Wizard of Oz,” provides a unique lens through which we can appreciate her part as a deity and a mentor.
In “The Odyssey,” the portrayal of Athena as a guide and mentor to Odysseus and Telemachus offers a rich exploration of leadership dynamics, contrasting sharply with the traditional brute force associated with leaders in Greek mythology. Athena’s approach is nuanced and cerebral, emphasizing empathy, justice, and fairness. Her advocacy for Odysseus not only demonstrates her commitment to these values but also provides a critical examination of leadership dynamics.
Athena’s dialogue in Emily Wilson’s retelling of “The Odyssey” is particularly insightful. She portrays Odysseus as ruling “gently, like a father,” highlighting a compassionate leadership style in stark contrast to his situation as a captive on Calypso’s island. This irony – a just sovereign rendered helpless – underscores the fickle nature of fate and the world’s indifference to kindness and justice.
The narrative also delves into the complexities of power dynamics and gender roles. Athena’s lamentation reflects a world where virtue is undervalued, emphasizing the interplay between power and helplessness, justice and injustice. Her depiction of Odysseus as a “sceptered king” who should be “kind” and “gentle” speaks to societal expectations of a sovereign. Yet, paradoxically, these qualities contribute to his downfall, challenging the values upheld by society and questioning the cosmic order and the role of gods in these narratives.
Moreover, the reversal of traditional gender roles, with Calypso dominating Odysseus, adds another layer to the story. Athena’s advocacy for Odysseus illustrates her as an unconventional leader, deeply compassionate yet critical of the societal and cosmic structures she is part of. Her ability to navigate and challenge these dynamics reflects a sophisticated understanding of power and leadership.
This narrative can be likened to the wisdom of Glinda and the resourcefulness of Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz.” Athena guides Telemachus with empathy and collaboration, focusing on inner growth and collective success rather than personal glory and conquest. This approach contrasts with the traditional narrative of leadership as a solitary, power-driven endeavor, emphasizing empathy, cooperation, and emotional intelligence.
This interweaving of elements from “The Odyssey” and “The Wizard of Oz” offers a fresh perspective on leadership, shifting the focus from Odysseus’s cunning strategies to the inclusive and compassionate leadership style of Dorothy, which Athena embodies. It elevates the often-overlooked characters in “The Odyssey,” portraying them as beacons of adaptability and wisdom.
The imagery of Athena in art, especially in statues, is imposing and authoritative, radiating authority and power with a golden tinge symbolizing divine radiance and prestige. This representation, while majestic, can sometimes oversimplify Athena’s complex character. Her guidance of Odysseus shows her as a shrewd supporter in dark times, a facet that might be overshadowed by a bright and imposing representation.
Athena’s feminine form contrasts with her role as a warrior goddess, reflecting ancient Greek reverence for female deities and the power of femininity. Her ornate attire, including a helmet and the figure of Nike, emphasizes her dual role as a warrior and a deity of wisdom. Her balanced and wise demeanor, ready for battle yet measured in approach, symbolizes a leader who is equally adept at strategy and empathy.
Wilson’s adaptation invites modern readers to reconsider “The Odyssey” not just as a literary epic but as a reflection on leadership, fate, societal norms, and gender dynamics. Athena’s character exemplifies an insightful leader, challenging traditional notions of power and justice and reve
aling the timeless applicability of these themes in human experience.
Athena, in her unconventional leadership role, combines ancient wisdom with modern insight. Her support for Odysseus and Telemachus, her strategic approach to navigating the complex world of gods and mortals, and her empathy and understanding of human struggles all contribute to a multifaceted portrayal of leadership. Athena’s character transcends the limitations of her time, offering lessons in leadership that remain relevant and inspiring today.
In summary, Athena’s part in The Odyssey, particularly as depicted in Emily Wilson’s retelling, offers a rich and multifaceted perspective on leadership that defies conventional morals. Her strategic wisdom, compassionate guidance, and capability to navigate complex societal and cosmic structures establish her as an unconventional and dateless leader. This disquisition of Athena’s character, drawing parallels with the numbers from” The Wizard of Oz,” challenges traditional narratives of power and leadership, inviting readers to review what constitutes true leadership rates. Athena’s approach, which emphasizes understanding, empathy, and strategic thinking over brute force and solitary decision-making, offers precious perceptivity into enduring and effective leadership. Her story transcends the confines of ancient tradition, reverberating with contemporary cults and illuminating the significance of different, inclusive, and emotionally intelligent leadership styles. Athena’s depiction not only deepens our understanding of The Odyssey but also serves as a testament to the enduring applicability and necessity of re-evaluating traditional leadership models in light of ultramodern values and challenges. Her character remains a compelling illustration of how ancient wisdom can inform and inspire contemporary conversations on leadership and power dynamics.
Telemachus
Throughout The Odyssey, many stories of leaders are erased and overlooked. Telemachus, the son of Odysseus and Penelope, represents an unconventional, coming-of-age leader. The Odyssey focuses highly on Odysseus. However, in the interview with Emily Wilson, she describes how she found a new interest when rereading The Odyssey as she got older. She saw a refreshed perspective that showed the importance of Telemachus’s story. He represents the alienated teenager who reclaims his rightful place in his home. The Odyssey depicts Telemachus as a young, helpless child who couldn’t hold power over the suitors. Due to his father’s disappearance, Telemachus was the only person who could step into his father’s role and be the man of the house. However, Telemachus had not earned any power behind his name. Without power, he was unable to expel the suitors.
In Book 1 of The Odyssey by Emily Willson, Athena, the daughter of Zeus and the goddess of wisdom and warfare, meets Telemachus to encourage him on a journey to find his father and retrieve advice on ways to expel the suitors. She disguised herself as Mentes to appear as a friend. After he kindly welcomed her into his home, she gifted Telemachus hope and information about Odysseus’s whereabouts. Telemachus’s show of hospitality is one way he showed leadership. His hospitality displays modesty and kindness, in which you can gain the respect of others. After their first encounter, Telemachus attempted to remove the suitors from his home. He knows he does not have power behind his name and will need to earn that power and pride to expel the suitors from his home. In Book 1, on page 117, after the encouragement of Athena, Telemachus exclaims, “You suitors, are taking this too far…it is an order. You have to leave my halls. Go dine elsewhere!” (Wilson, 368,373-374). Telemachus tries to make a name for himself and show his leadership through courage and bravery. Before his encounter with Athena, his tone seemed helpless and polite to whoever entered his home, even if they overstayed their welcome. Although this encounter did not play out how he wanted, Telemachus dared to confront a large amount of older men to save his mother from those who were taking advantage of her while she was grieving. To make a name for himself, he embarks on a journey to find his father and seek advice on expelling the intruders in his home.
Athena continues to guide him on his journey throughout Book 15. During this point in The Odyssey, Telemachus is in Sparta with Pisistratus, where Athena greets him again, encouraging him to go home to Ithaca. She informs him that the suitors start to win over his mother, Penelope. Athena also warns Telemachus of the suitors, who plan to kill him on his journey home. In Book 15, on page 353, “my property” (Wilson, 90) is used when Telemachus states his need to return home. He has more self-confidence after his travels and has claimed his home as his own. His tone has changed from Book 1, where he seemed fragile and helpless, to a confident, assertive man. In contrast to many leaders shown in The Odyssey, Telemachus displays leadership by being loyal to his values. He continues to value his mother and her well-being no matter his journey and how far he’s gotten. He also displays his value of hospitality as he lets a stranger onto his ship. “Yes, you can join us on board our ship. And what we have is yours; you are our guest” (pg 359, Wilson, 279-281). He was more assertive when welcoming the stranger, compared to the interaction with Athena in Book 1 when he first greeted Athena. Through his travels and adventures, Telemachus proved himself worthy of respect and power. He gained a name for himself through his experiences and confidence. He connected with new strangers, took to the sea, and learned to be assertive. In a way, Telemachus followed in Odysseus’s footsteps by earning a name through his adventures and connections with new people. However, the only difference between Odysseus and Telemachus was their respect for their values. While Telemachus let strangers onto his boat, and at the first thought of his mother being in trouble, he ran home. Odysseus was slaying the Cyclops and disrupting their home with his crew. Although Odysseus was a “hero” or a “leader” in The Odyssey, Telemachus displays a different type of leadership that may be more effective in this modern-day world. Slaying monsters, disrupting homes, and stealing from people aren’t well-respected features in today’s society. Respect for values and others gains trust and respect when earned.
Before Telemachus could return home, he found his father, and they planned an attack once they returned home. In Book 20 of The Odyssey, Telemachus helped his father prepare to kill the suitors before the attack. Telemachus may not be the traditional leader like his father, but he still shows his leadership through his bravery, the support of his father, and his loyalty towards his family. Throughout his life, Telemachus felt alienated in his own home. Many believe Odysseus sailed before the birth of his son. Thus, from a young age, Telemachus has to witness the suitors imposing on his home and trying to court his mother. Before his travels, he felt helpless and unable to save his mother. After, he felt powerful enough to go home and face the suitors who wanted him dead. Through his new revelations, he still kept his values intact. His loyalty and protectiveness for his mother and his generous hospitality remained important to him. His story of growth and coming of age is an influential representation of his leadership and leadership displayed to the readers.
Telemachus did not slay monsters or fight in wars. However, he showed modesty, a priority in his values, and kindness are all ways to gain the respect of others and could be considered his way of leadership. Although his society didn’t respect his type of leadership, his skills and values still showed a different way to lead. Leaders do not need to be the one who is the face of the action or the one giving orders. They can be behind the scenes, displaying support and guidance. Telemachus can be considered an “unconventional” leader due to the way he chooses to execute his leadership. Although many ignore his story, its representation of coming of age and how to be a leader is of the utmost importance to young adults.
Your Voices
Hidden Figures
Hidden Figures: In the 1960s, at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, three African-American women mathematicians made history. Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan were part of a segregated unit and faced racial and gender discrimination, common in that era.
Katherine Johnson was a mathematical genius. She joined the Space Task Group, becoming the first African-American woman on the team. Her work was critical in Project Mercury and the Apollo 11 moon mission. She calculated flight trajectories, including for Alan Shepard, the first American in space. Her expertise in celestial navigation was vital for these missions.
Mary Jackson overcame numerous barriers to become NASA’s first African-American female engineer. Her determination led her to successfully petition for attending classes at a segregated school. Her engineering work focused on aerodynamics, contributing significantly to understanding air flow and airplane behavior.
Dorothy Vaughan, a mathematician and computer programmer, became the first African-American supervisor at Langley. She worked on flight path calculations and was a pioneer in using electronic computers at NASA. She led the West Area Computing Unit for a decade, managing a team of African-American women crucial to the early space missions.
These women’s resilience and talent were extraordinary. They contributed significantly to the U.S. space program and opened doors for future generations in STEM fields. Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan’s legacy is a testament to their determination and their pivotal role during a key period in space exploration.
Conclusion
In conclusion,The Odyssey, particularly as interpreted through Emily Wilson’s restatement, offers profound perceptivity into leadership through the stories of Penelope, Athena, and Telemachus. These characters, frequently overshadowed by the epic’s focus on Odysseus, embody unique and transformative leadership rates that reverberate deeply with the contemporary understanding of effective leadership.
Penelope’s narrative exemplifies adaptability and steadfastness in the face of adversity. Her leadership emerges not from traditional acts of heroism or authority but from her unwavering fidelity and the capability to maintain stability and stopgap during Odysseus’s prolonged absence. Penelope’s story challenges the conventional gender places of her time and redefines leadership as a mix of tolerance, intelligence, and emotional strength. Her character, frequently uncredited, symbolizes a form of quiet yet important leadership that sustains her household and area through turbulent times.
Athena, as portrayed in Wilson’s rendition, transcends the typical definition of a deity. Her involvement in the epic is marked by a mix of wisdom, strategy, and empathy. Unlike the brute force generally associated with mythological numbers, Athena’s leadership style is cerebral and compassionate. She supports Odysseus and Telemachus not just through godly intervention but by instilling in them the values of justice, fairness, and adaptability. Her character, much like Glinda in” The Wizard of Oz,” signifies a paradigm shift in understanding leadership as a cooperative and emotionally intelligent bid rather than a solitary, forceful pursuit.
Telemachus’s trip of tone- discovery, and growth into an able leader offers a compelling narrative of youth coming into power. Originally overshadowed by the heritage of his father, Telemachus, with Athena’s guidance, embarks on a transformative trip. His leadership is characterized by his growing confidence, respect for his values, and his capability to navigate complex situations with wisdom beyond his times. Telemachus’s elaboration from an unresistant bystander to an active party in his own right highlights leadership as a process of particular growth, literacy, and adaption. His story is particularly applicable to youthful grown-ups, illustrating that leadership isn’t solely about bold conduct but also about integrity, particular growth, and respect for one’s values.
These three characters – Penelope, Athena, and Telemachus – collectively enrich the narrative of The Odyssey, offering a multifaceted disquisition of leadership. Their stories emphasize the significance of resilience, wisdom, empathy, and particular growth in effective leadership. By focusing on these frequently- overlooked characters, Wilson’s translation invites a reevaluation of traditional leadership paradigms, pressing the need for different and inclusive perspectives in understanding what constitutes true leadership. Their narratives, transcending the confines of ancient mythology, offer dateless lessons on leadership that continue to be applicable and inspiring in the ultramodern world.
Bibliography
In this bibliography, we explore various sources that delve into the leadership qualities exhibited by characters in Homer’s The Odyssey, particularly Penelope, Athena, and Telemachus. Each character demonstrates unique aspects of leadership, challenging traditional notions and offering insights into diverse leadership styles.
- Emily Wilson’s Translation of The Odyssey: Wilson’s contemporary translation brings a fresh perspective to the epic, highlighting the nuances of each character’s leadership style and their significance in the narrative.
- Comparative Leadership in The Odyssey and The Wizard of Oz”: Draws parallels between the leadership qualities in The Odyssey and those exhibited by characters like Dorothy and Glinda in “The Wizard of Oz,” offering a novel perspective on leadership.
- Interview with Emily Wilson in The New Yorker: This interview provides insights into Wilson’s interpretation of the characters in The Odyssey, emphasizing how their actions reflect different aspects of leadership.
This collection of sources offers a comprehensive view of leadership as depicted in The Odyssey through both classical and modern lenses, enriching our understanding of these timeless characters.