"We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself the means of inspiration and survival" (Winston Churchill)

Odysseus’ suffering can be looked at from multiple views. This theme of suffering brings up many questions in The Odyssey. One may ask if Odysseus’s suffering is justified? Is his suffering in fact a consequence for his actions? Is suffering in fact man made, and man imposes it upon himself? And even more so, could it be something every mortal needs to deal with in his/her life?

One might say Odysseus’ suffering was unnecessary, that it was due to his lack of control in every problem he seemed to face. One such example is when he blinded the Cyclops not only to save himself but also all that remained of his crew; coming to the conclusion that the only way to do so was to blind the Cyclops, Polyphemus, for hopes of returning home.

On the other hand, some may say that his suffering was self-imposed, that Odysseus was not thinking of the consequences that could occur when harming a son of Poseidon. Odysseus did not need to blind the Cyclops. He did so willingly resulting in Poseidon’s anger and his delay home to his loved ones. Another side might also be the fact that Odysseus also taunted the Polyphemus when inside the cave could this have been due to his pride as a warrior?

I believe Odysseus’ suffering was unjustified simply because he did not have control over the matter. Indeed, his options were to do something to stop the Cyclops from killing him, or do nothing and be killed. One can see that Odysseus accepts his suffering as a part of himself growing as leader in attempt to get his crew home from Troy. So as part of his duty he accepts his suffering at Ogygia, his shipwreck by the Phaeacians’ city, and being away from his loved ones. We see his acceptance of suffering at Ogygia when he tells Calypso:

“Nevertheless I long-I pine, all my days-

to travel home and see the dawn of my return.

And if a god will wreck me yet again on the wine-dark sea,

I can bear that too, with a spirit tempered to endure.

Much I have suffered, labored long and hard by now

in the waves and wars. Add this to the total-

bring the trial on!” (5:242-248).

Odysseus speaks in such a manner as to stress the fact he is determined to get home no matter what the might happen, and that suffering is a necessary companion, then so be it.