Prior Book VII- never mentioned Odysseus/ only showcased life risking hardships.
Not really portrayed as a Homeric hero, except for bravery.
Book VII is also a “bridge” in forming Odysseus as a Homeric hero.
Before- he constantly needs to be saved for life
After- He now holds more responsibility for staying alive, now that he has a template to work on
“Odysseus's personality and reputation at best are poised, as it were, on a narrow edge between Aristotelian faults of excess and deficiency. Poised between rashness and timorousness, he is prudently brave; and at his best, wise,” (Stanford 1)
