Man is the measure of all things."
             What is the nature of humanity? This is one question that will never be definitively answered. How can one make that assessment? For thousands of years, one of the 'big questions' has always been related to the "nature of the beast". Part of what makes a "classic" is dealing with issues that transcend time and space. Two such works are Homer's Odyssey and Sophocles' Oedipus Rex. While both of these works could deal with a myriad of themes and motifs, both works deal, whether directly or indirectly, with human nature. It becomes evident, upon careful study, that Homer's view of the nature of mankind is much more optimistic than that of Sophocles. A closer look at evidence from each protagonist and how they respond to their environments can serve to illustrate these differences more lucidly.
             The epic poem the Odyssey serves to amplify both human experience and potential. Most people will never do anything remotely similar to the sojourn that Odysseus embarked on. However, the important element here is potential. Take a look, for instance, at the first time the audience sees Odysseus. Odysseus is lying on a beach, weeping. He crawls ashore, seeking cover in the "dark forest's undergrowth". Now Odysseus is lying naked in a pile of leaves out in 'the-gods-know-where' island. Homer's use of a simile tells us of the nascent potential that is left in Odysseus at his worst hour: "A man in a distant field, no hearthfires near, will hide a fresh brand in his bed of embers to keep a spark alive for the next day; so in the leaves Odysseus hid himself..." (5.512). Notice the phrase "keep a spark alive". Think about how the simile. A single spark, the tiniest ember, has the potential to start a massive forest fire. Just the same, Odysseus, at his worst hour, still maintained
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