Virtue in the Republic and the OdysseyIn Plato's Republic, the ideas of virtue are expressed with regard to the soul. Socrates says that the four main virtues – wisdom, courage, moderation and justice – are found in different parts of the ideal city. Wisdom, courage and moderation are easy to define, but justice is a little trickier. Wisdom is found in the city's guardians, and they need wisdom to have the best judgment on how to protect the city. Courage is found in the auxiliaries, who are essentially infantrymen. They need courage because they are the ones who police and protect the city: they are the ones who participate in the fight. Moderation is found among civilians and the lower classes, as these people must live within their means. Moderation could also imply that there is a balance of wealth in the city, that no one is in poverty and that no one is extremely rich. This idea of ​​balance leads to the last virtue, which is the most difficult for Socrates to define. Justice must be found throughout the city when there is a balance between the other virtues. "A city seemed to be just when each of the three classes of natures present in it minded its own affairs and, again, moderately courageous and wise by reason of certain other affections and habits of these same classes." Socrates continues by assimilating the virtuosity of man to that of a city. “So it is, my friend, that we will claim that the single man, with these same forms in his soul, thanks to the same affections as those of the city, rightly claims the same names.” Say no. to plagiarism. Get Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get Original Essay Ulysses, the main character of Homer's Odyssey, is the quintessential figure of a hero in Greek literature antique. Like all heroes, Odysseus possesses many virtues, but the Homeric idea of ​​virtue is very different from the outline of virtue in Plato's Republic. The only Platonic virtue that Odysseus embodies is courage. He is an intrepid man who does not allow himself to be shaken by the challenges thrown at him. As for the other virtues, Odysseus may be intelligent, but he is not wise, he has no idea what moderation is, and without a balance of the first three virtues he cannot be just. In the Odyssey, Odysseus demonstrates his incredibly unflappable courage. On Cyclops Island, he is unafraid of Cyclops and stabs him in the eye, while insulting Cyclops even more as he walks away shouting his name. It certainly took some cunning to get him and his men out of Cyclops' cave, but it was his poor judgment and reckless decision-making that led his men there in the first place. Announcing his identity as Odysseus was another ill-advised decision, as there was no benefit to doing so except to satisfy his ego. At Circe's house, Odysseus showed no fear and threatened to kill Circe. However, once Circe conquered him, Odysseus showed no moderation and remained for years eating food and wine. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a personalized essay. However, Odysseus has the important traits of loyalty and faith, which are perhaps characteristics overlooked by Plato. His loyalty to his wife and certain people kept his will to return home for so many years, and he gave up many opportunities to start a new life with other women (even though he sometimes.