Despite its secure direction and innocuous speed, Jack’s life spins out of control, his mind barely gripping reality. Unable to contain his disgust, Jack, a mild mannered insurance consultant, disassociates himself from his life forming an independent personality, Tyler Durden. Jack first encounters Tyler as a depiction of a Neanderthal like male stereotype, engaged in manual labor, “naked and sweaty, gritty with sand, his hair wet and stringy, hanging in his face” (Palahniuk 32). Exercising superior mental and physical prowess, Tyler is an imitation of Odysseus and a foil for Jack, becoming an inspiration for men. He is a charismatic leader, commanding his followers upon the stage

Confronting a goal of physical and mental perfection with unattainable expectations upon their backs, many succumb to the steady pressure and fall down the social ladder. Perfection as the standard, Ancient Greek society demanded the concept of “arête” or excellence from every free male in Ancient Greece. Men competed constantly, desiring supremacy in both physical and mental capacities. The meaning of arête signified the union of nobility of action and nobility of mind sanctioned in the presence of honor (Homer’s Greece). Utilized as an educational fable since its conception, “The Odyssey” promulgates arête by Odysseus’ example of mortal excellence. As the epitome of male perfection, Odysseus was a noble possessing incredible strength and cunning intelligence, sustaining dominance with both mind and body. According to Thomas R. Martin, author of “An Overview of Classical Greek History from Homer to Alexander”, the best of the Greeks was a doer of deeds and a speaker of words without an equal. As a mortal, Odysseus is a role model, meeting all expectations offered by Greek society. With an authoritative voice and an exertion of violence, the King he rules his environment, Ithaca and as a warrior masters the Trojan War. Odysseus readily defeats his opponents and conquers women, his wife waiting twenty years for his return as he engages in extramarital affairs to satisfy sexual desires. After a bloody twenty year journey home from the war, Odysseus returns, defeating the resident foes of Ithaca, reinstating honor to his kingdom and love in his life. His character applauded and imitated, Odysseus realizes the alpha male stereotype. Continuing the 2,500 year old traditi

Some topics in this essay:
Submerged Western, Ancient Greece, Project Mayhem, War Odysseus, Ancient Greek, , Durden Jack, Palahniuk Perrin, Odysseus Tyler’s, Durden Despite, male stereotype, male role, ancient greece, role model, alpha male stereotype, blooded male”, imitation odysseus, true identity, ancient ideals, “the odyssey”, “red blooded male”, western culture,