Smilie, Odysseus and 007. Heroic Ambivalence in Homer and Fleming

Though many scholars have catalogued mythological allusions and mythic elements in the Bond saga, none have examined in detail Homer’s Odysseus as an analogue to Fleming’s hero. Odysseus and Bond possess a number of key heroic characteristics, especially their courage and cunningness, which enable their fantastic successes. Less apparent, however, is their curiosity, which both authors portray more critically. Homer and Fleming agree as to the causes and effects of their heroes’ curiosity, and both show that curious dispositions lead their heroes, as well as their friends, families, and allies, into unnecessarily dangerous circumstances. Moreover, both authors demonstrate how the ambivalent nature of such heroism adversely affects heroes’ marriages. Examining Bond alongside Homer’s hero grants readers additional insights into 007’s heroism, including its concomitant flaws, and a consequence of such an analysis is to recognise a greater depth to Fleming’s understanding and portrayal of heroism than is typically afforded him.