Homework help!

"A gull patrolling the wave crests of the desolate sea will dip to catch a fish, and douse his wings, no higher about the whitecaps Hermes flew." What does this epic simile tell us about Hermes?


"The strong god glittering left her as he spoke, and now her ladyship, having given heed to Zeus's mandate, went to find Odysseus in his stone sea to seaward --- tear on tear brimming in his eyes. The sweet days of his life time were running out in anguish over his exile, for long ago the nymph had cease to please. Though he fought shy of her and her desire, he lay with her each night, for she compelled him. But when day came he sat on the rocky shore and broke his own heart groaning, with eyes wet scanning the bare horizon of the sea"
what does this line tell us about Odysseus' qualities.