Odysseus as a Rational Hero: His Traits and How He Defeats Polyphemus

Open

Cecilya Guilbault

1/26/2023

English

Odysseus Essay

Subjects

English

Plays

Sophocles, Oedipus Rex

Odysseus as a Rational Hero: His Traits and How He Defeats Polyphemus

The Odyssey showcases Odysseus as an exemplary epic hero through his exceptional rationality and intellectual prowess during his 20-year journey home from the Trojan War.

Key aspects:

Odysseus rational hero characteristics shine through his calculated decision-making in critical situations
His intellect strategies prove vital in overcoming supernatural challenges and outsmarting formidable foes
Strategic thinking and patience demonstrate his leadership qualities, particularly in how Odysseus defeats Polyphemus
Despite his occasional hubris, his positive traits significantly outweigh his flaws
His ability to maintain composure and think clearly under pressure defines his heroic nature

1/26/2023

Cecilya Guilbault
Ms. Sanders
English 1 - 3rd hour
19 December 2019
Guilbault 1
Odysseus, a Good Epic Hero
Imagine having to go on a long jo

Odysseus's Sharp Intellect

Odysseus's intellect is a defining characteristic that sets him apart as a hero. His clever use of language and quick thinking are exemplified in his encounter with Polyphemus.

Example: When asked his name, Odysseus tells the Cyclops that he is called "Nohbdy." This clever wordplay later saves Odysseus and his men when Polyphemus cries for help, claiming that "Nohbdy" has harmed him.

This linguistic trickery demonstrates Odysseus's ability to think on his feet and use his wit as a powerful tool in dangerous situations.

Odysseus's intellectual prowess is further highlighted in his navigation of the treacherous strait between Scylla and Charybdis.

Highlight: By choosing to face Scylla rather than risk his entire ship to Charybdis, Odysseus shows his ability to make difficult decisions based on rational analysis of potential outcomes.

This strategic thinking minimizes losses and ensures the continuation of his journey, showcasing how Odysseus's intellect and strategies contribute to his success as a hero in "The Odyssey."

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The Role of Hubris in Odysseus's Character

While Odysseus's rationality and intellect are central to his heroic nature, his character is not without flaws. His hubris, or excessive pride, occasionally leads him into dangerous situations.

Definition: Hubris - excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading to negative consequences.

After successfully escaping from Polyphemus, Odysseus's pride gets the better of him. Instead of quietly sailing away, he taunts the Cyclops, revealing his true name in the process.

Quote: "O Cyclops! Would you feast on my companions? Puny, am I, in a Caveman's hands? How do you like the beating we gave you, you damned cannibal? Eater of guests under your roof! Zeus and the gods have paid you!"

This act of hubris nearly costs Odysseus his life and ship, as Polyphemus hurls boulders at them and calls upon his father Poseidon to curse Odysseus.

Highlight: Odysseus's hubris serves as a counterpoint to his rationality, adding depth to his character and creating additional challenges for him to overcome.

The inclusion of this flaw makes Odysseus a more relatable and complex hero, illustrating that even the greatest heroes have weaknesses they must contend with. This balance between his exceptional qualities and human flaws is what makes Odysseus such a compelling and enduring character in epic literature.

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Page 3: Intellectual Decision-Making

The narrative focuses on Odysseus's intellectual prowess, particularly in his encounters with mythical creatures and navigation of dangerous situations.

Example: His choice to face Scylla instead of Charybdis demonstrates strategic thinking and calculated risk assessment.

Quote: "All night long was I borne, and at the rising of the sun I came to the cliff of Scylla and to dread Charybdis" $12.426-447$ .

Vocabulary: Hubris - Excessive pride or self-confidence that often leads to downfall in Greek tragedy.

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Subjects

English

Plays

Sophocles, Oedipus Rex

English

•

163

•

Jan 26, 2023

•

4 pages

Odysseus as a Rational Hero: His Traits and How He Defeats Polyphemus

Cecilya Guilbault

@cecilyag132

The Odyssey showcases Odysseus as an exemplary epic hero through his exceptional rationality and intellectual prowess during his 20-year journey home from the Trojan War.

Key aspects:

Odysseus rational hero characteristics shine through his calculated decision-making in critical situations
His ... Show more

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Odysseus's Sharp Intellect

Odysseus's intellect is a defining characteristic that sets him apart as a hero. His clever use of language and quick thinking are exemplified in his encounter with Polyphemus.

Example: When asked his name, Odysseus tells the Cyclops that he is called "Nohbdy." This clever wordplay later saves Odysseus and his men when Polyphemus cries for help, claiming that "Nohbdy" has harmed him.

This linguistic trickery demonstrates Odysseus's ability to think on his feet and use his wit as a powerful tool in dangerous situations.

Odysseus's intellectual prowess is further highlighted in his navigation of the treacherous strait between Scylla and Charybdis.

Highlight: By choosing to face Scylla rather than risk his entire ship to Charybdis, Odysseus shows his ability to make difficult decisions based on rational analysis of potential outcomes.

This strategic thinking minimizes losses and ensures the continuation of his journey, showcasing how Odysseus's intellect and strategies contribute to his success as a hero in "The Odyssey."

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The Role of Hubris in Odysseus's Character

While Odysseus's rationality and intellect are central to his heroic nature, his character is not without flaws. His hubris, or excessive pride, occasionally leads him into dangerous situations.

Definition: Hubris - excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading to negative consequences.

After successfully escaping from Polyphemus, Odysseus's pride gets the better of him. Instead of quietly sailing away, he taunts the Cyclops, revealing his true name in the process.

Quote: "O Cyclops! Would you feast on my companions? Puny, am I, in a Caveman's hands? How do you like the beating we gave you, you damned cannibal? Eater of guests under your roof! Zeus and the gods have paid you!"

This act of hubris nearly costs Odysseus his life and ship, as Polyphemus hurls boulders at them and calls upon his father Poseidon to curse Odysseus.

Highlight: Odysseus's hubris serves as a counterpoint to his rationality, adding depth to his character and creating additional challenges for him to overcome.

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Page 3: Intellectual Decision-Making

The narrative focuses on Odysseus's intellectual prowess, particularly in his encounters with mythical creatures and navigation of dangerous situations.

Example: His choice to face Scylla instead of Charybdis demonstrates strategic thinking and calculated risk assessment.

Quote: "All night long was I borne, and at the rising of the sun I came to the cliff of Scylla and to dread Charybdis" $12.426-447$ .

Vocabulary: Hubris - Excessive pride or self-confidence that often leads to downfall in Greek tragedy.

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Odysseus as a Rational Hero

Odysseus's rationality shines through in his encounter with the Cyclops Polyphemus. When faced with the seemingly insurmountable challenge of escaping the Cyclops' cave, Odysseus devises a clever plan.

Example: Odysseus blinds Polyphemus and then ties his men to the undersides of the Cyclops' rams, allowing them to escape undetected when the flock is let out to graze.

This strategy demonstrates Odysseus's ability to think critically and act decisively under pressure, key traits of a rational hero.

Odysseus's rational approach is further evident in his handling of the suitors upon his return to Ithaca. Rather than rushing in impulsively, he disguises himself and carefully plans their downfall.

Quote: "When the time comes, those gentlemen, to a man, will be dead against giving me bow or quiver. Defy them. Eumaeus, bring the bow and put it in my hands there at the door."

This methodical approach showcases Odysseus's ability to control his emotions and make calculated decisions, even when faced with those who have wronged him and his family.

Highlight: Odysseus's rationality is a key factor in his success as a hero, allowing him to overcome seemingly impossible challenges through careful planning and strategic thinking.

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Odysseus as a Rational Hero: His Traits and How He Defeats Polyphemus

Odysseus's Sharp Intellect

The Role of Hubris in Odysseus's Character

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