Smarts Over Strength in Homer´s Odyssey - 605 Words

In High school being physically strong is important. Your chances of being bullied will be minimized , and you will be successful in athletics. However, this with no sense is the case With Homers’ book the Odyssey ; when applied to reasons for Odysseus’ success . In fact, throughout the Odyssey one can notice that Odysseus succeeded because of his unmatched guile; Not by strength, which is something that we know he is not lacking. He shows that cunning is more important for his success when facing the problem of the suitors ravaging his home, when he defeats the Cyclops Polyphemus, and when he has to make shrewd decisions. To begin with, Odysseus is able to defeat Polyphemus by his cunning. Odysseus’ men are eaten alive by Polyphemus. Odysseus wants to attack Polyphemus right there and then, but he is able to think ahead and know that only the Cyclops can move the prodigious boulder. In doing so, Odysseus is able to control his rage and come up with a new scheme that will lead to their success. Next, Odysseus put his plan into play, and when asked by Polyphemus what his name is Odysseus replies by saying â€Å"Nobody†. This shows that cunning is important to Odysseus success. As he is again able to think ahead, and know that when Polyphemus calls for help he will be saying Nobody is killing him. Thus taking away the threat of the other Cyclops coming to Polyphemus’ aid, and allowing Odysseus to succeed. Odysseus cunning also shows when he tells his men to cling onto the sheep asShow MoreRelatedEric Moore. Mr. Howell. World Literature Final Draft .1742 Words   |  7 PagesSymbolis m in The Odyssey In each story, the themes and symbols in them can bring a diverse look on the way the story is interpreted and told. The Odyssey was written by the poet Homer dating all the back to the 8th century. In the Greek epic poem, Homer tells the story of the main character Odysseus’ journey home from the Trojan War. Many themes relating to the human condition are prevalent in the various adventures faced by Odysseus, his men, and his family over the ten year journey. Homer uses symbolismRead MoreThe s The Odyssey, Lysistrata, And Clytemnestra1530 Words   |  7 PagesIn the time of Ancient Greece, Greek women were restricted to living within the society s norms fulfilling mostly guided roles like housework. While some works of the time presented women as mere housewives, others often put them in the position of political leaders, heroines, and murderers. The women that receive major roles in the stories such as Penelope in Homer s The Odyssey, Lysistrata in Aristophanes Lysistr ata, and Clytemnestra in Aeschylus Agamemnon are major characters with importantRead MoreAnalysis Of The Odyssey 3033 Words   |  13 Pages Vivian Tse Brother Pearce FDCA 206 5 November 2014 The Odyssey The Odyssey is one of the earliest epics that exists but is still a highly revered and relevant piece of literature in modern culture. This classic survives because the entire tale of Odysseus’ adventure is symbolic of our human lives and experiences—it is life mythologized. Not only does The Odyssey highlight the heroic and triumphant side of the characters, but it also emphasizes the struggle between heroes’ ethos and their human failingsRead MoreThe Odyssey Major Work Data Sheet4410 Words   |  18 PagesTitle/Author: The OdysseyBy: HomerDate of Publication/Genre: unknown; epic poem | Biographical information about the author: Next to nothing is known about Homer. He probably lived in the late eighth and early seventh centuries. He was blind and he also composed Iliad. | Historical information on the period of publication: The time was very influential to the story. During this time, all stories were passed on by word of mouth. People who were gifted with a silver tongue were held in high regard