Odysseus Use Of Strategy In Homer's Odyssey

In The Odyssey, Odysseus’s journey is driven by his use of strategy to both his benefit as well as his detriment. The two largest times when Odysseus spoils his strategy also end up being the two times when he is under the most pressure, in Book 10 when the crew almost return home and in Book 9 when Odysseus shouts his name to the Cyclops.

One example of Odysseus using his strategy on his one of his journeys is in Book 10, when Odysseus’ crew lands on the island of Aiolos. There, the inhabitants of that island give him a bag of winds, and send him on his way. This was possibly the best gift that Odysseus could have received at the time, because it basically guaranteed his successful homecoming. Meaning to keep his crew informed on only what he thought that they would need to know, he doesn’t tell them about the bag of winds

Odysseus not telling his crew about the bag or what it contains is Odysseus flexing his muscles, proving to himself that he’s the only one worthy of knowing what’s inside the bag because he believes he is the smartest in the crew. He sails for nine straight days, and is so close to home that the crew can see the shore of Ithaka. Odysseus goes to take a nap and falls asleep and the crew becomes suspicious of the bag, believing Odysseus was storing riches inside that he didn’t want to share. “Temptation had its way with my companions, and they untied the bag” (10. 50-52).The crew sends Odysseus and his dream of reuniting with his family thousands of miles away. I find this instance to be a little strange, because if one were to think about it, they would come to the conclusion that Odysseus had nothing to lose if he were to inform his shipmates about the bag. After his strategy fails and he realizes the great