Character Analysis: The Odyssey

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Karina Singh Mrs. Mylonas English 9 7 December 2015 Born a hero The Odyssey portrays Odysseus as a man that showed many bold traits. Written by Homer in 800 B.C.E. Set in greek mythological times The Odyssey showcases a series of islands and kingdoms. The Odyssey visualized in Greek mythology shows many heroes, Gods, and enemies. Odysseus’ many eccentric traits had a great contribution to his journey in The Odyssey. Cleverness, pride, and strength shapes Odysseus and is in place as the backbone of the story. Odysseus reveals many clever acts throughout his journey in The Odyssey. One of Odysseus’ most notable acts of cleverness was when facing Polyphemus, a giant man eating Kyklops. Odysseus shows cleverness in this by stating he is ‘Nohbody’. When Polyphemus tries to reciprocate the name of the person that is hurting him to the other kyklops he says ‘Nohbody’s killing me. Polyphemus asks Odysseus his name and he says ‘Nohbody is my name. My father and mother call me Nohbody, as do all the others who are my companions’ (Homer 9.366-367). Odysseus was trapped in the cave of Polyphemus, but was able to prevail by gouging his eye and getting …show more content…

Odysseus’ pride could sometimes be blended with boastfulness, or arrogance. Odysseus insists on listening to the sirens for no reason at all he is arrogant enough to want to try to do this. “My faithful company rested on their oars now, peeling off the wax that I had laid thick on their ears: then set me free” (Homer 12.216). Odysseus shows arrogancy thinking he’ll be able to do this act. Odysseus’ pride, which some refer to as arrogancy creates many obstacles in his journey. Odysseus shouts his name back to the kyklops so he will know eho blinded him. Polyphemus asks Odysseus his name and he replies “Nohbody” (Homer 9.157). Odysseus is so boastful after this he decides to announce his name and ends up in a mess. Odysseus’ pride set him up into many trickey

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