Examples Of Polyphemus In Odysseus

Polyphemus the one-eyed monstrosity

Homer’s “The odyssey” is one of the most well-known poems in Greek literature. The poem describes the incredible journey of the Odysseus. Odysseus faces many difficult challenges amongst his journey. One of them which being the Cyclops, or generally known as Polyphemus. Who is a one-eyed monstrosity, who lives companionless residing in a dark hollow cave. Throughout the poem, Homer consistently presents the reader with unsatisfying descriptions of Polyphemus. To develop the character of Polyphemus, Homer use vulgar diction, literal imagery, and similes to reveal the uncivil character of Polyphemus.

Homer’s use of vulgar diction suggests that Polyphmeus is a heartless and brutal being. For example, when Odysseus and his men hide unsuccessfully in the Cyclopes cave. An example of crass diction would be when the author describes the cyclopes, which is stated in this quote “In the next land we found were

Cyclopes, giants, louts, without a law to bless them” (109-110). The use of the word louts could have been replaced by the words “creature” or “living being” but the word alone infers that the character cannot be associated with a civilized back round. Odysseus says “neither reply nor pity came from him but in one stride he clutched at my companions and caught two in his hands like squirming puppies to beat their brains out” (234-235). The author implies that the cyclops did not have “pity” toward Odysseus’s companions which shows how heartless and brutal he is. The author also uses the word clutched which could have been replaced with “attained” or “grasped” but the author wanted to portray the cyclops as a savage or brutal almost like an animal. Consequently, the harsh diction, such as “clutched” and “lout” give a vulgar tone to be able to associate with a civilized being, showing how heartless this character is.

Homer’s use of literal imagery continuously suggests the character’s uncivility.

For example, the quote, “then he dismembered them and made his meal, gapping and crunching like a mountain lion-everything; innards, flesh, and marrow bones” (). The author could have avoided the complete description by just saying they were eaten. But, the author chooses to describe the messy feast the cyclops was having because it shows how viciously the men were eaten. Another example of vivid imagery would be, “He clutched at my companions and caught two in his hand like squirming puppies, to beat their brains out spattering the floor. Then he dismembered them and made his meal” (233-235). This quote describes the “brains out spattering the floor” instead of simply saying he had devoured them. This quote also suggests that he is a cannibalistic monstrosity. A person with the correct mind wouldn’t do such a harm to random visitors. The flamboyant imagery used suggests the brutality of Polyphemus and the uncivil acts he takes

on.
Lastly, the author uses similes to further represent the ignorant character of Polyphemus. While the cyclops was butchering the men, the author states “gaping and crunching like a mountain lion”. The author chooses to compare a mountain lion to Polyphemus because they both are viscous and brutal toward their prey. The reader can better infer the uncivil savage that is the cyclops.
In conclusion, the reader can infer that Polyphemus was a heartless brute due to the author’s use of crass diction, literal imagery, and similes. Even though the cyclops is not as relevant as other characters in Greek mythology because, he does not carry civilized traits. There is still a lesson to be learned from this myth, which is always aspire to be more civilized than Polyphemus.