How Is Odysseus Arrogant

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After reading The Odyssey, two main traits that can be used to describe the central character, Odysseus, are clever and arrogant. Throughout the poem, Odysseus continually demonstrates his cleverness in his ability to outsmart his adversaries during his adventures at sea. A perfect example to support this would be when he encounters the Cyclops Polyphemus. Odysseus is keenly aware how well he succeeds at being clever which has lead him to become quite arrogant. He believes because his cleverness has helped him escape life threatening situations that have saved his life and those of his men, that he is invincible which makes him arrogant. He shows his arrogance during his encounter with the sirens and also when he returns home to a line of suitors vying for his wife.
During Odysseus’s interaction with the Cyclops but more specifically with the Cyclops Polyphemus, he demonstrates many instances where he uses cleverness to outsmart his opponent while being held captive in a cave. Odysseus tries to explain to the Polyphemus that they are lost and need help. He reminds Polyphemus of the Greek tradition of the guest-host relationship and that Zeus will repay the unoffending host. Polyphemus replies with anger and force, stating that he doesn't care for the gods and states that …show more content…

Odysseus exclaims that he is going to kill all of the suitors in his palace that have bid for his wife. The suitor, Eurymachus speaks up and offers Odysseus restitution of all the wine and meat they have eaten, twenty oxen for each suitor and gifts of bronze and silver. The arrogant Odysseus replies
Not for the whole treasure of your fathers,
all you enjoy, lands, flocks, or any gold
put up by others, would I hold my hand.
There will be killing till the score is paid.

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