How Is Odysseus Flawed

Even heroes are flawed. Not every human being is perfect, and Odysseus is not an exception. Odysseus is a man who has experienced many things usual humans do not experience in their whole lifetime. He has fought a war, had troubles with suitors, and been kept captive by goddesses. Odysseus is cunning and almost always knows what to do during a difficult situation. He is a stubborn and short-tempered man, and these traits show when the suitors insult him. His irresponsibility causes him to do some incoherent things. Odysseus’ cunning allows him to use his surroundings to his benefit. Odysseus shows his cunning when he has to get out of Polyphemus’ cave by making a spear: “And they made the club smooth as I bent and shaved / the tip to a stabbing point” (9.365-366). By making this weapon, he can blind the Polyphemus and escape without dying by climbing under a ram: “And with that threat he let my ram go free outside” (9.515). This trick helps most of his crew and him live on and sail away. Odysseus’ trick also helps him when he is stuck with two choices: go to Scylla’s side and lose only six men or go to Charybdis’ side and lose all of his men. He chooses wisely and decides to go to Scylla’s side. Odysseus’ cunning saves

His stubbornness also contributes to his hot-temperedness. As Odysseus and his crew leave Polyphemus, Odysseus’ pride prompts him to yell out his name and address: “Cyclops…Say Odysseus, / raider of cities, he gouged out your eye, / Laertes’ son who makes his home in Ithaca!” (9.558-562). This arrogance causes him to be cursed by Polyphemus, and Odysseus has complications on his journey back. When Odysseus comes across Arnaeus, the response he gives shows his pride: “‘I’ll bloody your lip, splatter your chest / and buy myself some peace and quiet for tomorrow’” (18.26-27). His quick remark shows his temper when it comes