Challenges in The Odyssey Essay - 742 Words

Challenges in The Odyssey There are many challenges throughout the Odyssey the most significant being his arrogance that Odysseus must overcome in order to reach home. In book 9, beginning with line 113 Odysseus and his men begin a journey in the land of the Kyklops. This set of challenges for Odysseus shows the reader the battle between arrogance and wisdom within Odysseus. The choices that Odysseus makes during this portion of his journey home will help him to realize his arrogance and the downfalls of yielding to it, which he must overcome to regain his kingdom and property from the suitors. When Odysseus first decides to explore the nearby island he makes a wise decision to take only his own ship and company. The reason he†¦show more content†¦Furthermore, Odysseus show his arrogance when he ignores the advice of his men to take the plunder and leave but instead opts to stay and wait for the caveman to return home to test the owners hospitality. Odysseus makes a costly mistake in his decision, a ll of the evidence he sees in the cave points to a savage and uncivil being, but Odysseus, in his arrogance, elects to wait for the cavemans return anyway. A reader could use these instances to support a theory that it is better to quit while youre ahead. Starting in line 273 when the Kyklops sees Odysseus and his men. The one eyed giant is curios at first as to who they are. He begins in line 274 by asking strangers who are you? And where from? Odysseus responds to the questions of the one eyed giant by describing in great detail where they are from and who they are but becomes arrogant in the end of his description by instructing the Kyklops on what is acceptable behavior according to Zeus. Polyphemus, the one-eyed giant, responds by insulting Odysseus by calling him a ninny. This is a sign of arrogance and disrespect because of the brave and heroic things Odysseus did in the Trojan War. By insulting Odysseus and disregarding without thought of the statement made by Odysseus conc erning the care of the Gods courtesy. Polyphemus portrays two characteristics of his personality; bruteShow MoreRelatedThe Characters Of Challenges In The Odyssey By Homer739 Words   |  3 PagesLife has many challenges and obstacles for everyone, heroes or not. The Odyssey by Homer is about a man named Odysseus who goes on a journey to many lands over the course of 20 years. He experiences a variety of challenges but manages to get through them all and reach his overall goal. Odysseus has the same emotions as any other human does, he gets sad, angry, happy, etc. He has a family,and with almost every family, there is drama, but they will always come back togeth and reunite. He has to dealRead MoreOdysseus Hero Essay1043 Words   |  5 Pagesorder to achieve. The book The Odyssey written by Homer reveals a story of a true hero. 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