Recklessness in the Odyssey Essay

August 18, 2017 General Studies

Odysseus’ overdeveloped pride and haughtiness led him to move recklessly in Book Nine of the Odyssey. This caused unfortunate scenarios for both Odysseus and his work forces.

Odysseus had a batch of pride. This is shown when he states that he is “known to the world” and that his celebrity “has reached the skies” – book 9 line 21-22This is the pride that he has of his name. which leads to his questionable judgement. He regarded as a great hero and that makes him believe that his determinations can non be incorrect. It is really interesting that in the Grecian civilization where repute is so important. it is the really thing that leads to his damaging behaviour.

Odysseus shows foolhardiness throughout the novel. Alternatively of go oning his journey. Odysseus wanted to research the mainland. the Land of the Cyclops. Once he arrived at the cave. Odysseus wants to derive cordial reception of the proprietor. His questionable judgement lies here. He does non cognize if the. dwellers are civilized or caring. however. he makes an uniformed. hazardous determination. He even expresses this: “what are they – violent barbarian. lawless? or friendly to aliens. god-fearing work forces? ” book 9 lines 195-196Later on. after Odysseus smartly defeated the Cyclops. which obviously put him in an even higher province of pride. He taunted Polyphemus long after he had been absolutely defeated.

Then he went on to uncover his true individuality to the CyclopsHe suffered the atrocious effects of his unprompted determinations and actions. Several of his work forces died awful deceases. Their limbs were lacerate and so they were eaten by a monster. When he instigates the blinded giant. he about ends the lives of his full crew because the Cyclops hurls a bowlder at the boat. Even though it misses. the wake of its splash about pushed them into Polyphemus’ range. Once Polyphemus knew that it was the great Odysseus who had blinded him. he prayed to his powerful male parent Poseidon for retaliation. This is how Homer points out to us that we should non move on impulse.

Bibliography:

The Odyssey by Homer