Friday, February 12, 2016

Why does Odysseus keep taunting Polyphemus?

The simple answer is that Odysseus is a prideful guy, so when he out smarts the simple-minded cyclops, he thinks a few insults and taunts are icing on the cake.


The hard answer is as a plot device and a character exposition. Homer needed to establish a character flaw for his hero, as was the tradition in his age; all tragic heroes like Odysseus have a fatal flaw. By showing a sign of weakness in his character, Homer helps the every man associate with Odysseus and his brave crew.


This flaw generates plot as well; after getting blinded, the cyclops was mad, but only after getting taunted by "Noman" did he lash out. The worst was when Odysseus told the cyclops his true identity, knowing full well the cyclops was the son of Poseidon. The cyclops used this to curse Odysseus, preventing his return home, and ultimately causing the lengthy epic as we know it today.

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