The epic poem, The Odyssey tells the story of Odysseus, returning after winning the Trojan War. He braves many obstacles and Athena assists him. One of the obstacles he faces are the Cyclopes. Homer uses connotation and imagery, to convey Odysseus’ view on the Cyclopes and their civilization.

Through connotation Odysseus expresses his belief that he is superior to the Cyclopes. In the passage, Homer writes, “…good ships like ours with cheekpaint at the bows/are far beyond the Kyklopês./no shipwright toils among them,/ as men do.” The phrases “like ours” and “as men do” have an arrogant and rude connotation, which creates a tone of self-importance and haughtiness. The phrase “like ours” along with the phrase “are far beyond the Kyklopês”