Odysseus Failure Of Pride In Homer's The Odyssey

In achieving a set goal one may be overcome by pride, feeling as if they are superior. The self assurance of finally completing something boosts ones self righteousness. Homer presents this in The Odyssey, as the protagonist, Odysseus, becomes overwhelmed with pride on several occasions. His actions are ultimately the cause for the loss of his crew and his prolonged absence from Penelope. Odysseus displays hubris, which is excessive pride and self-confidence, upon landing on the island of the Cicones, his encounter with the Cyclops, and the way in which he looks down on his crew. When one enters a difficult situation they often focus on how to overcome it with as little damage done as possible. In Odysseus’ predicament with the Cyclops Polyphemus, he uses his intellect and cunning skills to get him and his crew to safety. After being trapped in Polyphemus’ cave and watching his men get eaten, Odysseus created a plan to trick

He got him drunk and when he fell asleep his men gouged a sharpened beam into Polyphemus’ eye. Due to Polyphemus being blind, Odysseus and his men escaped by hiding under the Cyclops rams. When they reached by the ships Odysseus was bubbling at the thought of his successes. He was able to deceive a giant Cyclops with the power of his intelligence. He continued to taunt Polyphemus and throw insults at him, eventually shouting out his identity, “if ever mortal man inquire/ how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him/ Odysseus, raider of cities, took your eye” (9.549-51). Odysseus continued to mock Polyphemus as he loaded the Cyclops rams onto the ships. Polyphemus became angry and revealed that Poseidon, the god of the sea, is his father and will prevent them from ever getting back home. Because Odysseus wanted to add insult to injury, he