Polyphemus's Use Of Cleverness In The Odyssey

People are only able to find success when they adhere to their values. This is shown in The Odyssey when Odysseus uses his value for cleverness to escape Polyphemus. When Polyphemus asks what Odysseus’ name is he tells him it is Nobody. Later, when Odysseus and his crew attack the Polyphemus he shouts so loud that other Cyclops come over and ask what or who is ailing him. Polyphemus responds, “Nobody’s killing me now by fraud and not force” (5.455). This allowed Odysseus and his crew to avoid detection from the other Cyclops and escape. It also directly outlines how Odysseus is using “fraud and not force,” or deceptiveness and cleverness instead of brute strength. Odysseus’ use of cleverness and intellect led to him and his crew surviving.

Romeo’s values are also reinforced in Romeo and Juliet when Romeo visits Juliet’s balcony. Romeo makes the risky decision to go to Juliet out of love. Juliet warns him, “If [a Capulet] sees [him], they will murder [him]” (2.2.75). This shows how impulsive and foolish his decision was to go to Juliet. However, he is rewarded because before he leaves Juliet asks him if, “Thy purpose marriage?” (2.2.151). Romeo’s value for love motivates him to make a rash decision. Even though it was not a level-headed decision Romeo was rewarded with love, the value and reason he made the decision. This encourages Romeo to make more similar decisions out of love, which is shown through his suicide. It is human nature to try to keep doing what leads to success, therefore encouraging the values that are used to achieve these successes. Humans keep doing what helps them succeed, therefore enforcing the values they already