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Examples Of Odysseus Cleverness

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In Book 9, Odysseus demonstrates that cleverness is one of his strengths, but also that arrogance, or hubris, is a major weakness for him. For example, Odysseus demonstrates his cleverness on the cyclops island of Polyphemus. When he arrives on the island and Polyphemus asks for his name, Odysseus says that his name is “Nobody,” which confuses Polyphemus. After Odysseus blinds him, he yells “Nobody’s killing me” (224). His cyclop friends are also confused and think he is ridiculous. In addition, he is also wise when he decides to not kill Polyphemus in his sleep. Odysseus knows that if he kills Polyphemus, he and his men will be trapped forever in the cave because of the giant boulder blocking the entrance. Only Polyphemus can move the boulder.

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