Odysseus Interactions In The Odyssey

“The Odyssey” by Homer has three chapter devoted to one specific part of the narrative which is that of Odysseus’s interaction with the Phaeacians. Something that is seen from the moment of his arrival on their land is Odysseus’s sly manipulative character. One of the many character descriptions that the author paints of Odysseus is that of a man who would do whatever he can, to have control of the reins and afford himself the best deal. The author has the character express himself as a heroic savior, yet at the same time Homer manages to unveil a completely opposing story that is utterly unrecognizable from the one Odysseus is selling. Perhaps putting so much emphasis on his interaction with the Phaeacians, was to show that without his comrades

His reaction can be analyzed as perhaps him accidently showing his true colors after being so easily baited. His first instinctual reactionary response can be seen in this scene, as rather the remaining calm and serene, his adverse and immediate reaction is to fight. This is the case even though there is no clear reason why any reasonable human would be so deeply affected in that situation. Had he reacted normally he could’ve kept up the ruse of him being some unknown nobody, but perhaps his choice to reveal his true character was also intentional. Maybe having already gone the route of the weak man, he now had an interest in seeing if they would treat him any differently if he chose to all the sudden switch up his role and become someone that should not be messed with. Odysseus’s initial response was so angry and upset as if the man had deeply and personally affected him and what he stood for as a human. The situation could be this way because he may have actually pressed one of Odysseus buttons as Odysseus may have felt that what he was known for especially during the battle of troy was for being the heroic savior. Resultantly, by having someone question his strength, it may have felt as if they were questioning his abilities that made him that war hero. Furthermore, in his head this concept was tied so closely with whom he considered himself to be as a