Pitfalls Of Temptation In The Odyssey

Temptation Traps Like A Cage

Pitfalls are more than just holes in the ground for trapping bears. In fact, getting caught in any risky or dangerous situation is a pitfall. Temptation can often be considered a one-way ticket to dangerous situations, even when the tempted least expect it. The tempted often feel inclined to take certain actions to fulfill their wants or needs, even if their reasoning is telling them it could put them in danger. This forms the very foundation of the idea of the pitfalls of temptation. The theme “pitfalls of temptation” are demonstrated in The Odyssey by Homer as well as in real life. And, no, this paper is not about how to make bear traps.

First, the “pitfalls of temptation” are demonstrated several times in the Odyssey. One example of this is when Odysseus’ men

Odysseus decides to pray to the gods to end their hunger, but to no avail. A character named Eurylochus then suggests that the men eat the cattle, explaining that they should not listen to Odysseus because, in his opinion famine is the worst form of death. “‘Comrades,’ he said, ‘You’ve gone through everything: listen to what I have to say. All deaths are hateful to us, mortal wretches, but famine is the most pitiful, the worst end that man can come to’” (863-867). After this, the men agree with their fellow shipmate. They eat the cattle while Odysseus is sleeping. Lord Helios finds out and tells Zeus. The men don't realize the consequences of their actions, and Zeus shocks their ship with his thunderbolt, nearly destroying the entire ship. Another example of “the pitfalls of temptation” is when birdlike-creatures try to lure Odysseus’ men away from their boat. Odysseus warns his men that the creatures are coming, but they do not know when they will come. When the creatures approach Odysseus and his men, they start to lure them