Temptation And Pride In The Odyssey

Have you ever felt tempted to cheat on your homework or on a test? Have you been prideful of what your status or accomplishments? In Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, the brave hero Odysseus encountered these obstacles of temptations and pride that people today still face. Therefore, temptation and pride were Odysseus’ greatest enemy throughout his journey back to Ithaca, as they distracted him on his voyage, prevented him from getting home, and displeased the gods. Odysseus and his crew members longed to return home, however this desire was in conflict with the many temptations that they faced. These are similar to the temptations that people today face. For example, on the island of the Lotus Eaters, Odysseus and his men were offered the Lotus

For example, after Odysseus pokes out the eye of Polyphemus he is filled with much pride. As he is sailing away, he shouts to Polyphemus saying, “Cyclops, if ever mortal man inquire how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him Odysseus, raider of cities, took your son: Laertes son, whose home’s on Ithaca!” (9. 548-552). By revealing his name to Polyphemus, he will have to death with the wrath of Poseidon, Polyphemus’ father. This could have all been prevented, if Odysseus would have just kept his mouth shut. Pride can often come with a cost, as it did for Odysseus. In addition, Odysseus didn’t tell his crew what was in the bag that he received from Aeolios, the god of the winds. “He brought along so many presents, plunder out of Troy, that’s it… I say we ought to crack that bag, there is gold and silver, plenty, in that bag!” (10. 45-50). This resulted in them opening the bag, as they thought it is some sort of treasure. This shows Odysseus’ great pride, because if he would have just told his crew what was in the bag, they wouldn’t have opened it. Lastly, pride was not only a great obstacle that characters in The Odyssey faced, but it is also an obstacle that people today have to deal with. For example, people can feel prideful about their accomplishments, status, and belongings. Pride can consume people, making them believe that they are the focus. People today experience pride in their life, just has Odysseus had