The Odyssey Polyphemus Character Traits

Throughout Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, the main character, Odysseus, exhibits multiple signs of cunning behavior, which therefore drives the plot and aids in characterization. One instance where Odysseus exemplifies his role as a cunning character is when he tricks Polyphemus in an effort to escape the Cyclops’ cave. He develops a plan in which he and his men blind Polyphemus and use the Cyclops’ sheep as a form of escape. This plan is comprised of a series of steps, including the development of a weapon, intoxicating Polyphemus, gouging out his eye, hiding on his sheep, and ultimately, escaping his cave. In an effort to keep his identity a secret, Odysseus tells Polyphemus that his name is “Nobody.” By doing so, when Polyphemus is stabbed, he is unable to inform his startled neighbors about what is happening to or who is harming him, and can only tell them, “Nobody’s killing me now by fraud and not by force!” (Homer 224.

Polyphemus is trying to explain that somebody, known as Nobody, is hurting him; however, when he tells this to his neighbors, they conclude that literally nobody is hurting him. Odysseus’ cunning actions in telling Polyphemus that his name is Nobody enable him to keep his identity a secret from both, the Cyclops as well as the Cyclops’ neighbors. This event drives the plot because it allows Odysseus and his crew to continue on their journey and introduces a new conflict within the story. When Odysseus, previously known as Nobody, escapes Polyphemus’ cave and is on his ship, he reveals to the Cyclops that his name is actually Odysseus. Polyphemus recognizes the name from a prophecy he was once given, and prays to his father, Poseidon, to curse Odysseus, to have him encounter various hardships on his journey back to Ithaca, arrive there late, and continue having austerity even when he is home. Poseidon hears Polyphemus’ pleads, and as the story progresses, the reader sees that they are