Somehow The Odyssey must escape the endless chain of “and then . . .” what do all these episodes add up to? What is Homer (or this poem) telling us about life and how to live? Write in your portfolio —but in a formal/academic voice —as you unpack the meaning of the incidents and details we have read in the poem so far. . . connect details to find a consistent pattern of belief or values (300-500 words).

After fighting in the Trojan war for 10 years, Odysseus forms a war-mentality. This had helped him to survive and outsmart several people during the war. However,  this mentality causes him to be conceited at times and therefore make some foolish choices. Through his journey home, Homer shows Odysseus transitioning from a young, clever trickster to a wise and noble man (This idea of gaining experience and going on an adventure in order to mature and grow is quite a normal concept in greek mythology).

Odysseus’s war mentality is quite evident during his encounter with Polyphemus. After Odysseus and his crew manage to escape,  he taunts Polyphemus. As a result, he throws a rock at their boat. Odysseus’s men plead for him to stop, but his “tough heart was not convinced”.  He tells Polyphemus he is “Odysseus, the city sacker, Laertes son, who lives in Ithaca”. The way he introduces himself to Polyphemus is probably similar to the way he as a soldier would introduce himself to the enemy. Soldiers may introduce themselves to tell others who they are and boast about their achievements. However, it wasn’t wise to do so in this situation. Odysseus was smart and witty to trick the Cyclops, but his arrogance almost killed him and his men. In addition, every time someone asks Odysseus who he is, he lies about his identity when he does not need to. Therefore, it is especially ironic that this encounter with Polyphemus where he is not even asked who he is, he tells the truth.  Odysseus is often called the ‘trickster, which this example clearly proves this title to be true. 

However, further along, Odysseus learns from these experiences and becomes more mature and wise. For instance, in book 12 Circe advises Odysseus to move around Charybdis, the whirlpool, and row as fast as he and his men can from Scylla, hopefully only killing 6 of his men. She says only the ship Argo has managed to escape Sylla and Charybdis with no lives lost. Odysseus is a bit hesitant at first and asks if he can instead try and defeat Scylla.“The goddess answered, ‘No, you fool! Your mind is still obsessed with deeds of war. But now you must surrender to the gods.” He ends up listening, agreeing to give up the glory and ‘honor’ to stay alive and reach home.  A wise choice indeed, Odysseus!