Book IX of Homer’s Odyssey
Prediction
Book 9 will be the
Epic Heroes are
intellectually strong
challenges and
temptations stage in
(Homer IX. 272-274)
Odysseus’ hero’s
journey. Along the way
he will face many
(Homer IX. 337-340)
‘Nohbdy,
Nohbdy’s tricked
monsters and lose many
me, Nohbdy’s
men. Odysseus’ will
outwit the Cyclopes.
(Homer IX. 317)
ruined me!’
Response
Odysseus cleverly escapes the threat and terror of the Cyclopes in
Book 9. Though his intellectual strength is apparent, he does
always choose logic over pride. He outwits Polyphemous, but his
hubris endangers his men many times.
Effect on POV
As I began reading Book IX, I expected Odysseus to prove himself
to be a great epic hero and leader of his men. While reading, though,
I found that sometimes Odysseus’ tragic flaw hinders his ability to
fulfill the role of an epic hero.