The Rise And Fall Of Odysseus In Homer's Odyssey

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Odysseus’ arrogance and hubris is the greatest threat that delays his successful homecoming because they cause his actions to become careless. After successfully escaping the cyclops’ island with his clever plan, Odysseus fails to control his arrogance which results in angering Polyphemus and Poseidon, ultimately delaying his return. Even his crew, who begs him to calm down, are unable to control Odysseus as he boasts out to Polyphemus and reveals his identity (9.558-562). By only wanting to receive credit for blinding the cyclops, Odysseus becomes careless which allows Polyphemus to pray to his father, Poseidon, and wish that Odysseus:
‘. . . never reaches home. Or if he’s fated to see his people once again and reach his well-built house and his own native country, let him come home late and come a broken man -- all shipmates lost, alone in a stranger’s ship -- and let him find a world of pain at home!’ (9.584-595)

Odysseus’ hubris causes him to reveal his identity, which makes him an enemy of one of the most powerful gods, Poseidon, who answers his son’s prayer. The expression of Polyphemus’ wishes of revenge is disheartening and depressing; Odysseus will never arrive home complete. Instead, he will return late, a “broken man” who is all “alone,” and whose home will not feel welcoming, …show more content…
When Odysseus arrives at his palace, Athena disguises him as an old beggar and he plan’s to keep his identity a secret so the suitors are unable to recognize him. However, when he fights Irus, another beggar, he almost reveals himself:
The seasoned fighter Odysseus deeply torn now… should he knock him senseless, leave him dead where he dropped or just stretch him out on the ground with a light jab?
As he mulled things over, that way seemed the best: a glancing blow, the suitors would not detect him.
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