Hubris is excessive pride with a lofty self-respect totally apart from reality; it distorts a person's view of the world, much like a funhouse mirror. Hubris is a characteristic of the protagonist, Odysseus, in the epic poem, The Odyssey, by the blind poet Homer. The hero Odysseus is a dynamic character who, blinded by hubris, changes his perspective on life according to the positive and negative experiences he endures and overcomes during his adventure. He faces many challenges on his long journey that lead to his becoming the true epic hero which his pride makes him believe he is in the first place. From eluding a massive Cyclops, to floating all alone in the middle of the ocean o ...view middle of the document...
They row far away from the shore so as not to hear the music through the wax in their ears at all. Odysseus screams and shouts to row closer so he can hear their music better. The crew refuses and says it's for Odysseus' and their safety. Odysseus is angered and curses the crew. When they take Odysseus down from the mast, he blames their not going closer to land on the gods who become even angrier with his behavior. In this situation when things don't go his way, Odysseus places responsibility with the gods. Yet in experiences that go his way, such as the escape from the Cyclops, he acts like he is solely responsible. In one of his last challenges, Odysseus is held against his will on Calypso's island for many years. He spends this time with Calypso and her female servants. There are no monsters to conquer, no battles to fight; there are no opportunities for Odysseus to boast or to play the role of hero. The messenger god, Hermes, tells Calypso that Zeus demands that Odysseus be released. Following an argument Calypso finally gives in, and she provides Odysseus with a boat and supplies. Then he is on his way home. After staying for seven ye...
