“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” C.S. Lewis describes humility as the ability to put others before yourself. People with humility and patience are able to learn from others and open their eyes to the world. The Odyssey, by Homer, proves this lesson. Odysseus, a soldier of the Trojan War, lacks the knowledge of humility before his journey. His arrogance leads him to yell to the Cyclops and anger Poseidon, who slows down Odysseus’ journey home. Odysseus gains patience and humility during his journey through the land of the dead and ultimately restores the palace with his new knowledge by controlling his arrogance and concealing his identity. Considering Odysseus’ journey to gain this elixir, will
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Odysseus demonstrates his utmost pride when he shouts to the Cyclops, “‘ Cyclops - / if any man on the face of the earth should ask you / who blinded you, shamed you say so - say Odysseus, / raider of cities, he gouged out your eye, / Laertes’ son who makes his home in Ithaca ’” (9. 558-562). Odysseus has to claim recognition for his actions, rather than swallowing his pride. This dialogue hinders his journey afterwards because he has angered Poseidon, who does everything to prevent Odysseus from getting home. The italicized “he” helps to emphasize that Odysseus carried out the attack. “If any man on the face of the earth should ask you” shows that Odysseus wanted everyone in the world know about his conquest over the Cyclops. Odysseus also goes on in specific detail about what the Cyclops should say if someone asks him about his eye while he could have just said that it was Odysseus. Another example where Odysseus lacks humility is when he takes all of the credit for his crew's actions. Odysseus remarks, “‘ But even from there my courage, / my presence of mind and tactics saved us all ’” (12. 229-230). Odysseus, uses the word “my” frequently to emphasize that he had contributed the most to the success. This word choice also shows that Odysseus doesn’t know how to give credit where it’s due and wants to always be the one who succeeds in the end. “But even from there” displays that Odysseus always makes know all of his accomplishments and must be the ultimate savior and protector. The fact that Odysseus rushes to claim his fame and make his success known in both instances demonstrates his unlimited egoism and
Odysseus demonstrates his utmost pride when he shouts to the Cyclops, “‘ Cyclops - / if any man on the face of the earth should ask you / who blinded you, shamed you say so - say Odysseus, / raider of cities, he gouged out your eye, / Laertes’ son who makes his home in Ithaca ’” (9. 558-562). Odysseus has to claim recognition for his actions, rather than swallowing his pride. This dialogue hinders his journey afterwards because he has angered Poseidon, who does everything to prevent Odysseus from getting home. The italicized “he” helps to emphasize that Odysseus carried out the attack. “If any man on the face of the earth should ask you” shows that Odysseus wanted everyone in the world know about his conquest over the Cyclops. Odysseus also goes on in specific detail about what the Cyclops should say if someone asks him about his eye while he could have just said that it was Odysseus. Another example where Odysseus lacks humility is when he takes all of the credit for his crew's actions. Odysseus remarks, “‘ But even from there my courage, / my presence of mind and tactics saved us all ’” (12. 229-230). Odysseus, uses the word “my” frequently to emphasize that he had contributed the most to the success. This word choice also shows that Odysseus doesn’t know how to give credit where it’s due and wants to always be the one who succeeds in the end. “But even from there” displays that Odysseus always makes know all of his accomplishments and must be the ultimate savior and protector. The fact that Odysseus rushes to claim his fame and make his success known in both instances demonstrates his unlimited egoism and