Internal Conflict In The Odyssey

All heros have positive and negative characteristics that are shown through their reactions to a problem. The conflicts can either be internal or external, but both ways can represent who they are just by evaluating the actions they take. In “The Odyssey,” by Homer, Odysseus encounters many quarrels, some with himself others with people, as he embarks on his adventure back home. During his expedition Odysseus meets a variety of monsters and gods, some of which are helpful while the others create obstacles. Throughout his journey he dauntlessly battles the Cyclops, pushes him and his men through the tempting Lotus-Eaters, and strategically kept his mouth shut as they confronted the Scylla and Charybdis. The many conflicts Odysseus encounters, whether internal or external, help unveil a variety of personality traits by showing how he deals …show more content…
This Cyclops is not very hospitable, and is the son of Poseidon, he captures Odysseus and his men causing them to have to be quick-witted. In the text it states, “My name is Nohbdy…” (line 360, page 926). Homer creates this scene to show how smart, and resourceful, Odysseus is. As Polyphemus asks the man of him instead of actually stating what it is he says “Nobody” is his name. That way when Polyphemus calls out for help everyone will think he is insane. However, Polyphemus didn’t just cause external problems for Odysseus he caused internal ones as well. The passage says, “We cried aloud, lifting our hands to Zeus, powerless, looking on at this, appalled…” (line 284-285, pg. 924). The reason Homer wrote this part is so that it shows how Odysseus isn’t perfect. He is afraid for him and his men. Odysseus is face to face with a man eating Cyclops, and doesn’t know what to do, he is attempting to stay strong and keep his sanity. The event in which Odysseus encountered Polyphemus help reveal certain traits of him when showing how he deals with the