The relationship between Odysseus and the Cyclops is explicitly described . Odysseus and his men cross to the territory of the Cyclopes. The Cyclopes is a race of coarse giants considered as extremely hostile. Upon reaching the realm of the Cyclopes, Odysseus’ men urge him to take the sheep and milk, but he reluctantly refuses to heed to their plea. While in the Cyclopes’ cave, Cyclops Polyphemus, the inhabitant of the cave returns (Hopman and Marianne 7-19). This encounter between them, which was friendly, turned to the unexpected by Odysseus to what they eventually realized was detention by their host.
It was least of Odysseus fancy that his men could be turned into a meal. Unbelievably, after demonstrating hospitality for a while, Polyphemus reveals his aggressive part and consumes two of Odysseus’ men. This incident angers Odysseus as he is imprisoned together with his men. Odysseus executes an escape plan by getting Polyphemus sponge using the wine he had brought from the ship. Upon getting drunk, Odysseus engages Polyphemus in a conversation whereby Polyphemus wishes to know the identity of Odysseus. Odysseus answers that his name is “Nobody” (Isaakyan and Irina 11-17 ).
After intoxication with alcohol, it was the opportunity to take revenge. Odysseus and his men resolved into blinding their host using a hot piece of wood. Which they drove in his eye. His scream for liberation from neighbors never helped. At last, Odysseus and his crew break out in the morning and board their ships with the herd of sheep they stole,
Though, the relationship between Odysseus and Polyphemus was cordial at first, unfortunately, the host became hostile to the guest. This resulted to a horrible occurrence, where Polyphemus becomes blind in the process (Isaakyan and Irina 11-17 ). Finally, Odysseus had the last laugh back home with the herd of sheep, the only way to avenge his two men consumed earlier.
Work Cited
Hopman, Marianne. “NARRATIVE AND RHETORIC IN ODYSSEUS’ TALES TO THE PHAEACIANS.” American Journal of Philology 133.1 (2012): 1-30. ProQuest. Web. 21 Sep. 2013.
Isaakyan, Irina L. “Cyclops Cave.” Symbolic Interaction 32.3 (2009): 207-35. ProQuest. Web. 21 Sep. 2013.