What is a heroic flaw? What is Odysseus’ “Achilles heel”?
Just explain what his Odysseus' flaws are.
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What is a heroic flaw? What is Odysseus’ “Achilles heel”?
Though he is usually a smart, decisive leader, Odysseus is prone to errors, and his deepest flaw is falling prey to temptation. His biggest mistakes come in the episode with Polyphemos as he first foolishly investigates the Kyklops' lair (and ends up getting trapped there), and then cannot resist shouting his name to Polyphemos after escaping (thus incurring Poseidon's wrath). If Odysseus' character changes over the course of The Odyssey, though, it pivots around temptation.
Source(s): http://www.gradesaver.com/the-odyssey/study-guide/major-themes/
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