The Odyssey of Homer

The Odyssey Questions

Join the discussion about The Odyssey by asking a new question or answering an existing question.

What is a heroic flaw? What is Odysseus’ “Achilles heel”?

 

tanner p #229113
Feb 07, 2012 12:41 PM

Report abuse

What is a heroic flaw? What is Odysseus’ “Achilles heel”?

Just explain what his Odysseus' flaws are.

Answer this question

 

Aslan
Feb 07, 2012 12:47 PM

Report abuse

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/

 

Join for free to answer this question.

Existing Users

New Users

Must contain six characters and at least one digit.

The Odyssey Essays and Related Content