The Role Of Deception In Homer's Odyssey

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Emily Adams
Mr. Campbell
Honors English 1­2
21 April 2015
Deception in The Odyssey
Through history, humans and animals have been using sneaky methods to get what they want, and several tactics in order to survive, some in which are deception. Lying is an extremely common and strategic approach, but also manipulation, a tactic Odysseus was extremely fond of.
Odysseus had used different angles when trying to achieve his desired outcome, whether or not the result had any effect on Odysseus himself, or his friends. The hero notoriety of doing whatever it takes to reach his objective, no matter the obstacles. He was not hesitant giving false information when in difficult situations, and has a reputation of being witty. The proficient hero
In the the epic poem,
The Odyssey
, tactics that involve dishonesty have value if used to get the outcome planned for.
Odysseus is naturally very good with his words, and never hesitates to think about what he is about to say. '"But tell me, so I may know: where did you put your well­made ship when you came? Nearby or far off?" 'So he spoke, trying me out, but I knew too much and was not deceived, but answered him in turn, and my words were crafty: "Poseidon, Shaker of the Earth, has shattered my vessel. He drove it against the rocks on the outer coast of your country, cracked on a cliff, it is gone, the wind on the sea took it […]." (Applebee, Arthur N) Odysseus speaks with Polyphemus, and does not mention where his ship is. This clever wordplay saves the men

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because, the cyclops may destroy their ship, and keep the men stranded. The hero uses his witty comments to defend, and clearly finds value when protecting the people he cherishes. This action expresses the dedication he has for his friends, and ship crew, and how using lying as a defensive mechanism is not careless or unethical. Odysseus represents a good leader, and saves his men from potential danger by not being honest. “Odysseus was important not so much as a
His large vocabulary is advantage when facing a problems that will affect the people he values. “He is cunning and wily, living by his wits rather than brute force, small, compelling in argument, impressive as a person through sheer force of intellect.” (Senior, Michael) This shows how Odysseus, even though a strong and robust, uses his mind when trying to get out of a dangerous situation for his men, and himself.
“From the start of the campaign against Troy it is clear that King Agamemnon, the Greek leader, placed great store upon Odysseus’ cunning.” (Cotterell, Arthur) It is obvious that Odysseus is thought very highly of, because a King, a great authoritarian, thinks he is clever. Odysseus is known for using his brain in order to get out of a tough scenario, instead of using harsh force. He chooses knowledge, and nimble means, a strategy looked highly upon.
In the Odyssey, and in Greek culture lying is common, it is used in a variety of ways, and for different reasons. “In the Odyssey, it has been made clear that disguises and deception are important components of the Greeks’ way of living.”(Ivana) Using lies and disguises,