Question

Read the excerpt from The Odyssey. 'Aye He'll smash our timbers and our heads together!' I would not heed them in my glorying spirit, but let my anger flare and yelled: 'Cyclops, if ever mortal man inquire how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him Odysseus, raider of cities, took your eye: Laertes' son, whose home's on Ithaca!' What motivates Odysseus to reveal his name and put his men in more danger?

Answer 1

Odysseus reveals his identity to the Cyclops out of pride and a desire for glory, in line with the Greek heroic values that celebrated personal fame. However, this leads to further dangers as it provokes the wrath of the Cyclops' father, Poseidon.

Step-by-step explanation:

The motivation behind Odysseus revealing his name to the Cyclops after blinding him can be attributed to his pride and desire for glory. In the culture of ancient Greece, personal fame and honor were highly valued, and warriors like Odysseus often sought to ensure their names were remembered and celebrated. By announcing his identity, Odysseus is declaring his prowess and ensuring that the tale of his cunning victory over the Cyclops would spread far and wide, enhancing his fame. However, this act of hubris also sets into motion a series of retaliatory actions from the Cyclops' father, Poseidon, putting Odysseus and his men in greater peril. It is a turning point that not only reflects the heroic values of the time but also the consequences of excessive pride.

Answer 2

Pride. He wanted his heroics to be remembered.