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What characteristics does Odysseus display in his escape that seems to contrast with his cleverness? (lines 431-435)

User EcchiOli
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Final answer:

Although Odysseus is known for his intelligence, his emotional responses and primal instincts during his escape illustrate a contrast to his usual cleverness.

Step-by-step explanation:

Odysseus displays characteristics that seem to contrast with his cleverness in lines 431-435. While Odysseus is renowned for his wit and intelligence, his emotional responses, such as weeping upon hearing the minstrel play the lyre or being swept by a storm at sea despite using Leukothea's veil, show a different side of his character.

These moments reveal his vulnerability, suggesting that even the most cunning of heroes can have moments of despair and helplessness.

In his escape, Odysseus's reliance on physical strength and desperate longing for survival, as seen when he forgets his defined hope in the frantic anguish to escape and his fierce cry to God for justice, highlight a more primal and less calculated aspect of his nature.

In his escape, Odysseus displays characteristics that seem to contrast with his cleverness. One example of this is when Odysseus forgets his defined hope of raising his men and instead becomes obsessed with the frantic desire to escape, even at the cost of his own well-being.

This contrasts with his usual cleverness because it shows a lack of strategic thinking and a focus on personal survival.

User Gursel Koca
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