The blinding of Polyphemus reveals that Odysseus ___________.

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The question asks: The blinding of Polyphemus reveals that Odysseus ___________.

Option 1: 'is cast solely as a character who uses metis to succeed.' This characterizes Odysseus only as a cunning trickster who relies exclusively on metis (cunning intelligence). But the episode also brings in the use of physical prowess and force, and the broader epic portrays him engaging through both brains and brawn, not solely through cunning. Thus this option is incomplete.

Option 2: 'disregarded Zeus' metis.' Metis, in Greek myth, often refers to cunning or wisdom, but Odysseus’ actions do not amount to discarding Zeus’ guidance or divine strategy. The gods, including Zeus, are aware of and interact with his plan; portraying Odysseus as discarding Zeus’ metis misreads the divine-human dynamic at play in the narrative. Therefore this option is inaccurate.

Option 3: 'posseses a combination of metis and bia.' This captures a key reading of the episode: Odysseus employs metis, his strategic cleverness, and bia, his force or physical audacity, especially in the moment of blinding Polyphemus and then escaping. The blending of cunning and strength is a central theme in his recounting of the encounter and in how the episode functions within the epic’s exploration of heroism.

Option 4: 'has disdain for bia.' This would imply Odysseus rejects force or physical power, which contradicts the action of blinding the cyclops and escaping under danger. His plan depends on both clever deception and bold physical action, so this option mischaracterizes his approach.

Putting these together, the time-honored reading emphasizes that Odysseus demonstrates a hybrid of metis (smart, strategic thinking) and bia (strength and force) in this episode, rather than relying on cunning alone, denying divine guidance, or scorn for force. The combination of mental and physical resources best accounts for the text’s depiction of his successful escape from Polyphemus.

CLAS 2220 AU2025 (16301) Module Exam 3: DUE Friday 12/12

The blinding of Polyphemus reveals that Odysseus ___________.

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