Cyclops: Analysis of Major Characters
"Cyclops: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the key figures from the mythological narrative of Odysseus and the Cyclops Polyphemus, primarily derived from Homer’s "The Odyssey" and adapted by Euripides. Odysseus, depicted as a clever yet brutal leader, is characterized by significant changes in his identity, portraying him as the son of the notorious Sisyphus instead of Laertes. This transformation highlights his duality as both a victim and a perpetrator of violence. Polyphemus, the Cyclops, embodies raw egoism and a rejection of moral constraints, viewing mercy as a weakness. His initial menacing presence evolves into a more comical figure as he succumbs to drunkenness, providing a stark contrast to the violent actions of Odysseus. Silenus, a drunken follower of Dionysus, adds a layer of mockery and cowardice to the narrative, revealing a theme of foolishness among the characters. The Chorus of Satyrs, while lewd and comedic, ultimately show their cowardice by shying away from active participation in conflict. Collectively, these characters illustrate themes of power, morality, and the blurred lines between heroism and villainy in the face of adversity.
Cyclops: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Euripides
Genre: Play
Locale: Mt. Etna in Sicily
Plot: Mythic
Time: Remote antiquity
Odysseus (oh-DIHS-ews), the crafty king of Ithaca. On his way home from the sack of Troy, he lands at Etna, in Sicily, the home of the Cyclops. Seeking food, he is captured by the Cyclops Polyphemus but manages to escape by blinding the giant after giving him wine. The story is taken from book 9 of Homer's The Odyssey, but Euripides has changed both some details of the original story and the character of Odysseus. Odysseus and his men do not escape by clinging to a ram's belly, nor does the Cyclops block the entrance to his cave with a boulder. The change in the character of Odysseus is more important. He is the son not of Laertes, but of Sisyphus, the famous sinner of Corinth, a cheat and a thief. Odysseus becomes in the play a representative of civilized brutality. His speech for mercy before the Cyclops is filled with sophistry, and the sympathy that he arouses at the beginning of the play, when he is weak and oppressed, is reversed by the brutality of his blinding of the Cyclops who, drunk, becomes a decadent but rather likable buffoon.
The Cyclops (SI-klops), called Polyphemus (pol-ihFEE-muhs), the son of Poseidon. The one-eyed giant of the Homeric legend, he is the exponent of egoism and immoral application of might and right. To Odysseus' argument that the Cyclops should spare him and his men because the Greeks have preserved the temples of his father Poseidon and saved Hellas, the giant replies that he has no respect for the gods; his religion consists of his belly and his desires. He disregards morality through an appeal to nature and believes mercy a mere convention of the weak. The gory description of his cannibalism (he has two of Odysseus' men for his meal) does much to justify Odysseus' revenge, but he changes as he drinks. He becomes a decadent buffoon who loathes war and tries to rape Silenus. Blinded, he is comic because of his repeated assertion that “Nobody,” the name Odysseus has used, has done him in. As Odysseus leaves, having revealed his true identity, the Cyclops prophesies that Odysseus will be forced to wander the seas before returning to his home.
Silenus (si-LEE-nuhs), a follower of Dionysus. Shipwrecked on Etna while searching for Dionysus, who had been captured by Lydian pirates, he was taken by the Cyclops and has remained his slave. He is the “father” of the satyric chorus and a standard part of satyric convention. A lewd, fat, bald, boastful, cowardly, and drunken old man, he freely offers to trade Odysseus food for wine; however, when the Cyclops appears, he says that Odysseus has stolen the wine. He continues to drink throughout the play and is given in mock marriage to the Cyclops.
The Chorus of Satyrs, also a standard part of satyric convention. They are “horse-men,” lewd in appearance, speech, and action. They exhibit a strong streak of cowardice. They offer to aid Odysseus in blinding the Cyclops, but when the time for action arrives, they excuse themselves on the grounds that they have become lame while standing still. Their only real interest is in resuming the worship of Bacchus.
Coryphaeus (coh-RIHF-ee-uhs), the leader of the Chorus.
The companions of Odysseus, members of his crew. They remain silent throughout the play. They help Odysseus blind the Cyclops.