Cunning

Definition

Cunning refers to the ability to achieve one's goals through cleverness and deceit, often in a way that is resourceful and shrewd. This trait is particularly significant in narratives involving complex characters, where cunning can manifest as a means of overcoming obstacles and manipulating situations to one’s advantage. It highlights a character's intelligence and adaptability in challenging circumstances, often blurring the lines between heroism and trickery.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Odysseus is often referred to as 'the cunning Odysseus' due to his strategic thinking and clever tactics throughout his journey.
2. Cunning plays a crucial role in Odysseus's encounters with various mythical creatures and challenges, allowing him to navigate dangerous situations.
3. Odysseus uses his cunning to devise the Trojan Horse strategy, which was key in the Greeks' victory during the Trojan War.
4. His ability to outsmart opponents highlights his intelligence, but it also raises questions about morality and the consequences of deceit.
5. Throughout his journey, cunning enables Odysseus to transform from a warrior into a resourceful leader, showing growth in character as he faces diverse challenges.

Review Questions

• How does cunning manifest in Odysseus's character as he navigates various challenges on his journey?
  • Cunning is a defining trait of Odysseus that manifests through his clever strategies and quick thinking. For instance, when faced with the Cyclops Polyphemus, Odysseus devises a plan to escape by telling him his name is 'Nobody' and blinding him while he sleeps. This demonstrates how his cunning allows him to outsmart more powerful foes and navigate treacherous situations effectively.
• Discuss how Odysseus's cunning affects his relationships with other characters in the narrative.
  • Odysseus's cunning creates both allies and enemies throughout his journey. While it earns him respect among some, like Athena who admires his wit, it also breeds distrust among others, such as the suitors who underestimate him. His cleverness often results in manipulative interactions that reveal the complexities of his character and highlight the dual nature of cunning—both a strength and a potential moral flaw.
• Evaluate the implications of cunning as a heroic quality in Odysseus's character. How does this shape our understanding of heroism?
  • Cunning redefines traditional notions of heroism within Odysseus's character by emphasizing intelligence over brute strength. While typical heroes might rely on physical power, Odysseus showcases that resourcefulness and mental agility are equally important. This complexity invites readers to reconsider what it means to be a hero—suggesting that moral ambiguity and strategic thinking can coexist in a heroic figure. Consequently, it challenges the binary view of hero versus villain, highlighting that heroes can possess traits that are morally ambiguous.

Related terms

Guile: A form of clever deceit or trickery used to achieve goals, often associated with manipulation.

Craftiness: The quality of being skilled at achieving one's aims through indirect or dishonest means, emphasizing cleverness.

Resourcefulness: The ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties, showcasing adaptability and ingenuity.