Although Polyphemos has human characteristics, the evidence to the question of weather or not Homer intended him to be a monster seems like that is what he wanted. Not only is Polyphemos the son of Posidon but the Cyclopes are twice the size of humans so when Odysseus and his men encounter Polyphemos he holds them captive as if they were animals, planning on eating them for dinner. It doesn't seem to come off in the story as cannibalism because that is a human eating another human, or an animal eating another animal of the same species. In this case it is a giant Cyclopes eating humans that are nothing in comparison to his strength. But Homer does somewhat portray the monster as having some human emotions. After he is blinded and is letting his sheep out in the morning we see an almost tender display of affection from Polyphemos to his sheep and the reader almost feels sympathetic for him.
             As for the significance of Odysseus' lying about his name to Polyphemos then revealing his true identity, we see a classic example of Odysseus' incredible cunningness and excessive pride in himself. At first the reader is not sure why he calls himself nobody to Polyphemos. It is almost as if Odysseus is just being humble. It is not until the other Cyclopes are tricked into not helping Polyphemos that we see Odysseus' quick planning. But while hiding his true identity was smart revealing his true identity once he escaped was completely foolish on Odysseus' part. It is foolish pride that Odysseus seems to portray in many instances throughout the story. Not only does he tell his true name but he tells his fathers name, where he is from, and gives himself the title of "raider of cities." Of course he is angry to have seen his men eaten by Polyphemos, and he is also raving to have beaten the Cyclopes and he wants the world to know. Which is why he reveals so much about his background. He feel...