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Odysseus expects the cyclops Polyphemus to honor the Greek custom of hospitality towards guests, but Polyphemus violates this by eating some of Odysseus' men. Odysseus also expects Polyphemus to follow the custom of giving a guest his name when asked, but Polyphemus deceives Odysseus by calling himself "Nobody."

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How do odyseuss and his companions expect to be treated by the cyclops?

Odysseus and his companions expect to be treated as guests by the cyclops Polyphemus, following the customs of hospitality. They hope to be offered food and shelter as they seek assistance to find their way home.


How do Odysseus and his companions expect to be treated by the cyclops?

they excpected to be terated nicely along with his companions


How do Oydsseus and his companions expect to be treated by the cyclops?

Odysseus and his men expect to be treated as a guest by the cyclops, although they originally thought the island the Cyclops lived on was inhabited by humans, until they found out differently.


How do Odysseus and his companions expert to be treated by the cyclops?

Odysseus and his companions expect to be treated with hospitality by the cyclops, as they follow the Greek custom of showing kindness to strangers. They hope for food, shelter, and perhaps even guidance on their journey.


Why does Odysseus call himself Nohbody?

The answer 'Nobody' saves Odysseus and his men (who must extricate themselves from Polyphemus's cave, and cannot do this on their own, the boulder stopping the cave's mouth being too large) when the neighbouring Cyclopes come to check out the commotion (Odysseus has put out Polyphemus's eye, and the monster is howling in agony). When the callers ask (in effect) 'Who caused you such distress?', Polyphemus answers 'Nohbody.' So the callers chalk it up to some impersonal cause, and depart. Had they removed the boulder, the jig would have been up. So far, so good. The choice of the name is ingenious. It is what we have come to expect from Odysseus. This can't however be the whole story. Ingenuity is one thing. Prophetic power is another. Odysseus, cunning as he is, could not have known what question the Cyclopes would ask. Had they asked 'What's causing you pain?' rather than 'Who did this to you?', the name would probably not have saved Odysseus. There are two points here, both subtle. The first is that the ingenuity belongs not to Odysseus but to the poet; to Homer, let us say. And this epic is a demonstration of the art of (ingenious) story-telling. (In fact, the Odyssey is much less interesting thematically, much less deep, than the Iliad. It's a good thing that it has the narrative texture that it does.) A second, and more important point, is that Odysseus, after the (Trojan) War is over, does not have a clear identity. The end of the War is the end of the warrior way. What are men and women after that way, the dominant way of the whole culture, is obsolete? In the interim, they lack identities. They are nobodies. So, Odysseus's choice of name also captures an essential feature of the epic's essence, that it explores basic issues of identity (in that cultural context). The exploration, in my judgement, is pretty monochromatic. But others may think differently.

Related Questions

What does Odysseus expect to receive from the cyclops once the cyclops discovers Odysseus is in his cave?

Odysseus expects the cyclops to bear gifts to the travelers.


How do odyseuss and his companions expect to be treated by the cyclops?

Odysseus and his companions expect to be treated as guests by the cyclops Polyphemus, following the customs of hospitality. They hope to be offered food and shelter as they seek assistance to find their way home.


How does Odysseus and his companions expect to be treated by the Cyclops?

Odysseus and his companions felt that the Cyclops would be neighborly and hospitable.


What customs do Odysseus expect the cyclops to honor?

Odysseus expects the Cyclops to honor the customs of hospitality, known as "xenia," which dictate that hosts should provide food and shelter to their guests. He anticipates that the Cyclops will respect the gods' laws and offer him and his men protection, as is customary in Greek society. Additionally, Odysseus expects some form of reciprocity, believing that his status as a traveler warrants respect and kindness. However, his expectations are quickly dashed as the Cyclops disregards these traditions.


How do Odysseus and his companions expect to be treated by the cyclops?

they excpected to be terated nicely along with his companions


How do Oydsseus and his companions expect to be treated by the cyclops?

Odysseus and his men expect to be treated as a guest by the cyclops, although they originally thought the island the Cyclops lived on was inhabited by humans, until they found out differently.


Why was Polyphemus surprised in the odyssey?

Polyphemus was surprised in "The Odyssey" because he did not expect Odysseus and his men to invade his cave and outsmart him. When Odysseus introduced himself as "Nobody," the Cyclops was caught off guard by the cleverness of his opponent. Additionally, he was unprepared for the cunning plan that led to his blinding, as he had never encountered such resourcefulness from humans before. This surprise ultimately contributed to his downfall and Odysseus's escape.


How do Odysseus and his companions expert to be treated by the cyclops?

Odysseus and his companions expect to be treated with hospitality by the cyclops, as they follow the Greek custom of showing kindness to strangers. They hope for food, shelter, and perhaps even guidance on their journey.


What ancient Greek rule for living does Odysseus expect that the Cyclops will follow when Odysseus and his men meet the Cyclops in his home?

Xenia was the name of the rule of hospitality that the Ancient Greeks believed in. Not following Xenia meant that you were not being a good citizen.


How do Odysseus and his men expect to be treated by the Cyclops?

They expected to be given gifts...it was part of Ancient Greek culture to give gifts to your guests...I think.


Why do Odysseus and his men expect that they will have a warm reception from the Cyclops?

Ancient Greeks believed they must show 'xenia' in order not to dis-please the gods, therefore people treated strangers very well, with food, water and general hospitality. Polythemus and the other cyclops' were much unlike other greek beings as they were not god-fearing, therefore not caring about showing xenia to Odysseus and his men. Obviously Odysseus did not kow this and presumed they would have a warm reception.


Who destroyed all of Odysseus' ships expect one?

All of Odysseus' ships, except for one, were destroyed by the god Poseidon. This occurred after Odysseus blinded Poseidon's son, the Cyclops Polyphemus, which angered the god and led him to seek revenge. Poseidon caused storms and obstacles that ultimately wrecked the fleet, leaving Odysseus with only one ship to continue his journey home.