The Odyssey

Spending time with the lotus-eaters caused Odysseus's men to lose their desire to return home and forget about their journey altogether. This led to a delay in their journey and a struggle for Odysseus to get them back on track.

No, Poseidon is not a static character in the Odyssey. His actions and feelings towards Odysseus change throughout the epic as a result of Odysseus's interactions and the influence of other gods. Poseidon's involvement in the story reflects his dynamic nature and his evolving role in the narrative.

Odysseus told the swineherd if his lord didn't return as Odysseus said he would, the swineherd should kill him so that other beggars wouldn't try to deceive him.

In lines 841-843 of "The Odyssey," Odysseus faces the conflict of being reunited with his wife Penelope after 20 years. However, he must first prove his identity to her by passing a test involving their marriage bed, which was a secret only the two of them knew about.

An example of a positive cultural value in Odysseus's homeland of Ithaca is the loyalty and perseverance shown by Penelope, his wife. Despite facing many challenges and pressure to remarry, she remains faithful to Odysseus and patiently waits for his return. This demonstrates the importance of commitment and fidelity in relationships.

The assembly decides that the suitors should be expelled from Odysseus' house for their disrespectful behavior and abuse of hospitality. They agree with Telemachus and show their support by stating that it is not right for the suitors to continue taking advantage of Odysseus' absence.

Odysseus and his men indulging in drinking and eating after their battles with the Cicones and in the cave of the Cyclops shows a pattern of reckless behavior. Their lack of self-control and disregard for consequences leads to negative outcomes in both situations, highlighting a recurring theme of hubris and its consequences throughout their journey.

The men lost the desire to return home.

Eurymachus argues that it was only Antinous who was responsible for the suitors' behavior and that the rest of the suitors should not be punished for his actions. He also offers to make reparations for the suitors' misdeeds and promises to compensate Odysseus for any losses they have caused.

Eurymachus argues that it was primarily Antinous who was responsible for the mistreatment of Odysseus' household, and that the other suitors should not be punished for his actions. He also pleads for mercy and offers to repay Odysseus for the damages caused.

• Hospitality: The concept of xenia, or guest-friendship, is a prominent value in The Odyssey shown through the interactions between hosts and guests.
• Loyalty: The importance of loyalty is exemplified through characters like Odysseus remaining faithful to his wife Penelope despite facing many challenges.
• Cleverness: Odysseus' cunning intelligence and ability to solve problems creatively are celebrated throughout the epic.
• Honor: The characters in The Odyssey often place high value on their reputation and standing in society, showing a strong sense of honor.

Both Cyclops and Scylla are figures from Greek mythology known for their monstrous appearances. They are both portrayed as intimidating and dangerous creatures that pose a threat to sailors and travelers in different myths. Additionally, they both have multiple versions of their stories across various ancient texts and folklore.

In this metaphor, the men being caught by Scylla are compared to fish being caught by a fisherman. This comparison helps to emphasize the helplessness and vulnerability of the men in the face of Scylla's attacks, highlighting the swift and lethal nature of her strikes.

Portia describes the suitors as sponge-like in "The Merchant of Venice." She compares them to sponges because they absorb her wealth and resources without offering much in return, similar to how a sponge soaks up water. This highlights her frustration with the suitors' intentions and their lack of genuine interest in winning her affection.

The sailors disobeyed Odysseus' orders regarding Helios' cattle because they were hungry and tempted by the prospect of a meal. They rationalized their actions by convincing themselves that they could get away with the theft without consequences. However, their disobedience ultimately led to disastrous consequences for the crew.

The men lost the desire to return home.

When they look into eachothers eye

Odysseus understands the consequences of disregarding warnings and going against the gods. He recognizes the perils of their actions and the need for restraint, while his men are more impulsive and do not grasp the long-term implications of their decisions.

Odysseus might learn the importance of perseverance, resilience, and humility. His journey taught him the value of patience and the consequences of arrogance. He realized that pride and impulsive decisions could lead to hardship and suffering.

Polyphemus, the cyclops in Greek mythology, seeks the help of his father Poseidon to seek revenge on Odysseus for blinding him.

Telemachus receives going away presents from Athene and Menelaus. These gifts signify support and protection for his journey to learn about his father, Odysseus, and his own destiny. They serve as symbols of guidance and encouragement to help Telemachus in his quest.

Calypso explains to Odysseus about the agreement between Zeus and herself that she must release him from her island of Ogygia, where she has kept him captive for seven years. She conveys that it is not her will to let him go, but she must obey the command of the king of the gods.

Blinding Polyphemus allows Odysseus and his men to escape from the cave without being detected by Polyphemus. Killing him would have likely alerted the other Cyclopes and made their escape more difficult. Additionally, blinding him adds an extra layer of humiliation and revenge for the harm Polyphemus inflicted on Odysseus and his crew.

Physical laws and principles are not affected by the expectations and attitudes of others. These are objective and universal rules that govern the behavior of objects and systems in the physical world, regardless of individual beliefs or opinions.

In "The Odyssey," Odysseus demonstrates his ability to think ahead through strategic planning and clever tactics. For example, he devises the plan of the Trojan Horse to defeat the Trojans and plotting his return home by disguising himself as a beggar to assess the situation in Ithaca. These actions highlight Odysseus' shrewd and cunning nature, showcasing his talent for anticipating outcomes and planning accordingly.