1) Why does Odysseus say they sacked the city of Cicones?
Well this is the truth. Odysseus and his men sacked and plundered the city, but then the defeated men rallied and forced our hero to flee.
2) What does the lotus have on anyone who tastes it?
The lotus makes everyone forget their previous obligations and want to stay with the other lotus-eaters. Odysseus' men even fall into their trap and our hero himself has to bring them back to the ships and set sail.
3) What was unusual about the island that lies near the island of the Cyclops?
There is no human-life on the island next to the Cyclops' island, and since these one-eyed beasts don't have any ships, they can not reach the island. The entire island is a habitat for large flocks of goats, while the sheep are with the Cyclops.
4) What is the occupation of the Cyclops?
Well as we see from Odysseus' view, the main action of the Cyclops is tending to his sheep. When Odysseus and his men are trapped in the Cyclop's cave, he has a routine. First he milks his sheep, eats, then leads out his animals. When he returns, he eats again and then falls asleep.
5) What does Odysseus take with him when they go to investigate the Cyclop's cave?
Odysseus brings wine in a great goatskin and provisions in a leather sack. At first they do not realize the danger of these giants. They set up a fire first and eat the cheeses of the Cyclops.
6) How many men does the Cyclops eat each time?
The Cyclops eats two men each time. The book states that he was then "full," after he ate these men. Homer also goes into great gruesome detail describing how the Cyclops prepares this meal.
7) Why doesn't Odysseus just kill the Cyclops?
In planning for their escape from the cave, they have to somehow get through the opening of the den that is protected by a massive boulder. There is no way, even with Odysseus' pride, that the men alone could move the boulder out of the way. They need to have the Cyclops alive to really be able to escape. So of course, Odysseus comes up with this brilliant plan to only blind the Cyclops.
8) How does Odysseus trick the Cyclops with his name?
Because of the Cyclops' stupidity, Odysseus convinces the giant that his name is "Nobody." This follows along with the theme of Odysseus trying to hide his identity, yet this name happens to also aid their escape. When Odysseus and his men blind the giant, the Cyclops cries out to his other neighboring Cyclops, but when they hear "Nobody is attacking me," they do not worry. It seems that this was just by accident, but none-the-less it worked.
9) How is Odysseus able to blind the Cyclops?
Odysseus and his men blind the Cyclops by taking his club, roasting it in the embers of his fire and smashing it into the giant's eye. This also is told on great detail. I am just glad I had not ate yet.
10) What boastful acts does Odysseus do which could set up his suffering later?
Well, when Odysseus talks, he takes credit for everything and how he conquered these people and how he blinded the Cyclops. This boastful behavior usually will create many enemies, that could gain up against you and eventually brings you down. Even after the victory over the Cyclops, Poseidon is upset even more with Odysseus. It will be interesting to see what all does come out of his boastful acts.
Way to keep up with the reading. Good job.
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