The Lotus Eaters and The Cyclops Reading Quiz

Review: Text Based Answer Example When Odysseus encounters the Cicones he uses physical strength to overcome them. The text states, “Odysseus and his crew raid the Cicones, robbing and killing them” (373). Typically when a character uses bravery and strength to overcome an enemy this adheres to the standard of the brave hero archetypal character. Introduction: Textual Evidence: Commentary

Change up your verbs The author suggests… The author says... The text reveals... The text shows... Odysseus observes... Odysseus acknowledges... The author illustrates... The author emphasizes... The author maintains... The text compares... The text implies... Odysseus thinks... Odysseus rejects... The author notes...

How text can appear in an answer The narrator explains that Odysseus could not save his men because, “their own recklessness destroyed them” (10). The narrator also states that his men were “children and fools” (12). . It is clear that Odysseus misses home. He claims that there is no “place more dear” to him than Ithaca (16). He states, “If I pull away from pitiless death, friendship will bind us, though my land lies far.” (56).

Write your name at the top of the paper Directions Write your name at the top of the paper Label the paper The Lotus Eaters and The Cyclops There are 5 questions

Why do the Lotus Eaters pose a threat to Odysseus and his men? Question 1 Directions: Provide textual evidence and commentary for the following question: Why do the Lotus Eaters pose a threat to Odysseus and his men?

Question 2 Directions: Provide textual evidence and commentary for the following question: What does the description of the incident with the Lotus Eaters add to the epic?

What gift did Maron give Odysseus? Describe the “wine”. Question 3 What gift did Maron give Odysseus? Describe the “wine”.

How did the Cyclops plan to reward Odysseus for telling him his name? Question 4 How did the Cyclops plan to reward Odysseus for telling him his name?

Question 5 Directions: Provide textual evidence and commentary for the following question: What does Odysseus take with him when he hits the shores of the Cyclops’ island? What is the purpose of taking these things?

Answers 1 Why do the Lotus Eaters pose a threat to Odysseus and his men? Though the Lotus flower induces a somewhat peaceful state of mind, the desire to remain on the island after consuming the flower but Odysseus’ objective at risk. Those that eat the Lotus blossom never want to leave and become “forgetful of their homeland” (47). This effect is a threat to Odysseus and his men because without his men Odysseus could not return home safely, and his men would fail to have purpose.

Answer 2 What does the description of the incident with the Lotus Eaters add to the epic? The incident shows Odysseus’ firm leadership. The brief description helps illustrate how quickly and decisively he dealt with yet another situation that could have had much more dire consequences. Odysseus “tied [his men] down under their rowing benches and called the rest…”(49-50). Quick thinking and precise judgement are two characteristics demonstrated in this encounter, which showcase why Odysseus is a strong leader.

Answer 3 What gift did Maron give Odysseus? Describe the “wine”. A “sweet liquor” “pure and fiery” Only Maron, his wife, and the storeroom mistress” knew of the wine “Ruby-colored, honey smooth” Very strong, one cup of the “wine” would go into 20 cups of water “but still the sweet scent hovered like a fume over the winebowl” No man turned away when cups came around

Answer 4 How did the Cyclops plan to reward Odysseus for telling him his name? When Odysseus tells the Cyclops that his name is “Nohbdy” the Cyclops rewards Odysseus by telling him he will be eaten last. The Cyclpos responds with, “Nohbdy’s my meat, then, after I eat his friends. Others come first. There’s a noble gift, now.” (275-277). The gift the Cyclops gives Odysseus is ironic because being eaten last means he must watch his men be eaten before him.

Answer 5 What does Odysseus take with him when he hits the shores of the Cyclops’ island? What is the purpose of taking these things? When Odysseus hits the shores of the Cyclops island he brings with him 12 men and a type of liquor. Odysseus explains that he “took my twelve best fighters” and that he “had a goatskin full of that sweet liquor that…Maron, had given” him (95-98). Odysseus anticipates trouble, which is why he takes his most skilled soldiers. He may use the wine to disarm the Cyclops or perhaps to show that he comes in friendship. These choice items also demonstrate Odysseus’ quick thinking, he is prepared for both a peaceful or violent interaction.