The Odyssey : Book 9 Flashcards
Where does book 9 start from
Odysseus has just identified himself in-front of the Phaeacians and is beginning to tell his story
What happened after Odysseus and his men left Troy
They sailed to Ismarus, the stronghold of the Cicones. Easily, they sacked the city, killed the men, enslaved the women, and plundered.
What does Odysseus advice his men to do after attacking the Cicones
Odysseus advises his men to leave immediately with their riches, but they ignore his warnings. The Cicones return and drive the Greeks out
What happens after Odysseus and his men do after the Cicones
After their ship was blown off course they arrive at the land of the Lotus-eaters. The inhabitants aren’t hostile; however, eating the lotus causes the sailors to lose their sense of responsibility and all desire to return home. Odysseus drags them back to the ship.
What happened when Odysseus and his men first landed on the land of the cyclops
They encounter the Cyclopes specifically the Polyphemus who traps Odysseus and a few of his sailors in his cave. He eats six of them
What are Cyclopes
One eyed giants who were believed to juxtapose the civilisation of the Phaeacian’s
How does Odysseus escape Polyphemus
Odyssey gets Polyphemus drunk, tells him his name is Nobody, and blinds him with a stake. Escaping on the underside of sheep, Odysseus reveals his true name to which Polyphemus calls on his father, Poseidon, to curse him.
Why Is Odysseus seen as foolish when revealing his name
Odysseus’ revelation of his identity to Polyphemus is foolish because it embodies a lack of foresight. It juxtaposes with the cunningness that Odysseus displayed in his escape from the cave.
What is Kleos
It means fame or glory attained through good deeds and hard work. The heroes in ancient Greek tragedy strived to earn their kleos.
How does the land of the Cicones represent the garden of Eden
The sailors are given free access to resources and riches. They gave into temptation, greed, and hubris which resulted in disaster.
How does the Xenia of the Phaeacian’s juxtapose that of Polyphemus
The Phaeacians bathe, dress, and feed Odysseys before stating ‘tell us your own story’. Polyphemus asks ‘Who are you?’ and eats the food for himself.
How is the reader fully immersed into book 9
Book 9 is direct speech with speeches within speech. The reader is given an insight into the real thoughts of Odyssey.
What is crucial in the Homeric world
name and reputation
