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Book 9 Questions-How Odysseus Visited Lotus Eaters & Cyclops

1. What befalls Odysseus and his men in Ismaros, the land of the Ciconians?
2. What happens when Odysseus's envoy eats of the lotus flower?
3. How does the text describe Polyphemus? How does he treat his guests
4. Why doesn't Odysseus kill Polyphemus as he sleeps?
5. What name does Odysseus provide Polyphemus and how does this help him escape?
6. Use the chart below to describe Odysseus's escape and how each step in his plan
helps or backfires.
Plan
Helps or Backfires
Name-says his name is
Noman or Nobody
Spear-
Rams-
Mockery-
Section 2-Books 7-12
7. At the end of book IX, there are three revelations: a prophecy, the relationship of
Polyphemus and Poseidon, and a curse. Describe each one:
Prophecy -
Relationship-
Curse-
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User Krock
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Final answer:

In Book 9 of 'The Odyssey,' Odysseus's men are attacked in Ismaros, fall under the narcotic effect of the lotus flower, and are captured by the Cyclops Polyphemus. Odysseus uses wit to escape but incurs a curse from Polyphemus that complicates his journey.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Book 9 of The Odyssey, Odysseus and his men encounter several adventures. Near Ismaros, in the land of the Ciconians, they initially achieve success but face a counterattack and lose many men. When some of Odysseus's men consume the lotus flower, they lose their desire to return home, causing Odysseus to forcibly bring them back to the ship. Polyphemus, the Cyclops, is described as a giant with a single eye. He treats his guests with hostility, eventually eating some of them. Odysseus refrains from killing Polyphemus in his sleep to avoid being trapped in the cave. Cunningly, Odysseus tells Polyphemus his name is 'Noman' which allows him to escape when the Cyclops calls for help since the others assume 'Noman' is attacking him. However, Odysseus's mocking as they sailed away backfires when Polyphemus curses them by praying to his father Poseidon.

At the end of Book IX, the three revelations are: the prophecy foretelling the hardships Odysseus will face, the revelation of the relationship between Polyphemus and Poseidon, indicating why Poseidon obstructs Odysseus’s journey, and finally, the curse which Polyphemus places upon Odysseus, further complicating his return to Ithaca.

User Jordanb
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