#6 Odyssey: “Sailing from Troy” and “Lotus-Eaters”
“Sailing” (p. 983-984)
Summary: Odysseus longs to go home to his family in Ithaca, even though he was captured by the lovely nymphs
Calypso and Circe who wanted him to stay with them. After Odysseus sailed from Troy, he lands on Cicones, where his
crew plunders and enslaves to resupply for their journey. Odysseus commands his men to leave after they have had
their fill, but they rebel and continue to drink, butcher, and feast. Fugitives escape and call upon reinforcements.
Drunk and out-numbered, 72 men are killed during the battle. Before they set sail, Odysseus’s men grieve and cry
over their lost friends.
Conflicts
Traits (line #)
Theme/Connections
Odysseus vs. his men
Odysseus vs. fugitives
Odysseus vs. Calypso/Circe
Odysseus vs. Cicone soldiers
Odysseus vs. mutiny
Odysseus vs. grief
Odysseus vs. gluttony
Humble/Loyal/Filial (34-36)
Homesick (35-36)
Formidable (19)
Cunning/Crafty (19)
Cruel/Cold (43-44)
Insightful (46-47)
Sympathetic (65)
Sensible (46-47)
Fearless (43)
Scornful (47-48)
Self-disciplined (25, 30)
Cautious (46)
Powerful (43-44)
Weak/Unauthoritative (46-47)
Regretful (65)
Wise (47)
Focused (46-47)
Brazen (43)
Sentimental (65-67)
Resilient/Courageous (55-60)
Themes:
-Carelessness breeds trouble.
-Intoxication/Greed/Temptation leads to self-
destruction.
-Obey the authority and wisdom of superiors to
avoid disaster.
-Better to be safe than sorry.
Connections (Archetypes/Allusions):
-Temptation vs. Morals
-Focus vs. Ignorance
-Mob mentality/Mutiny
-Daedalus and Icarus=ignoring orders of caution
-WWII Invasions (unexpected attacks)
-Star Wars: mutiny punished
-Lord of the Flies: Ralph / Odysseus as sensible
leader that is ignored and tribe/crew succumbs
to gluttony (hunting, feasting); crew destroys
island and themselves in the process of mutiny
“Lotus-Eaters” (p. 984-985)
Summary:
Conflicts
Traits (line #)
Theme/Connections
