1. Part I: “Sailing from Troy” and “The Lotus-eaters”
The Odyssey
Part I: “Sailing from Troy” and “The Lotus-eaters”

2. “Sailing from Troy” How does Odysseus introduce himself?
Laertes’ son
Famous for his guile (craftiness or cunning)
What are some qualities you associate with heroism?
He explains that he is trying to get home to Ithaca.

3. “Sailing from Troy”
His men become greedy and forget about the people who ran inland Ismarus (on the coast of Cicones).
Those people come back in large numbers to fight.
Most of Odysseus’ men make it back on the ship, but some don’t (i.e. empty benches).
What do we learn about the cultural/historical context of The Odyssey from lines 65-69?
We learn how they were arranged on the ship.
We also learn how close Odysseus and his men were by the amount of grieving over those lost.

4. The Lotus-Eaters
Odysseus and his men are caught in a storm and end up on the island of the Lotus-Eaters.
He sends two men and a runner to check it out.
They eat the Lotus and lose all desire to go home.
Odysseus ties them up and throws them under the benches of the ship, tells everyone to get on board and abstain from eating the flower, so they can get home.

5. The Lotus-Eaters What words in this section show the passage of time?
“two long days and nights,” “until,” “then”
What words in line 82 remind you that this is a flashback?
“that time”

6. Critical Thinking
While at Ismarus, in what ways do the men disobey orders?
What is the result?
What lesson might Odysseus learn from this experience?
What happens to the men who eat the Lotus?
What does this episode suggest about the main problem that Odysseus has with his men?
Did he respond appropriately to the men who ate the Lotus?
Note two points where Odysseus mentions a desire to return home.
What significant role does his longing for home play in the journey?
Does Odysseus prove himself to be a hero?
What responsibilities does he demonstrate?