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Post by Mr. Thomas on Sept 30, 2013 6:57:33 GMT -5
Post responses here:
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Post by hankmichels on Sept 30, 2013 12:57:04 GMT -5
C. Why does Odysseus want to stay in the Cyclopes’ cave? That’s just stupid. I mean, he lands on this island, and they come across some food. Sure, take it, but don’t stay there! There is absolutely no reason to do so. His comrades plead him to leave, but stupid odysseues says, “ Not till I saw him, saw what gifts he’d give” (line 58). Come on he wouldn’t bring you any gifts. No way! For one hes a bad guy, two, you broke in to his house. If I came home and saw people I did not even know eating my food, I would probably call the police. If they asked for stuff I would probably shoot them. I have a feeling that I am going to be rooting for the Cyclopes in this chapter.
E. The whole part with the first island is disturbing. I thought that Odysseus was the good guy. But then, he lands on some random island, and he and his crew just slaughter everyone in the town, except the women. I mean really? How are we supposed to root for odysseus now? And it wasn’t even like he was following orders. He just did it. “There I sacked the city, killed the men, but as for the wives and plunder, that rich haul we dragged away from the place- we shared it around so no one, not on my account, would go deprived from his fair share of spoils”. (Lines 45-49) There’s the proof. Its crazy.
D. “Our spirits now at low ebb” (line 118) that’s an interesting way to describe their depression.
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Post by rozzayhill007 on Sept 30, 2013 17:35:29 GMT -5
Jackson Hill
D. One of my favorite quotes is when Odysseus is telling his story at the beginning of the book. He is explaining his home and it reminded me of the essay that we just wrote, “Sunny Ithaca is my home. Atop her stands our seamark, Mount Neriton’s leafy ridges shimmering in the wind. Around her ring of islands circle side-by-side, Dulichion, Same, wooded Zacynthus too, but mine lies low and away, the farthest out to sea, rearing into the western dusk while the others face the east and breaking day. Mine is rugged land but good for raising sons—and I myself, I know no sweeter sight on earth than a man’s own native country.” He describes the image of his home and its surroundings, and how even though it is not the biggest and the best he still cherishes it as if it were a mansion.
C. Odysseus starts to explain the cave, and by the way he is describing it seems as if though he enjoys the island. He finds riches, but then he doesn’t leave, why would you stay on this mysterious island, and risk your life; to me this decision is just dumbfounding and stupid. Staying on the island is basically guaranteeing your death, why would you want to die unless you were old and tired of trying to stay alive.
G. If I was the Cyclopes and I found all these people taking my stuff I would just eat them. Odysseus is not smart by staying there and if I were the Cyclopes his story probably would have ended right there.
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Post by hessd16 on Sept 30, 2013 18:18:24 GMT -5
(Dakota Hess) I.I agree with the last two entries made. Odysseus had been blessed with gifts from the gods such as the sheep they had found. Odysseus knew from the start that this island was dangerous and held Cyclops on it. This was not one of the best decisions that Odysseus has made with his men. We know that he is a intelligent and strong man, this was one of his weaker choices. C. Why had Odysseus wanted to stay on this island knowing the dangers that were there? Did he have a thirst for danger? Why would he put his men in harm’s way after getting most of them out of such tight spots? D. I too also liked the quote that rozzayhill007 spoke about. “Sunny Ithaca is my home. Atop her stands our seamark, Mount Neriton’s leafy ridges shimmering in the wind. Around her ring of islands circle side-by-side, Dulichion, Same, wooded Zacynthus too, but mine lies low and away, the farthest out to sea, rearing into the western dusk while the others face the east and breaking day. Mine is rugged land but good for raising sons—and I myself, I know no sweeter sight on earth than a man’s own native country.” We have known from the start that Odysseus is a great speaker and his stories are always descriptive, but this description was just amazing. |
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Post by idelfonsoe16 on Sept 30, 2013 18:37:57 GMT -5
C. Odysseus likes to tell a lot of stories of his days at war, but why does he talk about it so much if it makes him sad? In the last book, he cried listening to the war stories, so why doesn’t he cry now? Also, why hasn’t he set sail to his native land? I think he’s just trying to please the king long enough to give him a rest assured safe trip home. Also, it seems as if Odysseus is flaunting himself by talking about these insane stories that only war veterans could possibly tell.
H. Odysseus stood at the edge of the cave with the best fighters of the Trojan War, gazing inside as to what atrocity might appear. The earth rumbles, and a steadfast giant emits from the darkness of the cave. As the giant Cyclops speaks, he emits a voice so loud that it shakes the trees and speeds up the air. Odysseus, only thinking about returning home, stays strong in position, staring at what could be the end of his torturous life. As the giant approaches, Odysseus could only think about one thing: surviving the Cyclops.
B. If it weren’t for Odysseus telling us the stories of him with his comrades in these weird islands, I think the Odyssey would be very boring. We wouldn’t be able to understand Odysseus’ dark past, why he’s so upset, and why he’s so desperate to get home! The story of the Cyclops, though, could show us why he is so determined to return to his family.
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Post by richteri16 on Sept 30, 2013 19:01:07 GMT -5
C. I am confused on why Odysseus decided to tell his story to the people starting on line 12. He even says that they could expect many tears and sadness from him. Why is he putting himself through all this? He could just say no it is too tough. Does he feel bad that he needs to give back to these people? Even though a topic so troubling to Odysseus should not have to be forced out of him. The islanders kind of sound like jerks when they do this to him. E. I like how the Cyclopses are described in the story. Homer makes them sound like these horrible beasts who have no culture or morals. They live in caves and do not deal with others. They stay secluded on their island. They don’t even bother to plow the rich fields that they live on. The Cyclops has only two prized possessions. One is his stash of fine, vintage wines. The other is his sheep heard which he relies on for food. I. I agree with hankmichels on question E. I too thought that Odysseus was the good guy. Why did he just decide to sack a city and kill everyone inside? I find it hard to relate to him now after I learned about this. Is it a common practice of warriors of the time to sack a city? Even though he was not ordered to do so and Odysseus just doesn’t seem like that kind of guy. |
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Post by johnaviles on Sept 30, 2013 19:02:06 GMT -5
C. I am confused in the beginning of the story where there is a big feast with bread and meats and wine and Odysseus says, “But no you’re set on probing the bitter pains I’ve borne, so I’m to weep and grieve, it seems, still more.” The reason why I am confused because it’s almost like he feels attack and he’s finally relenting like he is being cruelly treated. I don’t understand how these conditions are wha finally made him expose himself.
D. My favorite line comes from the situation where Odysseus is in Cyclopes’ cave and Cyclopes is yelling and questioning who they are “now who are you? Where did you sail from, over the running sea-lanes?” Odysseus’ crew is shook and Odysseus replies with my favorite line, “Men of Achaea we are bound and now from Troy.” I liked this line because it showed how brave Odysseus was.
E. I was a bit perplexed but amused when Odysseus and his crew or on the island and Odysseus wants to leave but only ends up returning back to the island even after he has slaughtered everything. I was also kind of shocked by this. (lines 190-210)
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Post by zaysofly on Sept 30, 2013 19:28:52 GMT -5
Isaiah Colon
C: How come Zeus is allowed to send a storm down to Odysseus while he is at sea? Isn’t that undermining and butting in with Poseidon’s given power domain? Also why does Odysseus pray to Poseidon after killing his son, who tried to kill him?
D: I think this passage shows the true strategic and intelligent side of Odysseus. Although we do see the more cunning and persuasive ides of Odysseus in other books, book 9 really makes Odysseus shine. We see Odysseus persuade his way out of escaping the island with Calypso. We also see him use his cunning smarts and strengths while staying with the Phaeacians. I liked this book because it shows how creative minded Odysseus is. He is also good at working under pressure, because he still manages to get away safely by barely attacking the Cyclopes, even after the Cyclopes had eaten two of him men.
G: If I were Odysseus I would have probably handled the situation a little bit better. Maybe I would have tried a little bit harder and reacted a little bit faster so that my two friends didn’t have to die. I know now that reading it, it was a crucial step in order for Odysseus to start his master plan, but maybe there could have been another way. I also would definitely have not prayed to Poseidon after all he had already put me through and Zeus too for that matter.
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Post by petergiglio on Sept 30, 2013 19:30:13 GMT -5
C. It confuses me as to why Odysseus continues to put himself through pain and suffering by telling his stories that he knows are gonna make himself upset. It seems like sort of self pride or if he doesn't go through this or tell his stories then he is less of a man or people would look at him differently, I just don't get it.
E. I love the way that the cyclops is described as a simple being and his cares are very minimal but they mean a great deal to him: his wine and sheep. He describes them as monsters but I see it in a different light because I see that they don't bother people unless they are bothered or they feel like they are being trespassed upon. It was really interesting how this supernatural being could have human like qualities
G. If I were Odysseus I would be far less brave. He acted in a way like he has seen something like this before. I would have ran for my life trying to get out of there as fast as I could
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Post by kkhurana70 on Sept 30, 2013 20:02:06 GMT -5
C- After reading the first half of book 9, I have much confusion. Why does Odysseus stay in the Cyclopes cave after taking the food he found? Why would Odysseus stay on another island that is unknown to him, did he not learn his lesson with Calypso? Did Odysseus seek risks and danger in his life? Why does Odysseus get upset and become emotional when others sing or tell tales of war, but when he does it he has no reactions? If he is so sensitive about the topic of war, why does he tell it to people he never met and that are not nice people?
D- My favorite part of this book so far was when the Cyclopes realized there are people in its cave and demands them to reveal their identities and Odysseus bravely says “Men of Achaea we are bound and now from Troy.” This shows that Odysseus is not only a brave man when it comes to fighting other humans but is fearless when he needs to protect himself against giant creatures that could crush him with their fingers.
G- If I were Odysseus I would not have stayed on the island for any longer than necessary and I never would have been in a Cyclops’s cave. I wouldn’t stay on the island because I already have experienced being stuck on an island for 20 years with Calypso so why risk it on an unknown island that may have a nymph as well. I also would not stay in the Cyclops cave because why deal with the fight and violence that it will cause, if I can avoid it by just leaving the place.
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Post by kkhurana70 on Sept 30, 2013 20:02:30 GMT -5
C- After reading the first half of book 9, I have much confusion. Why does Odysseus stay in the Cyclopes cave after taking the food he found? Why would Odysseus stay on another island that is unknown to him, did he not learn his lesson with Calypso? Did Odysseus seek risks and danger in his life? Why does Odysseus get upset and become emotional when others sing or tell tales of war, but when he does it he has no reactions? If he is so sensitive about the topic of war, why does he tell it to people he never met and that are not nice people?
D- My favorite part of this book so far was when the Cyclopes realized there are people in its cave and demands them to reveal their identities and Odysseus bravely says “Men of Achaea we are bound and now from Troy.” This shows that Odysseus is not only a brave man when it comes to fighting other humans but is fearless when he needs to protect himself against giant creatures that could crush him with their fingers.
G- If I were Odysseus I would not have stayed on the island for any longer than necessary and I never would have been in a Cyclops’s cave. I wouldn’t stay on the island because I already have experienced being stuck on an island for 20 years with Calypso so why risk it on an unknown island that may have a nymph as well. I also would not stay in the Cyclops cave because why deal with the fight and violence that it will cause, if I can avoid it by just leaving the place.
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Post by bakerm16 on Sept 30, 2013 20:26:31 GMT -5
D. I enjoyed Odysseus' description of his story up until now. I like the detail he gave it almost mad you incision his journey as if it was a movie or a dream. One line I liked specifically was his opening lines, "I am Odysseus, son of Laertes, known to the world for every kind of craft -- my fame has reached the skies" I like this a lot because even though it might sound a little cocky in saying he is "known to the world" but in fact he is a very well known man.
I. I agree with idelfonsoe16 in his question. Why would Odysseus torture himself in telling stories of the war even though it's something that really upsets him. It seems like Eric said that he's just trying to show off. But why though. Will talking about himself pay off after so long? Or is he just wasting his breath?
C. One questions I have is why Odysseus doesn't seem to mind the Cyclops' cave. There is literally nothing good about the cave.
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Post by stephanoscocoves on Sept 30, 2013 21:49:21 GMT -5
D- My favorite part of this book was when the cyclops finally realizes that there are people in his cave, and tells them to reveal there identities. And then Odysseus says, "Men of Achaea we are bound and now from Troy" This shows how brave Odysseus is. NOt when he just fighting in another war when fighting against non-humans, in this case the cyclops. And this cyclops could easily kill Odysseus, but brave Odysseus still faces him anyway. C- A question i have is why does Odysseus tell his war stories even if they make him sad.? Why would he remind himself of theses times if they do not make him happy? Also he seems be waiting there for some reason because he hasn't really been pushing himself to get back to his wife and family. I- I agree with idelfonsoe16 in his question. Why would Odysseus make himself feel bad by telling himself all these war stories. |
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Post by michaelgenco on Sept 30, 2013 22:17:21 GMT -5
Odyssey 9
A. In the first few lines of the story get detail and ideas came to my head. It says, "There's nothing better than when deep joy holds sway throughout the realm and banqueters up and down the palace sit in ranks, enthralled to hear the bard, and before them all, the tables heaped with bread and meats, and drawing wine from a mixing-bowl the steward makes him rounds and keeps the wine cups flowing." To me I imagined this as a local bar or restaurant. This is a personal experience because when I was in Ireland my family and I went to a pub at night and this is exactly what was going on. There was a guy with his guitar playing some music just like the bard, the tables were covered with all types of food, and the stewards would be running around giving people their drinks.
C. It seemed like Odysseus was very aggressive when he was telling them who he was, and I don't understand why he would act like that. He says, "I am Odysseus, son of Laertes, known to the world for every kind of craft-my fame has reached to the world." It seems to me that Odysseus is getting self centered or full of himself.
B. I think that this reading is extremely important to the development of the story of Odysseus. It is about time that we get some insight on how Odysseus actually got into to trouble and so on. I also believe that this Chapter was very interesting and it made me want to read more and more
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Post by Cam smith on Sept 30, 2013 22:26:50 GMT -5
C. Lines: 45-50 Odysseus is talking about how he and his men ransacked a village. They killed all the men and took all the women. They also took all the treasure. When they were suppose to leave but they decided to stay because there were lots of animals and wines. They continued to feast and party for a couple of days. The neighbors of the village came for revenge. Some of Odysseus's men were killed and they were driven back to their ships in a hurry in order for all of the remaining men to survive. Odysseus why would you let them stay? Are you that greedy? You got all the women and the treasure? And why would you plunder a city if people consider you as a hero? Do you feel you live up to that title?
H. The house of the cyclops- I see his cave as a large gaping hole in a mountain side. This cave has a huge slate rock slab just hanging on above it. There is a very tall waving grass field next to it. The wall surrounding the entrance is made of many different rocks of sizes and shapes. This wall starts a little bit away and ends on the just a little away from the other size. The wall is almost 10 feet tall. The pens are short but long. The sheep look like clouds walking around. The inside of the cave is vast and seems never ending.
D. In line 213 Odysseus describes the Cyclops a "shaggy peak" I thought this was really funny and I couldn't tell if this was a compliment or an insult. I thought it was both because he is calling him a large strong thing but he is also calling him something not perfect, almost ugly. Kind of bald.
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