Ships and Men
Summary
Although little plot or character development occurs in the chapter, it describes the setting as well as other useful information to the reader which will come into play later on.
Figurative Language
None given.
Notable Quotes
"This meant that the ships were almost always at the mercy of the weather and were often blown off course."
This quote foreshadows that Ulysses and his men may find it difficult to navigate in the open sea, and quite possibly could be thrown off course frequently.
This quote foreshadows that Ulysses and his men may find it difficult to navigate in the open sea, and quite possibly could be thrown off course frequently.
The Ciconians
Summary
After setting out for Ithaca, Ulysses and his men encounter a small village (referred to as a city) with peaceful inhabitants and a lack of walls: Easy pickings for a band of war heroes. However, against the intellect of his adviser, Eurylochus, Ulysses almost decides against it, as he and his crew have their air share of treasure. Nonetheless, the crew invades the citizens and drive them to the hills. Soon, they returned armed with chariots, far outnumbering the men. Ulysses and his crew, despite valiant efforts, were forced to retreat, losing a number of men to the Ciconians.
Notable Quotes
"'We attack, do we not?' he asked. 'The city lies there defenseless. We can take it without losing a man.'"
-Eurylochus, page 5
This quote shows how the war has affected them. They automatically think to attack any city they come across.
-Eurylochus, page 5
This quote shows how the war has affected them. They automatically think to attack any city they come across.
The Lotus-Eaters
Summary
After fleeing from the Ciconians' attack, Ulysses and his men are blown far off course by a storm, taking them to the coast of Libya. Morpheus, the god of sleep and dreams, once planted the first lotus flowers there. They are said to cause a deep sleep to any who decide to endeavor in one, and give pleasant dreams as well. As Ulysses and company came ashore, the local inhabitants (also known as the Lotus-eaters) kindly gave the men a fair stock of flowers to keep their stomach linings intact or the time being. True to legend, the men instantly slept, all benefiting from the flowers exept for Ulysses, whose dreams, Morpheus decided, were best left untouched. What the god saw in his dreams reflected Ulysses's time in Troy, of fire and horses, and showed glimpses of events to come, and the many deaths of his crew. Ulysses, in addition, was subject to the torment of his nightmares and soon awoke. Realizing his men would do the same only to gorge themselves on the flowers, Ulysses carried each onto the ship and sailed single-handedly away from Libya.
Notable Quotes
"Who was Morpheus? He was a young god, son of Hypnos, God of Sleep, and nephew of Hades. It was his task to fly around the world, from nightfall to dawn scattering sleep. His father, Hypnos, mixed the colors of sleep for him, making them dark and thick and sad." Page 10
This quote gives a good introduction of Morpheus and helps you understand who he is.
This quote gives a good introduction of Morpheus and helps you understand who he is.