Does Odysseus respond appropriately to the 3 men that stay long with the lotus eaters?
Why or why not?
(from the Odyssey)
Thanks!
To determine whether Odysseus responds appropriately to the three men who stay long with the lotus eaters in the Odyssey, we need to understand the context of the situation. In the Odyssey, Odysseus and his crew encounter the lotus eaters, a group of people living on an island who eat lotus flowers. These flowers cause anyone who eats them to completely lose their desire to return home or continue on their journey.
When three of Odysseus' men eat the lotus flowers and become entranced by their effects, Odysseus is faced with a dilemma. His crew members are no longer interested in returning home and are content to stay with the lotus eaters indefinitely. In response, Odysseus decides to act swiftly and brings the men back by force, tying them up on the ship before they have a chance to eat more lotus flowers and lose all motivation to leave.
Based on this context, it can be argued that Odysseus responds appropriately to the three men who stay with the lotus eaters. Odysseus understands the dangerous effects of the lotus flowers and the potential harm it can cause to his crew's mission. By forcefully bringing the men back to the ship, he shows leadership and protects them from falling into complacency and losing their desire to return home. His actions ensure the crew's unity and commitment to their journey.
However, it's important to note that this interpretation is subjective and can be open to different interpretations based on one's perspectives and values. It's also worth considering Odysseus' character traits, such as being cunning and resourceful, and his long-term goal of returning home, which may have influenced his decision.