Question

I drove them, all three wailing, to the ships,
tied them down under their rowing benches,
and called the rest: 'All hands aboard;
come, clear the beach and no one taste
the Lotus, or you lose your hope of home.'

–The Odyssey,
Homer

What does this passage suggest about the beliefs and values of ancient Greeks?

They valued home.
They valued democracy.
They valued relaxation.
They valued hospitality.

Answer 1

But on the spot I told them: 'Back, and quickly!
Out to sea again!' My men were mutinous,
fools, on stores of wine. Sheep after sheep
they butchered by the surf, and shambling cattle,
feasting, – while fugitives went inland, running
to call to arms the main force of Cicones.
This was an army, trained to fight on horseback
or, where the ground required, on foot. They came
with dawn over that terrain like the leaves
and blades of spring. So doom appeared to us,
dark word of Zeus for us, our evil days.
My men stood up and made a fight of it –
backed on the ships, with lances kept in play,
from bright morning through the blaze of noon
holding our beach, although so far outnumbered

–The Odyssey,
Homer

What can be learned about ancient Greeks from this passage? Check all that apply.

They had a democratic government.
They were interested in science and art.
They believed that gluttony and disobedience are negative traits.
They believed that the gods punish people for acting badly.
They believed in the importance of strength in battle.

Answer 2

This passage from "The Odyssey" suggests that the ancient Greeks valued home. The urgency in the speaker's command to avoid the Lotus, which symbolizes temptation and distraction, highlights the importance of returning home and the hope associated with it. It underscores the significance of loyalty to one's journey and goals, particularly the desire to return to one's homeland and loved ones. The idea that tasting the Lotus would lead to losing hope further emphasizes the Greek belief in the necessity of perseverance and the dangers of distraction from one's purpose. Thus, among the options provided, "They valued home" is the most accurate interpretation of this passage.

Answer 3

From this passage of "The Odyssey," we can learn the following about ancient Greeks:

1. **They believed that gluttony and disobedience are negative traits.** - The mutinous behavior of the men, indulging in wine and feasting while ignoring their duties, suggests that excessive indulgence (gluttony) and disobedience can lead to dire consequences.

2. **They believed that the gods punish people for acting badly.** - The mention of "doom appeared to us, dark word of Zeus for us" implies a belief in divine retribution. The ancient Greeks often viewed misfortunes as punishments from the gods for hubris or moral failings.

3. **They believed in the importance of strength in battle.** - The reference to the army trained to fight and the necessity for the men to stand their ground indicates that valor and strength in battle were highly valued traits in ancient Greek society.

Therefore, the applicable beliefs from the passage are that they believed gluttony and disobedience are negative traits, that the gods punish people for acting badly, and that they valued strength in battle. The other options regarding democratic government and interest in science and art are not directly supported by the information in this passage.