What theme is Homer presenting when Odysseus’s men forget about going home after eating the lotus in Part 1 of The Odyssey?

Physical superiority is a great advantage.
Pleasures make people neglect their long-term goals.
The comforts of home are treasured during hardship.
Personal reflection brings wisdom and insight.

1 answer

The theme Homer presents when Odysseus’s men forget about going home after eating the lotus in Part 1 of The Odyssey is pleasures make people neglect their long-term goals. The lotus, a plant that induces forgetfulness and a desire to stay in the moment, symbolizes how indulgence in immediate pleasures can lead individuals to lose sight of their important objectives and responsibilities, such as returning home.