Themes+and+Values9


 * __Themes:__**

__Courage-__ Courage is a theme in the book because we see it in several places. We see courage in the story of the Kyklops. At first Odysseus feels fear, when he is about to stab Polyphemos and he stops. He realizes that if Polyphemos is killed, they will also perish. Still, after they are caught and put into the cave. There isn’t a second when Odysseus shows a sign of fear. He comes up with a plan, and leaves all fear aside to accomplish it. He doesn’t even feel fear to jump on a savage giant and stab him in the eye.

__Revenge-__ The biggest part of this chapter is the story between Polyphemos and Odysseus, a story which ends with revenge. Polyphemos requests his father Poseidon to bring revenge upon Odysseus for what Odysseus did to him. This request would be vey important through out the book because Poseidon would bring wrath upon him and make sure that his son was avenged. Also Odysseus might have come up with a plan sooner because he felt the need to avenge his crew which had been brutally eaten.

__Cooperation-__ Cooperation is seen in several parts of the chapter as the theme. Each boat needs cooperation from all its crew in order to function. When Odysseus and his crew land on the lotus island, his crew becomes extremely uncooperative when they eat the mesmerizing fruit. Odysseus has to even drag them back and tie them down in order to take them home. However we see cooperation when Odysseus and his four men blind Polyphemos. Odysseus is the head of the plan but his team is his body. He needs his team to help him build the spear and then to help each other escape.

__Greed-__ Greed is theme that is constantly seen with Odysseus crew. They always want more food, sometimes they disobey Odysseus orders, and they are never satisfied. On the island of the Kyklopes, they kill the sheep which upsets Polyphemos and they eat his cheese and milk. They also suggest to steal all his sheep and takes as much as they can and flee.


 * __Values__**

__Gratitud-__ Gratitud is a value that is shown in chapter 9. Odysseus was not the most gracious guest in Ismaros. He was cruel and killed many people, enslaved the women, and stole a lot of things. However, he spared the life of a man named Maron and his family. In a sign of gratitude, he gave Odysseus a very sweet and delightful liqueur which became part of Odysseus salvation when he met Polyphemos. There also gratitude towards the gods when Odysseus explains that only by the hand of a God did they land safely on the island of the Kyklops. Odysseus also shows gratitude towards the Phaicians for letting him have such a pleasant stay in their home.

__Respect-__ All citizens of Greece show respect towards two things which are the gods and the hosts of the place where they stay. When Odysseus begins his story about his long journey home, he talks about the goddess Kalypso. Odysseus talks about her with upmost respect and admiration. Never does he shows the anger he might have or that he might think that she was cruel and mean; rather he only expresses the admiration for her beauty and speaks beauties of her cave and her treatment. Even when Odysseus speaks of the storms Zeus sent upon them, he acknowledges that Zeus is lord of the cloud and they shall do what he wills. Another God he shows respect to is Poseidon, who he addresses every time as Poseidon lord. Respect is also seen towards ones hosts. Odysseus respects the Phaicians for being such gracious host. When Odysseus meets Polyphemos there is a respect in the way Odysseus answers the questions he is asked. He doesn’t disrespect the habitant of the land even if it is a savage giant who has no manners.