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Polyphemus In Odysseus In Book 9 Of Homer's Odyssey

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Polyphemus In Odysseus In Book 9 Of Homer's Odyssey
During Odysseus’ retelling of his adventure in Book 9 of the Odyssey, he explains how he and his crew lands on an island, known as Sicily which is inhibited by cyclops. There he meets Polyphemus, a cyclop and blinds him after Polyphemus traps them in a cave, and eats 2 members of his crew. However, this is only Odysseus side of the story. In reality, Odysseus was the one who decides to steal Polyphemus’ cheese, make assumptions that Polyphemus was also a supporter of the Gods, expecting gifts as a guest, never giving a second thought of what he did to Polyphemus, and just dismisses everything because he is a hero who saves his crew from the monster. However, I will argue the book does not go in depth about how Polyphemus tries to be hospitable,

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