LOTUS EATERS

SUMMARY

• Odysseus and his men end up on a beautiful island where they are given fruit (the lotus plant). This fruit causes them to be very lazy and forgetful, which leads to them to forget about their journey. The crew begins to crave the lotus. Once Odysseus finally gets them back on the ship, he has to tie them up because he fears they would escape to try to get more of the plant.

THESIS

• In the Odyssey, the lotus represents addictive substances that are used in modern day, such as drugs.

SUBSTANCES

• In "Percy Jackdon and Olympians The Lightning Thief", Riordan uses things like video games, food, and comfort to represent the addictiveness of the lotus flower. While playing the games, the kids were at ease. They did not seem to have a problem in the world until somebody interrupted or drew their attention away from their game. Some even became violent when they had to leave the game. Similarly, Odysseus' crew became emotional and violent when they had to leave the island.

MODERN DAY ADDICITON

• The Lotus Eaters can relate to many things in our own lives. There are things that people get addicted to and can't stop craving. Even when you take it away, it just makes them crave it more. An example of this is drugs. Drugs can be a very dangerous, addicted substance that, like the lotus flower, make you lazy and relaxed, but an addict can easily become hostile if set off.