Omeros Chapter IX Summary

i

  • Since Achille can no longer make a living out of the sea, Philoctete finds him a job on Major Plunkett's pig farm.
  • It's a little awkward, since Helen was fired from that place, plus he hates it and misses the sea.
  • Meanwhile, Maud Plunkett misses her own homeland.
  • They are in the wet season and the rains are relentless, making everything dismal and muddy.
  • Achille can't help but imagine Hector and Helen together, increasing his misery.

ii

  • During a heavy storm, Hector is on the sea, trying to save his canoe.
  • He is tossed from his boat and has to ride the roiling sea until it decides to spit him up in the shallows. Thanks, sea.

iii

  • The hurricane becomes a party thrown by the Yoruba gods, and the god of lightning (Shango), goddess of love (Erzulie), god of iron and war (Ogun) and Sky-God (Damballa) rock on.
  • Guess what? When it comes to horrific weather, there is camaraderie among the gods—gods of Africa and ancient Europe get along to wreak havoc among humans. Go team, we guess.
  • And havoc indeed happens; there is flooding and devastation of crops and animals.
  • When the storm is over, people begin to assess the damage and dig out. Achille salvages his boat and looks forward to the days until the next storm.