Cyclops Questions
Answer the following questions on your own sheet of paper – be thoughtful and use complete sentences.
1. Odysseus disregards his crew’s warnings and waits for the Cyclops. What motivates Odysseus to risk his life and the lives of his crew? What price does he pay for his adventure?
2. What Greek belief does Polyphemus go against when he realizes Odysseus and his men are in the cave? How does he go against this belief?
3. Odysseus says that he is known for his guile. Find examples from the text that show how he is both cunning and crafty in dealing with others – three examples of strategies that he used to outwit Polyphemus.
4. Why doesn’t Odysseus just kill Polyphemus? What characteristic is this an example of?
5. What is there about Polyphemus and his lifestyle that makes him a threat to Odysseus and his men? Think about:
¨ The Cyclops’ lack of society – lines 1-12
¨ Polyphemus’ feelings about Zeus and the gods – lines115-121
¨ Polyphemus’ strength and appetite
¨ Polyphemus’ relationship to Poseidon – lines 392-404
6. Do you feel that the Cyclops is a villain? Are Odysseus’ actions toward him justified? Explain.
7. Odysseus looks down on the Cyclops for being less civilized than the Greeks. What does it mean to be civilized? Does any race or group have the right to think of themselves as more civilized – better – than any other? Give examples to support your opinions.
8. How does Polyphemus know who Odysseus really is? Why is Polyphemus almost able to destroy Odysseus’ ship? What side of Odysseus does this show us?
9. Find an example of each of the following literary terms: Simile, epic simile and Homeric epithet.