Analysis Questions

Lines 211-320 (beginning on page 378)

  1. Lines 276–277: Explain the irony of the gift the Cyclops says he will give to Odysseus.
  2. Lines 295–303: What epic simile in these lines describes how the Cyclops’s eye is affected? How does this simile impact the audience’s ability to visualize the action?
  3. Lines 322–346: Explain how Odysseus’ plan to escape the Cyclops is similar to his plan to win the Trojan War (page 368).
  4. Lines 358–373: How does the poet create suspense in this part of the poem?

Analysis Questions

Lines 320-484 (beginning on page 381)

  1. Lines 390–405: As the narrator of the story, why would Odysseus include his taunting of the Cyclops and the consequence? How does Odysseus view his own actions?
  2. Lines 420–436: Why is Polyphemus surprised by the fulfillment of the prophecy? What does the Cyclops’s characterization of Odysseus as “small, pitiful, and twiggy” suggest about the value of “brawn versus brain” in a conflict?
  3. Lines 437–446: What theme is conveyed by Odysseus’ behavior in this part of the poem?
  4. Lines 465–484: Which details reveal the religious beliefs of the ancient Greeks? What does the phrase “share and share alike” reveal about the relationship between Odysseus and his men?

Analysis Questions

Book 10 (beginning on page 386)

  1. Synopsis: How is the Cyclops’s curse already being fulfilled?
  2. Lines 1–11:Explain what is being compared in these lines? What ideas about the character of Circe and future plot events are suggested by this simile?
  3. Lines 19–38: Why does Polites feel that Circe poses no threat? What makes Eurylochus fear “a snare”?
  4. Synopsis:Why must Odysseus go to the land of the dead? What does his willingness to do this show about his character?

Analysis Questions

Book 11 (beginning on page 388)

  1. Lines 1–23:Which details describe what Odysseus experiences as he waits by the pit? What mood is evoked by these details?
  2. Lines 36–54:What does Elpenor’s request suggest about the Greek view of the dead?
  3. Lines 77–117:Explain whether or not this prophecy will come true. Why or why not? Which parts of the prophecy depend on the actions of Odysseus and his men? What does the prophecy’s structure reveal about the Greek view of fate?
  4. Synopsis:How might Odysseus’ conversation with his mother affect his desire to return home?

Analysis Questions

Book 12, synopsis–line 108 (beginning on p. 392)

  1. Lines 1–25: Describe the threat posed by the Sirens. Predict whether Odysseus will choose to hear the song. Why or why not? Why might Circe not want to advise Odysseus which route to take next?
  2. Lines 35–70: Evaluate each of the three options that Circe describes for getting past Scylla and Charybdis. Are they all equal? Why or why not? What course will Odysseus most likely choose? Why? What dangers of the sea are represented by Scylla and Charybdis?
  3. Lines 76–85: Summarize Circe’s advice to Odysseus here. Based on Odysseus’ actions in other episodes, will he follow her advice? Why or why not?
  4. Lines 101–107: Does Odysseus have the power to control his fate? Explain.

Analysis Questions

Book 12, Synopsis (after line 108) – page 398

  1. Lines 117–131: How, once again, does Odysseus reveal his character through his decisions and actions?
  2. Lines 134–148: Which details describe the men’s reaction to the uproar of the sea? In what way does Odysseus show himself to be an able leader?
  3. Lines 160–172: Evaluate Odysseus’ actions in this passage. Is his decision not to inform his men of Scylla’s danger justified? Explain.
  4. Lines 187–203: Why doesn’t Odysseus fight Scylla even though he is armed? What human emotions does Odysseus reveal in this passage?

Analysis Questions

Book 17

  1. Synopsis: Why does Odysseus tell his son to lock away his weapons and armor before he arrives home? Why does he plan to arrive as a beggar?
  2. Lines 1–14: Look closely at the description of Odysseus’ faithful dog Argos. In what way might Argos symbolize Ithaca since Odysseus has been gone?
  3. Lines 14–27: Note how Odysseus hides his emotions in this scene. Why might this trait be important later in the poem?
  4. Lines 27–41: Explain the dramatic irony (a situation in which the audience knows something a character does not) of this scene. What does this dramatic irony suggest about future events in the poem?