The Odyssey

Part I: The Invocation

  1. Page 963: How does the reader quickly learn that the story about to unfold recounts the deeds of an epic hero? Be specific.
  1. Why might the poet have used the verb wheeling to describe the passing of years and seasons?
  1. What does the storyteller accuse Odysseus’s shipmates of doing that caused them trouble? How does the storyteller describe them?
  1. At what point does the storyteller tell the Muse to “begin”?
  1. Page 964: Where is Odysseus from?

New Coasts and Poseidon’s Son

The italicized portion of this page is a summary of the first eight books—there are 24-- of the original epic poem. At this time Odysseus is entertaining his hosts, the Phaeacians, by telling the story of his earlier adventures at sea. Keep in mind that this is ten years after he left Troy.

  1. Page 965: At the beginning, Odysseus is giving one of those long speeches which help us, the audience, to learn about his character. What do we learn about him and his personality?
  1. How would you describe Odysseus’s feelings about Ithaca?
  1. How does Odysseus prove to his audience that he is determined to achieve the end of his journey (to reach home)?
  1. After leaving the island of the Cicones, how many days did the boats drift? What happened on the tenth day?
  1. Page 966: After reaching the island of Lotus Eaters, what happened? How did the actions of Odysseus’s men set him apart from them? (How was his behavior different?)
  1. What can you tell about Odysseus’s character from the way he treats his men?
  1. Page 967: What traits does Odysseus reveal here that set him apart from his men?
  1. Why is Odysseus making this expedition to the Cyclopes mainland? What does this side trip suggest about epic journeys?
  1. Odysseus uses the phrase “of those who eat good wheaten bread”, what does this description set the Cyclops apart from Odysseus and his men? What is Odysseus implying about the differences in cultures?
  1. Look at line 83. What is the metaphor being used here, and how is it appropriate in describing the Cyclops?
  1. Page 968: What gifts were given to Odysseus by Maron? What was the most special gift?
  1. Describe your impressions of the Cyclops’s cave. Thinking of all five senses, and use vivid, concrete details.
  1. What did the men want to do once in the Cyclops’ cave?
  2. Looking at line 124, what was Odysseus admitting? What do we learn about the traits of an epic hero from this decision?
  3. Page 969: What did the Cyclops do after entering the cave?
  1. Reading lines 141 & 142 understand that epics contain a mixture of the everyday and the supernatural. How does the Cyclops embody both of these states?
  1. What are the first things that the Cyclops wants to know about Odysseus and his men?
  1. In lines 156-169 Odysseus attempts to lessen the giant’s anger as he introduces himself and his men. What are three pieces of information that Odysseus gives in order to accomplish his purpose? What does Odysseus assumed about the Cyclops’s beliefs?
  1. In the same lines what is Odysseus suggesting about misfortunes that occur on a journey?
  1. Page 970: How does Cyclops feel about Zeus? Why?
  1. In line 187 what character trait does Odysseus display?
  1. On this page what happens to Odysseus’s men?
  1. Between lines 188-194, the poet uses two similes. What are they?
  1. What kept Odysseus from taking immediate action?
  1. Page 971: What happened the next morning?
  1. What plan did Odysseus and his men come up with?
  1. Page 972: Odysseus fooled Cyclops two ways, what are they? What does this confirm about his character?
  1. Page 973: What was the initial consequence of Odysseus’s actions?
  1. Page 974: Why didn’t the other Cyclopes help their fellow?
  1. Page 975: Read line 335, why do you think the poet chose to personify death in this passage?
  1. How did Odysseus and his men escape?
  1. Irony occurs when an outcome of a situation is the opposite of what is expected. Knowing this, what is ironic about lines 363-375?
  1. Page 976: Looking the lines of the Cyclops’s speech, what emotions does he express (lines 377-378) and what differences do you see between his character and Odysseus’s.
  1. What revenge did they get on the Cyclops?
  1. As Odysseus leaves the island what is his feeling about his narrow escape? Look at lines 395-399, what’s the tone (attitude) in them? Why do you suppose he behaves this way?
  1. What was the men’s feeling about situation?
  2. Page 977: From the speech Odysseus gives in lines 426-428, what would you say Odysseus’s state of mind is?
  1. Who is the god of earthquake and what part does he play in this situation?
  1. Reading lines 456-461, what do you think these lines foreshadow for Odysseus?
  1. Page 978: Read line 462, what does this line and the others in the Cyclops’ speech suggest about Odysseus’s return home?

In addition to these questions, on a separate sheet of paper, complete questions 5-7 ,and “Epic and Epic Hero” with questions 1 & 2 on page 979.

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