| What conflict is introduced in Odysseus’ beginning statements to the king? | Who he is. |
| How are Odysseus’ comments about himself appropriate for an epic hero? | He boasts about his exploits. |
| What threat do the Lotus Eaters pose to Odysseus and his men? | They are not safe enough to be his crewmen. |
| Why doesn’t Odysseus respect the Cyclops? | Stupid, clumsy, know nothing about agriculture, no determination, no tradition, no consultation, abusive to families, they do not have care for others. |
| What does his description imply about the Cyclops? | That he is large and lazy. |
| What does the foreshadowing of the goatskin wine mean? | That he will use it to his advantage against the Cyclops later. |
| Why doesn’t the hero listen to the crewmen about the cave? | His men plead to steal the food and animals but Odysseus wants to see the ‘cavemen’. |
| What does the size of the Cyclops entrance say about them? | That they have great strength. |
| What is the Cyclops’ attitude about the gods? | He is not afraid of them. |
| Why does Odysseus lie about his ship? | So the Cyclopes would not destroy it. |
| How does the beast respond to Odysseus’ misadventures? | He eats 2 of his men. |
| Why does Odysseus’ change his mind about killing the Cyclops? | So the Cyclops could move the rock from the entrance. |
| Explain Odysseus’ plan for dealing with the Cyclops. | Stabs him in the eye. |
| Why does Odysseus offer the Cyclops the goatskin wine? | To get him drunk and fall asleep. |
| Why does Odysseus tell the Cyclops his name is Nohbdy? | So when the Cyclops calls for help, the others will think that the gods caused the pain upon Polyphemus. |
| What does Odysseus do to the Cyclops? | He stabs him in the eye with a spike. |
| What is the name of the Cyclops? | Polyphemus. |
| How does Odysseus’ lie about his name pay off? | The Cyclopes thought that Zeus cause Polyphemus’ pain, so they won’t do anything to help him. |
| What is Odysseus’ plan for escape? | He hides under Polyphemus’ sheep and will escape when he lets them out in the morning. |
| What mistake does Odysseus make towards the Cyclops? | He boasts about defeating him, and he will learn not to boast towards his enemies. |
| How does Polyphemus respond? | He throws a piece of the hill at Odysseus’ ship. |
| Do you think it was a mistake for Odysseus to reveal his name and where he came from? Why? | Yes, because the Cyclops can go after him because now he know who he is and where he lives. |
| What triggers his memory in Lines 415-419? | His name. |
| Explain the prophecy. | Someone as big Polyphemus would lose his eye to someone as small as Odysseus. |
| Why is it ironic? | Because Odysseus is much smaller and less stronger than Polyphemus. |
| Explain the curse on Odysseus and his crew. | That Odysseus and his crew will never make it home. |
| Does Zeus respond favorably to Odysseus’ offering? | No. |
Odyssey Book 9
April 22, 2020