Odyssey Study Guide QuestionsLanguage of Literature Pages 894-913
By Mrs. Heidi Henry
Common Core Standards Addressed:
 9RL.1- Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the
text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
 9.RL.3- Analyze how complex characters develop over the course of a text,
interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
 9.RL.10- Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems,
with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.
Directions: Answer each question in 2-3 complete sentences. Eight total questions must
also have a quote from the text that backs up your answer. The page number is given to
you. You must list the line number where you got your quote in MLA format. MLA
format reminder: “The quote goes here” (Author’s last name page number).
1. Where is Odysseus home? How does he feel about it? How do you know. Cite
evidence to support your answers. Page 896-897
2. How might Odysseus guile, or craftiness, help him deal with an enemy who is
stronger than he is? Explain your rationale. Page 896
3. What happens to those who eat Lotus? Cite evidence to support your answer.
Page 897
4. Why should Odysseus be extra cautious in dealing with the Cyclopes? Cite
evidence to support your answer. Page 898
5. What does Odysseus take with him when he goes to see the Cyclops? How do you
think he might use the things he takes? Explain. Page 899
6. What do Odysseus men want to do when they arrive at the cave? What does
Odysseus decide to do? Cite your answer. Page 900
7. If you were part of Odysseus crew, how would you feel about your captain at this
point? Explain your answer. Page 900
8. Odysseus waits for the Cyclops instead of doing what his men ask. What does this
suggest about Odysseus nature? How do you come to this conclusion? Page 900
9. Why does Odysseus lie and tell the Cyclops that all of his other men died in a
shipwreck? Page 902
10. How does the Cyclops treat his guests? Provide evidence to support your answer
Page 903
11. Why doesn’t Odysseus kill the giant in his sleep? Explain your answer and the
evidence you have to support it. Page 903
12. Briefly explain how Odysseus is able to blind the Cyclops. Pages 904-907
13. Why don’t the other Cyclopes come to the Polyphemus aid? Why do you think
this? Page 907
14. How do the men manage to get safely out of the cave? Page 908
15. If you were traveling with the Odysseus, what would you think of your captain at
this point in the story? Explain your answer, and the include evidence from the
story to support your rational. Page 908
16. Why does Odysseus call back to the Cyclops? What does this suggest about his
nature? Page 910-911
17. How does the Cyclops try to get revenge on Odysseus? Page 912
18. Do you think it was wise for Odysseus to reveal his name to the Cyclops? Explain
your answer and any evidence you have to support it. By page 912
19. In your judgment, what weaknesses, does Odysseus have? Explain your answer.
By page 913