The Odyssey
Book 9
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Where is Odysseus at the start of book 9?
Where do the men first stop after Troy and what happens?
Who sends the storm that affects the men?
What happen at the Land of the Lotus Eaters?
Describe the Cyclops?
Why does Odysseus explore Cyclops island? Whom does he take with him? What do they find?
Why should Odysseus have listened to his men?
What does Polyphemus have for supper and breakfast?
Why don’t the men escape during the day?
Describe the steps to escaping.
Why don’t the other cyclopsians help Polyphemus?
Why does Odysseus shout his name as he leaves? What ramifications does that have?
Book 10
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Who is Aeolus and what powers did Zeus give him?
What does he give Odysseus and what catastrophe happens?
Describe the Laestrygonians appearance and behavior. What happens there?
Describe Circe’s house and the guards in front.
Why are the men unafraid? What happens when they go in?
How does Odysseus discover what happened to the men?
Who helps protect Odysseus from Circe’s magic? How?
What is Odysseus supposed to make Circe do?
How long have the men been at Circe’s?
What does Circe tell them they must do before getting home? Why?
What tragedy happens right before they leave?
What gift does Circe leave them before departing?
Book 11
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Who is the first person Odysseus recognizes and what does he request?
Who is Teiresias?
Why does Teiresias drink the blood? What predictions does he make? How will Odysseus die?
Why doesn’t Odysseus’ mom look at him the first time he sees her?
What four things does he learn from her?
What happens when he tries to hug her? Why?
What experience do the women Persephone sends have in common?
What does Achilles say about death?
Describe the tormented afterlife of Tantalus. What modern word came from his name?
10. Describe Hercules crime, punishment, and why he pities Odysseus. Why do the men quickly
leave now?
Book 12
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What does Odysseus do upon returning from Hades?
What 2 dangers does Circe warn Odysseus about? Describe them.
What advice does she give about dealing with them?
What is the warning about Helios’ cattle and the consequences of harming them?
What was the most pitiful sight Odysseus describes when retelling his story?
What agreement does Odysseus and Eurylochus have as night approaches?
Why do they not stay for just one night as planned?
What agreement between two gods does Calypso later tell Odysseus about? What impression
does this give you about the Greek gods?
9. What danger does Odysseus now have to face alone? What are the consequences?
Overall
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What possible mistakes did Odysseus make so far?
How has he worked to keep his men safe? Why is he unsuccessful?
What signs of greatness has Odysseus shown?
What are his possible flaws?
Book 13
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What is the physical setting of this book? What are Odysseus’ plans?
How does the parting ceremony show their religious beliefs?
How does Odysseus end up in Ithaca without knowing it?
When Poseidon expresses his anger over not smashing the ship immediately, what does Zeus
suggest? How does Alcinous interpret that action?
Why do the people prepare a sacrifice to the gods?
Why has Athena prepared a mist to cover the beach?
How does Athena disguise herself now? What does she tell Odysseus? What does he tell her?
Why is it important that Athena has prepared Odysseus for his homecoming?
What disguise does Athena give Odysseus? Where does he go?
What motive did Athena have for sending Telemachus away? What danger does she reveal?
What specific changes come to Odysseus when Athena waves her wand over him?
Book 14
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Describe Eumaeus in personality and appearance based on his words and actions.
Compare Odysseus and Eumaeus to the suitors.
How does Homer try to keep the audiences’ interest in this part?
What story does Odysseus fabricate to reassure Eumaeus about his master’s return?