Name:__________
The Odyssey 9H/9CP
I am Laertes’ Son, The Lotus Eaters, The Cyclops
Scene: In the palace of King Alcinous in the land of the Phaeacians where Odysseus tells of
his adventures in the Land of the Cicones and the Lotus Eaters as well as of the Island of
the Cyclops. Odysseus has just been released from Calypso’s island. Remember – when
Odysseus is telling the story of his journey ten years have already passed since the Trojan
War has ended. This stop on Phaeacia is the last stop before Ithaca, his home. All of his
men have been killed and he is telling the court of King Alcinous the story of how he lost
his crew and got to where he is today.
“I am Laertes’ Son”
Setting: The island of the Cicones (first stop after leaving Troy) after the winds carried him
there. He is now telling his story to Alcinous, King of Phaeacia
Pay attention to:
 The treatment of Odysseus when he first arrives on Phaeacia (also known as Scheria island
home of the Phaeacians, and the kingdom of Alcinous) also known as Phaeacia
 His description of Ithaca.
1. p. 895 l. 130-134
 His telling of the events on the island of the Cicones
1. p. 896 l. 150 - 178
 The result of the fighting
1. p. 897 l. 170- 178
 The weather after they depart from the Cicones
1. p. 898 l. 179 - 196
Lotus Eaters
Setting: Second stop after Troy. After fighting the Cicones and when the sea rests, they
land on this island.
Pay attention to:


His rescuing them in the land of the Lotus Eaters
Describe the temptation they faced.
The Cyclops
Setting: Third stop after Troy: Odysseus is still speaking to the court of King Alcinous.
Why is intelligence associated with his name?
What causes Odysseus to seek the Cyclops’s cave?
Pay attention to:


The way Odysseus saves his men in the land of the Cyclops.
The reverse of the hospitality found in Phaeacia.


The role of the gods (fate vs. free will)
Odysseus' cleverness in calling himself “Nohbdy.”


Odysseus' flattery of the Cyclops.
The vividness of Odysseus' "attack." The Homeric similes used to describe this.

The cleverness of his escape.

The curse of Polyphemus.

Odysseus' leadership qualities; his adventurous spirit; his courage and cleverness; his
lapse into pride (hubris).
Questions
1. How does Homer help the reader sense what Odysseus is up against with this
strange opponent?
2. When Odysseus is addressing the court of King Alcinous, he describes his journey
as “routes and ways uncommon; so the will of Zeus would have it.” What does this
say about society?
3. Is it foolish of Odysseus to demand that Polyphemus treat him and his men with
respect and hospitality? Even if your answer is yes, why might this have been
appropriate in the time of Odysseus?
4. Look for an example of juxtaposition on pg. 902. What two things are being
juxtaposed? What effect does this juxtaposition have on the reader?
5. How did Odysseus choose the men that were going to aid him in blinding the
Cyclops? Is it smart to ‘toss’ for this job, or is Odysseus foolish in risking the future
of the whole group by not just appointing the men he thinks best fit to go with
him?
6. “The rams as well, this time, entered the cave: by some sheepherding whim – or a
god’s bidding – none were left outside.” What does Odysseus mean by ‘a god’s
bidding’? Relate this to the idea of fate.
7. Look for an example of foreshadowing on pg. 903. What does this mean and what
does it suggest about the roles the rams will play in the future.
8. What is ironic about the Cyclops’s saying he will eat “Nohbdy” last?
9. Homeric simile - what is the blinding of the Cyclops compared to?
10. Explain the irony on p. 905 lines 397- 410. Is it verbal or situational irony?
11. “Nohbdy will not get out alive, I swear” What is ironic about that statement?
Consider the double negative.
12. Is it wise of Odysseus to taunt Polyphemus?
13. How might Odysseus’ revelation of his name get him and his men into trouble later
on?
14. Go back and read the invocation that Homer opens with. How much of
Polyphemus’ curse will come true?
At this point in the story, Odysseus has left Troy and lost men in the battle of the Cicones,
almost lost men to temptation by the Lotus Eaters, and lost men because of his curiosity
with the Cyclops. He is still not close to getting home.