1. In the final chapter, how does Penelope display that her intelligence
matches that of Odysseus?
She mentions their bed which he knows cannot be moved.
2. “When the young Dawn with fingertips of rose/ lit up the world, the
Cyclops built a fire”
a. Explain the epithet contained in these lines.
b. Paraphrase (write in your own words) these lines.
The epithet describes the early morning.
When the early morning sun cast tints of red in the sky, the Cyclops built
a fire.
3. Odysseus express his loyalty to his family when he
get back home in spite of all the time that has passed.
makes an effort to
4. Define the literary term epic simile
An extended, more elaborate version of a regular simile, comparing two
things.
5. How does Hermes help Odysseus avoid Circe’s spell?
He gives him the Moly which blocks Circe’s powers.
7. Where does Odysseus travel when he leaves Circe?
He travels to Erebus, the Land of the Dead
8. How does Circe help Odysseus prepare for his next leg of the journey?
She offers advice about the monsters he will face – Sirens, Scylla and
Charybdis
9. Complete the following epic simile:
The sound of thunder was like a train
___________________________________
And it __________________________________
Answers may vary
10. What character trait does Odysseus exhibit in his plan to escape the
Cyclops?
Answers may vary: bravery, loyalty or cunning
11. How does Odysseus use this character trait to escape the Cyclops?
Give specific examples.
Bravery – stands up to the creature which is capable of easily killing him.
Loyalty – He does not leave his men behind.
Cunning – Tells Cyclops his name is Nobody and hides the men under the
sheep.
12. Define epic hero
An epic hero:
 Has superhuman strength
 Has help from the gods
 Expresses culturally desired qualities such as bravery and loyalty
 Is always victorious
13. What human flaws must Odysseus overcome to leave Circe’s island?
He overcomes greed and temptation. They are being offered excessive
amounts of food and wine which they must refuse and stay focused.
14. Understand Homeric style
Read the following excerpt which is an epic simile for Hermes.
If written in prose, how many sentences do the following lines equal? 1,
2, 3 or 4.
A gull patrolling
Between the wave crests of the desolate sea
Will dip to catch a fish, and douse his wings;
No higher above the whitecaps Hermes flew
Until the distant island lay ahead,
Then rising shoreward from the violet ocean
He stepped up to the cave.
This is one sentence.
15. Although it doesn’t commonly fit the archetype of an epic hero to
show emption, what is it that makes Odysseus weep at the end of the
poem?
He realizes Penelope has been loyal and faithful to him all these years,
even with the suitors providing temptation.
16. List three characteristics of an epic poem.
a. it is a narrative poem (tells a story)
b. involves a quest or journey
c. has a hero
17. We recently read an article about pets called “Where the Heart is.”
How does it relate to Book 17, the chapter about Argos?
After being separated from his master for so long, Argos still recognizes
his voice and makes an effort to show his affection.
18. List one example from the Odyssey that supports the theme that good
triumphs over evil.
Odysseus saves his men from the Cyclops
Telemachus and Odysseus work together to defeat the suitors
19. What does Homer’s use of vivid imagery in describing Calypso and
her island emphasize reveal to the reader?
It shows us that no one should ever want to leave because it is so
beautiful.
20. Why doesn’t Odysseus agree to stay with either Calypso or Circe?
He loves his wife Penelope and wants to return home to her.
21. Find three synonyms for the term incredible.
Answers will vary
22. The word between implies there are only two objects while among
implies there are a few. For example, you have a test tomorrow so you
should study between now and then. Among the questions, there will be
a reference to epithets so you should be familiar with the term.
Fill in the blank
Between _____________ and ______________ I will need to ___________.
The teacher distributed the __________________ among all of the students.
23. To what is Hermes being compared in the epic simile when he is sent
by Zeus to tell Calypso she must release Odysseus?
He is compared to a seagull, fishing in the waves.
24. What is Odysseus afraid will happen to his men if they eat the Lotus
flower?
They will get too comfortable where they are and forget about home.
25. What was Odysseus’ defense against the Sirens?
He filled his men’s ears with beeswax.
26. What does Tiresias predict will happen if Odysseus raids the herds
of Helios?
If they eat the cattle, all but Odysseus will die.
27. List three epithets used to describe Odysseus.
a. raider of cities
b. Master mariner
c. son of Laertes
28. Scylla and Charybdis are both horrible monsters but why is it better
for Odysseus to maneuver his ship closer to Scylla’s cave and avoid
Charybdis?
If he stays near Scylla, he will only lose six men as opposed to losing all of
his men if he is too close to Charybdis.
29. Why is Polyphemus upset with Odysseus?
Odysseus and his men help themselves to Polyphemus’ food. Then they
poke his eye out. Finally, Odysseus taunts him as they leave.
30. Define in media res.
In the middle of the story
31. Define epithet.
Descriptive phrases that describes the traits of a particular person or
thing
32. Family is important to Odysseus. Name both his father and his son.
Laertes - father
Telemachus - son
33. How does Penelope test the suitors to choose the one she will
marry?
A contest - whoever can string Odysseus’ bow and shoot an arrow
through the holes of 12 ax heads
34. Odysseus is referred to as “the strategist” because he is most known
for ____________ his cleverness ______________________________________
35. The Odyssey has a non linear plot (in media res). What role does
King Alcinous play in this?
Odysseus is telling his story to Alcinous
36. Aside from Tiresias, who else does Odysseus encounter when he
visits Erebus, the Land of the Dead?
Elpinore – a shipmate who died in an accident
His mother