The Odyssey Part I Questions
Directions: On a separate sheet of paper, answer each of the following questions IN COMPLETE
SENTENCES! As you read the episodes in the epic poem, complete the corresponding questions.
TERMS
Fill in the blanks using the following terms. You may not use every term, and you may use some terms
more than once.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Personification
Epic
The Odyssey
Divine intervention
Epic hero
Trojan War
A(n)
is a long poem that describes the way of life of an entire culture.
____________ is a good example of a(n)
_______________
.
The main storyline of
is about Odysseus’ journey home to Ithaca from the ____ .
Odysseus is an example of a(n)
.
Odysseus is lucky Athena believed in
and helped him on his journey
home to Ithaca.
SAILING FROM TROY
6. What were Odysseus’ feelings when he was held captive by Calypso and Circe?
7. How many men did Odysseus lose as a result of the Cicones?
THE LOTUS EATERS
8. What keeps Odysseus from reaching home?
9. What happens to the crew members who eat the Lotus?
10. What does this episode suggest about the kinds of problems Odysseus has with his men?
11. Although it is brief, the Lotus-Eaters episode is one of the most famous parts of The Odyssey. Why
do you think readers have found it so interesting?
12. Have you ever been diverted from achieving an important goal by something that temporarily
seemed more attractive? Explain your answer.
The CYCLOPS
13. What does Odysseus’ desire to wait for the inhabitant of the cave tell you about his personality?
Explain.
14. Describe a Cyclops.
15. Why does Odysseus not kill Polyphemus when he first gets an opportunity to do so?
16. When Polyphemus asks his name, what does Odysseus tell him it is?
17. Why does he do this?
18. How do Odysseus and his men get out of the cave?
19. Who is Polyphemus’ father? Why will this become a problem for Odysseus and his men?
20. What survival qualities does Odysseus exhibit in the episode with the Cyclops?
The Odyssey Part I Questions
LAND OF THE DEAD
21. What does the ghost of Elpenor request?
22. What directions and warnings does Tiresias give?
23. What character traits does Odysseus display in this episode that he did not reveal in his adventure
with the Cyclops? Explain.
THE SIRENS
24. What do Odysseus’ men do to him as they approach the Sirens?
25. What does Odysseus do to the ears of his crewmen? Why does he do this?
26. How does Odysseus react to the Sirens’ song?
27. What does this episode tell you about Odysseus’ personality? Explain.
28. Gods, goddesses, and other characters in mythology often represent basic human qualities. What
do you think the Sirens represent?
SCYLLA AND CHARYBDIS
29. As Odysseus and his crew near Scylla and Charybdis, how do the men react?
30. How many of Odysseus’ men are killed by Scylla?
31. Why do you think Odysseus chooses to sail toward Scylla rather than Charybdis?
32. The popular saying “caught between a rock and a hard place” could accurately explain the
situation Odysseus and his crew are faced with in this episode. Explain why.
33. Was Odysseus right when he decided to keep his decision to sail toward Scylla a secret from his
men? Give reasons to support your opinion.
CATTLE OF THE SUN GOD
34. What does Eurylochus say to persuade Odysseus’ men to slaughter and eat the cattle of Helios, the
sun god?
35. What is Zeus’ response to Helios’ demand for revenge?
36. How does Odysseus manage to escape death?
REFLECTION ON PART I QUESTIONS:
37. During which of his adventures do you think Odysseus acts most heroically? Explain.
38. At what points in the story does Odysseus seem more like an ordinary man with weaknesses?
Explain.