1 What important information does Odysseus finally reveal to the Phaeacians at the start of book 9
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Who tells the story for the next 4 books? Why is this a challenge for Homer?
Who are the Cicones, what is their island called, and what did the Achaeans do there?
Who are the Lotus eaters, and what happened to 3 of his men on their island?
Describe the land of the Cyclopes (plural of Cyclops).
What question does Odysseus ask when he gets to the island of the Cyclopes, & when previously did he ask the same question?
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How was Cyclopes’ society different than that of Odysseus’?
With what intentions did Odysseus approach Polyphemus’ cave?
Polyphemus resembles both a man and a superhuman, in actions as well as behaviour.
Provide evidence to support this statement.
10 How does Odysseus appeal to the Cyclops when he meets him?
11 How does Polyphemus then react to the mention of Zeus?
12 Why did Odysseus lie when Polyphemus asked where his ship was? What does this show about Odysseus?
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Why didn’t Odysseus avenge the savage death of his friends right from the beginning (kill the cyclops)? What does this show about Odysseus?
14 Why does Odysseus lie about his name?
15 What is the pun to do with this name?
16 What is unusual about the wine Odysseus gets Polyphemus drunk on? Where did O get it from?
17 List in the right order, the steps Odysseus takes in order to blind Polyphemus. What does this show about Odysseus?
18 How do Odysseus and his men get out of the cave and what is the irony of this?
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Polyphemus’s speech to his favourite ram contradicts whatever impressions we have of him. Why? Provide evidence to illustrate your answer.
20 Why does Odysseus reveal his true identity as he escapes? What is the outcome? So was
Odysseus wise or rather stupid?
21 To whom does the Cyclops pray in when he has Odysseus’s name? Why is it unusual that he is praying? (Think back to what happened in P 117).
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What is the Cyclops’ prayer (explain in detail) and how does this affect Odysseus and his crew?
Explain the meaning of the word Polyphemus:
How significant is this for Odysseus the hero?
What do the Cyclopes look like?
Describe the land of the Cyclopes?

How does this theme apply to BOOK 9?
Provide THREE specific examples from Book 9 to illustrate:
Provide an example for each characteristic. Give the page / line for each example.
Irreverent
Cunning
Brutal
Foolish / gullible
Sentimental
Other
For each characteristic, give TWO examples. Give the page / line for each example.
CHARACTERISTICS
Resourceful / skilled
Cunning / smart / intelligent
Physically strong
Thirst for glory
Brave /defiant under threat
Loyal
Tactful / cautious / intuitive
Revengeful