The Odyssey: Book 9.56 – 484 and Book 10 Questions
note: you do not need to write out the questions
Book 9 (lines 56-484): “The Cyclops”
1. Looking at lines 56-67, in what ways does Odysseus describe the Cyclopes? How does he
let us know that they are uncivilized?
2. How does Odysseus describe the Cyclops’ cave?
3. What does Odysseus bring with him to the island of the Cyclopes?
4. Describe the wine. Where had he gotten it? Why had it been given to him?
5. When they enter the Cyclops’ cave, what do Odysseus’ men want to do? Why does
Odysseus refuse?
6. What does Odysseus tell the Cyclops he expects? What threat does Odysseus make?
7. What does the Cyclops reply to Odysseus?
8. What does the Cyclops do after his reply? Is this good hospitality?
9. Why does Odysseus lie to the Cyclops about his ship?
10. Why does Odysseus choose not to kill the Cyclops?
11. What does Odysseus make out of the olive tree? What does he plan to do with it?
12. What does Odysseus give to the Cyclops? Why does he do this?
13. What information does Odysseus tell the Cyclops? Why had Odysseus waited this long to
tell him this?
14. What two epic similes does Homer use to describe the action in lines 291-304? Why do you
think he uses two epic similes?
15. What is the Cyclops’ name?
16. When the other Cyclopes ask who is hurting Polyphemus, what does he reply?
17. Who do the other Cyclopes think is hurting Polyphemus?
18. Who is Polyphemus’ father?
19. When Polyphemus moves aside the rock that is blocking the entrance to his cave, what
does he do with his hands?
20. Briefly summarize how Odysseus and his men sneak past Polyphemus and escape the
cave.
21. What does Odysseus steal from Polyphemus? What does this tell you about Odysseus?
22. As Odysseus and his men are sailing away, what does Odysseus do?
23. What does the Cyclops throw at Odysseus’ ship? Where does it send the ship?
24. When Odysseus is about to shout again at the Cyclops, how do his men react?
25. What does Odysseus reveal to the Cyclops this time? What do his actions reveal about his
character?
26. To whom does Polyphemus pray? Briefly summarize what he prays for.
27. What does Odysseus do with his prized ram? Is it successful?
28. When Odysseus and his men set sail in the morning, why are they sad?
Book 10: “Circe, the Grace of the Witch”
1. Who is Aeolus? What gifts does he give to Odysseus? Why does he give gifts to him?
2. What do Odysseus’ men do with the gifts? What consequence does this have?
3. Who are the Laestrygones? What do they do to Odysseus and his fleet?
4. Who is Circe?
5. What is strange about the animals around the house of Circe?
6. When Circe invites the men inside her home, who chooses to stay outside? Why?
7. What happens to Odysseus’ men when they drink Circe’s potion?
8. Does Circe treat her guests with appropriate hospitality? Why or why not?
9. Who do you think were all those animals lying around Circe’s house? Can you now explain
their strange behavior?
10. Who saves Odysseus’ men? Briefly summarize how he resists her trickery.
11. How long are they stuck on Circe’s island? What must they do before they can go home?