Name:
Date:
The Odyssey Reading Guide
Part II – I am Laertes Son & The Lotus Eaters
Answers should be in complete sentences!
Period:
Circle the correct answer to the following questions.
1. True or False
Odysseus is trying to return to his home in Ithaca after fighting in Troy.
2. True or False
Zeus sends Hermes to deliver a message to Calypso.
3. True or False
Odysseus, content in Calypso’s care, has no desire to return home.
4. True or False
Calypso promises Odysseus that he will become immortal if he remains with her.
5. True or False
With the aid of the sea god, Poseidon, Odysseus is able to escape from Calypso.
6. What impression of Odysseus do you get from his description of himself? (Lines 126-130)
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7. What central idea of the poem does Odysseus express in this passage? (Lines143-146)
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8. Odysseus, who considers himself a great leader, blames his unruly crew for the Cicones’ attack. Does their
insubordination reflect unfavorably on Odysseus? Why or why not? (Lines 155-165)
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9. What do you think of the way Odysseus and his men behave towards the Cicones? Do armies behave like
this in modern times? How? (Lines 152-160)
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10. Why does Odysseus tie down the three men? What does this action tell you about him as a person and as a
leader? (Lines 204-215)
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