THE ODYSSEY
Thoroughly answer each of the following study questions in complete sentences. Some questions may
require more than one sentence to give the complete answer. All answers must be typed and submitted on
turnitin.com by the assigned date and time. Failure to submit the assignment to turnitin.com will result in a
grade of “Z”. This is an independent assignment that is to be completed individually and with no resource
other than the textbook.
BOOK 9
1. Why does Odysseus have to force three of his men to leave the land of the Lotus Eaters?
2. When they first discover the cave of the Cyclops, how do Odysseus and his men differ in what
they wish to do?
3. How does the Cyclops treat the men?
4. Why can the men not escape when the Cyclops leave the cave?
5. How do Odysseus and his men escape from the cave?
6. What are some of Odysseus’ heroic qualities? How does Homer show the contrasts in Odysseus’
qualities?
BOOK 10
1. In the beginning of the selection, how does Eurylochus prove himself to have good judgment?
2. How does the god Hermes help Odysseus?
3. Once Circe realizes who Odysseus is, why does her attitude toward him change?
4. Why do Odysseus’ men ask to leave the island of Circe?
5. At the end of the selection, Odysseus dreads the trip home. Why?
6. Throughout The Odyssey, Homer uses many epithets and epic similes. Find two examples relating
to Odysseus and two examples relating to Circe. How does Homer’s use of language and diction
help portray these characters that furthers the concepts of hero and villain.
BOOK 12
1. What kind of threat do the Sirens pose to the sailors?
2. Explain why Odysseus chooses a different method of protecting himself from the Sirens than the
method he uses to protect his men? What are the two methods?
3. Describe the three hurdles Circe warns Odysseus about.
4. Why does Circe consider Scylla a less serious threat than Charybdis?
5. What warning does Circe give Odysseus about the island of Thrinacia?
6. How do Odysseus’ men disobey him?
7. Explain what happens to Odysseus’ ship at the end of the selection.
8. Create theme statements for the following concepts based on The Odyssey:
a. Heroism
b. Pride
c. Power
d. Home/Family
e. Responsibilities/Duty to Others
BOOK 21; 22; 23
1. What is the archery contest and what is the prize?
2. Describe Odysseus’ performance in the contest.
3. Explain how Odysseus proves to Penelope that he is her husband.
4. In a one-paragraph response, explain why you believe The Odyssey is still considered to be a
classic more than 2,500 years after it was created. Consider the elements of the epic: character,
conflict, and theme.