Inference
The Monster in the Cave
November/December 2015
Core Skills Workout
Name: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
Heroic Inferences
Directions: Odysseus never explains how he feels or what he plans to do to Polyphemus in The Monster in the
Cave. But you can put together clues in the play to infer what is happening. Read each set of lines from the
play. Think about the questions in small type on the sides. Then make an inference to answer each question
in bold.
1. Think about these lines from Scene 1:
Odysseus: There are some islands ahead. Look at the small one—it appears
nobody is there.
Eos: Isn’t that too close to the island of the Cyclopes?
What does this
line tell you about
the kind of person
Odysseus is?
Linus: They say the Cyclopes are giants that enjoy the taste of human
flesh—that they’re more powerful than the gods!
What can you guess
about how Eos and
Linus feel about
going to the island
of the Cyclopes?
Odysseus: More powerful than Zeus, the king of the gods? I think not . . .
How is Odysseus’ attitude about going to the island different from his men’s attitudes? What does this
tell you about Odysseus? Explain.
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2. Now think about these lines from Scene 5:
How does
Polyphemus react
to Odysseus’
offering?
Odysseus: Enough, Cyclops! That’s six of my men you’ve devoured! How
can you treat your visitors this way? And to think that I brought you a drink
offering!
Polyphemus: A drink offering?
What do these lines tell you about what Odysseus plans to do?
How does Odysseus
feel about what
Polyphemus has done?
Why would
Odysseus offer
something nice to
someone who has
eaten six of his
friends? Hint:
He wouldn’t!
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© 2015 Scholastic Inc. Teachers may make copies of this page to distribute to their students.
Inference
The Monster in the Cave
November/December 2015
Core Skills Workout
Name: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
Heroic Inferences, p. 2
3. Think about these lines from Scene 6:
Cyclops 3: Is somebody doing you harm?
Polyphemus: Ahh! Nobody has blinded me! Nobody is trying to kill me!
Why is
Cyclops 1 yelling
at Polyphemus?
Cyclops 1: If nobody is hurting you, then be quiet so we can get some sleep!
What does Cyclops 1 think is happening? Why did Odysseus tell Polyphemus that his name
was Nobody?
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4. Think about the end of the play:
What is
Poseidon’s
relationship to
Polyphemus?
Polyphemus: Avenge me, great Poseidon! Grant that Odysseus never
reaches his home alive!
Homer: Odysseus sails into the setting sun, celebrating his victory. He has
no idea that Poseidon is furious . . . and things are about to get much, much
worse.
All Chorus: But that is a story for another day.
What does Homer suggest about Odysseus’ journey home to Ithaca? Explain.
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© 2015 Scholastic Inc. Teachers may make copies of this page to distribute to their students.
Character
The Monster in the Cave
November/December 2015
Core Skills Workout
Name: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
What a Character!
Character traits are the qualities a character has, like being kind or cruel, smart or silly. In this
activity, you will describe Odysseus’ traits using examples of his words and actions to support
your ideas.
Directions: Below are two adjectives that describe Odysseus. Find details and actions from the play that show
each trait. Then write two more things that Odysseus did and tell what character traits these actions suggest.
clever.
Odysseus is . . .
boastful.
I know this because
I know this because
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Another thing Odysseus does is Another thing Odysseus does is
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This tells me he is ____________________________.
This tells me he is ____________________________.
You Write It! Choose two of the character traits above and write a letter from Polyphemus to Poseidon in
which Polyphemus complains about how Odysseus is using these traits to defeat him.
© 2015 Scholastic Inc. Teachers may make copies of this page to distribute to their students.
Setting
The Monster in the Cave
November/December 2015
Core Skills Workout
Name: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
Understanding Setting
Directions: Setting is the time period and place in which a story happens. By describing the setting of a story,
an author can help you imagine living in the world of the characters. The Monster in the Cave takes place on
an island in Ancient Greece. Answer the questions below to help you understand the story’s location.
1. In Scene 1, where does Odysseus dock his ship? What is this place like?
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2. In Scene 2, where does Odysseus take his men? What is this place like?
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3. How does the setting of the cave change in Scene 3? How is the setting now an obstacle for Odysseus?
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4. Think about the setting of the cave; it’s dark and shadowy inside, and the entrance is blocked by a boulder.
How does Odysseus use this setting to help him defeat Polyphemus?
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© 2015 Scholastic Inc. Teachers may make copies of this page to distribute to their students.