“The Cyclops” pages 986-993

“The Cyclops”: Lines 137-156 How does Homer build suspense with his discussion of Odysseus’ knowledge of wine? Homer builds suspense by preventing the audience from immediately encountering the cyclops, Polyphemus.

What does this quote foreshadow? “The Cyclops”: Lines 170-173 What does this quote foreshadow? “Ah, how sound that was! Yet I refused. I wished to see the cave man, what he had to offer- no pretty sight, it turned out, for my friends.” No pretty sight for my friends: This quote creates foreshadowing by hinting at the death of some of Odysseus’ men.

“The Cyclops”: Lines 232-238 How does the depiction of the demise of Odysseus’ men alter the mood of the reader? *Take time to define terms in the question that students may not understand Homer’s detailed depiction of this scene causes a shift for his audience. Rather than the mood staying adventurous or playful, after the death of Odysseus’ men, the mood shifts to gruesome and concerned.

“The Cyclops”: Lines 245-251 How does Odysseus show his use of cunning over strength in his attempt to escape? Does this help make him an Epic Hero? Rather than respond in violence/action, Odysseus realizes that killing Polyphemus would cause the rest of his crew to die due to the slab that blocked the doorway of Polyphemus’ cave. Odysseus then makes a plan to injure Polyphemus and then escape from the cave. Odysseus’ need to take responsibility/become the leader of this group illustrates his archetype of the hero.

“The Cyclops”: Lines 252-254 What is being personified in the quote below? Explain. When the young Dawn with fingertips of rose lit up the world, the Cyclops build a fire and milked his handsome ewes… Why would Homer personify this? Dawn is being personified…. Homer would personify the morning: Nature of Greek Polytheistic Mythology Every natural occurrence related to a god/goddess Dawn is not a goddess, but Homer can rationalize beauty only through the depiction of women

“The Cyclops”: Lines 266-284 What is Odysseus plan to escape?

“The Cyclops” How does Odysseus’ action show a juxtaposition between his character and the characters of his men? What would the typical warrior do? Odysseus: Think before Action Men: Fight first, Think Later Warriors from other Greek Myths typically responded with violence/action before planning or thinking.

How has Odysseus tricked Polyphemus? “The Cyclops”: Lines 312-316 How has Odysseus tricked Polyphemus? Odysseus provides the name ‘Nohbdy’ when Polyphemus asks for his name. This protects Odysseus’ identity and (has not happened at this point) causes confusion amongst Polyphemus’ brothers.

“The Cyclops”: Lines 352-356 How many questions do the other Cyclopes ask Polyphemus? What two basic things do the other cyclopes want to know? 4 Questions Why are you yelling? Are your sheep okay?

“The Cyclops”: Line 387 Stop reading at this line: So, breathing hard, we waited until morning.