Word Choice
Why does Homer describe the Cyclopes as having no assemblies, laws, or shared councils?
To emphasize that they are lawless and uncivilized and contrast them with an organized society.
What character trait does Odysseus demonstrate when he decides to stay in the cave instead of immediately taking the cheese and lambs?
Curiosity and a desire for honor or guest-gifts.
Based on the way the Cyclopes live, what can you infer about their society?
They are independent and isolated rather than organized into a unified society.
Who tells the story of the Cyclops?
Odysseus
As used in the story, what does civility most nearly mean?
Politeness and respect for social customs.
Odysseus describes the Cyclops as being “ignorant of civility.” What does this word choice suggest about the Cyclops?
He does not follow the expected rules of politeness and hospitality
Is Homer using direct or indirect characterization when the reader learns about the Cyclops through his actions?
Indirect characterization.
Why does Odysseus lie about where his ship is?
He suspects the Cyclops may be dangerous and wants to prevent him from finding or destroying the ship.
How does Odysseus's point of view affect how readers see Polyphemus?
Readers primarily see Polyphemus as dangerous, violent, and uncivilized because the story is filtered through Odysseus's perspective.
If someone is described as cunning, what does that mean?
Clever at using tricks or strategies to accomplish a goal.
Homer uses comparisons to describe the Cyclops attacking Odysseus's men. What is the effect of these comparisons?
They emphasize the brutal, animal-like force of the Cyclops's actions.
What does Odysseus's lie about his ship reveal about his character?
He is cunning, strategic, and able to think quickly.
What can readers infer from Odysseus's decision to use the name “Nobody”?
Odysseus is cunning and knows that lying/being deceptive can help him defeat the Cyclops.
If the story were told from Polyphemus's point of view, how might his view of Odysseus be different?
He might see Odysseus as an intruder or criminal rather than as a clever hero.
If Odysseus devises a plan, what does “devises” mean?
Creates or develops a plan.
Why does Odysseus stop himself from killing the sleeping Cyclops?
He realizes that he and his men would still be trapped because they cannot move the huge boulder blocking the cave.
Why does Odysseus ask the Cyclops about hospitality and the gods?
He is trying to determine whether the Cyclops will follow the Greek customs of xenia/hisoitality.
What central idea is developed through Odysseus's success in escaping the Cyclops?
Intelligence and cunning can overcome physical strength.
If a person is formidable, what can you infer about that person?
Odysseus showed great cleverness when dealing with the formidable giant known as the Cyclops.
They are powerful, intimidating, or difficult to defeat.
Odysseus uses his cunning way to escape the Cyclops but later reveals his real name. What does this reveal about his character?
He is clever and resourceful, but his pride or hubris can cause him to make dangerous decisions.
From lines 211-225, what can you infer about how the Cyclops feels about xenia or hospitality VS how Odysseus feels about xenia or hospitality?
Odysseus believes in xenia. He thinks that the Cyclops should shelter, feed, and protect them like divine law says. The Cyclops does not care about xenia and said he does not care about Zeus or any of the gods because Cyclops are stronger/better.
How do Odysseus's strengths and weaknesses work together to develop a central idea of the story?
His cunning allows him to escape the Cyclops, but his hubris causes him to taunt Polyphemus, showing that intelligence and success can be undermined by pride.
A character who shows hubris has excessive pride in his own abilities. Which event in “The Cyclops” best demonstrates Odysseus's hubris?
He reveals his true identity and taunts Polyphemus after he has already escaped.