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 ask the Cyclops about hospitality and the gods?
He is trying to determine whether the Cyclops will follow the Greek customs of xenia.
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.
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.
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 is the description “ignorant of civility” ironic?
The phrase initially sounds like the Cyclops is simply rude, but his behavior is actually much more violent and horrifying.
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.
What can readers infer from Odysseus's decision to use the name “Nobody”?
Odysseus understands that deception can help him defeat an opponent who is physically stronger than he is.
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?
They are powerful, intimidating, or difficult to defeat.
At the end of the story, Odysseus taunts Polyphemus and the Cyclops responds with anger. How does the author's word choice create a tense and ominous mood?
Words associated with anger, danger, and violence make it clear that Odysseus's actions could create further consequences.
Odysseus uses intelligence 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.
What is the strongest inference about Odysseus based on both his escape plan and his decision to taunt Polyphemus afterward?
Odysseus is highly intelligent and courageous, but his pride sometimes causes him to take unnecessary risks
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.