Dangers Ahead
Why are the Lotus-Eaters dangerous to Odysseus and his men?
If the men eat the lotus flowers, they will forget home and not want to journey on.
In Part 1, what famous quality of Odysseus' is most clearly illustrated when he is in the land of the cyclops?
His cleverness is shown as he is able to trick the cyclops and create an escape plan.
Where do we see a lack of the example of the Greek values of agriculture, law, tradition, and social organization?
In part 2, what traits do we see of Penelope when she weaves and unweaves the shroud?
She is clearly clever to come up with this way of not having to marry, and it also shows her loyalty and fidelity to Odysseus.
If one is a "fugitive," the person is
Running away to avoid being arrested
The cyclops could pose a danger to Odysseus, but Odysseus blinds him rather than kill him. Why?
When Odysseus behaves recklessly in part 1, how do his men react?
They try to reason with him and tell him he is being too rash. They ask him not to goad the Cyclops, to not enrage him. They worry the Cyclops will drown their ship.
What purpose does the invocation serve beyond calling on the muse?
It introduces the epic hero, Odysseus and it briefly outlines the struggles Odysseus will face.
Why does Penelope test Odysseus toward the end of part 2?
She wants to know if he is truly her husband.
inflict harm on behalf of; to take revenge or exact retribution.
Where does Odysseus lose all of his men? Why?
He loses all of his men during the "Cattle of the Sun God" episode. The men ate the cattle when they knew they should not have.
What does Odysseus do when they approach the land of the Sirens'?
He has his men tie him to the mast so he can hear their song. He then has them plug their ears with wax.
The Sirens' song can best be described as...
a song that is meant to persuade Odysseus and his men that they will be at peace on the island and that it will be a place of great learning for them
Why doesn't Telemachus believe Odysseus is his father when he first sees him?
Odysseus' appearance is altered, so he thinks there may be some trickery afoot.
When might one employ "tactics"?
When creating a strategy for war.
What does the Cyclops (Polyphemus) do after Odysseus and his men escape?
He asks his father, Poseidon, to curse Odysseus and make his journey home hard and arduous.
In "Sailing from Troy," what does Odysseus' words suggest about him?
He is a family man who wants nothing more than to be home with his wife and son.
In the "Cattle of the Sun God" episode, what can be inferred about Eurylochus?
He is clever and cunning, and has a way with words that allows him to persuade the men after Odysseus has warned them not to eat the cattle.
Why might Odysseus have told Telemachus not to act if the suitors harm him?
He is afraid for his son's safety, and he also know that Telemachus might be quick to act. This could also put their plan in jeopardy.
The word "dissemble" means
To pretend or create an appearance of something; to conceal the truth of something
Why does Telemachus fear Odysseus may not win against the suitors?
There are so many of them, he wonders how the two of them could take them all on.
The episode on the island of the Lotus Eaters suggests what about Odysseus and his men?
His men can be easily influenced, and Odysseus is a good leader, for he is able to bring his men back to the ships and leads them away back on their journey home.
In part 2, Odysseus tells Telemachus to do what when he gives the signal?
Telemachus is to remove the armor and weapons from the hall.
In "The Challenge," how do the sound words intensify the scene?
They create auditory imagery that helps the suitors to see that the "beggar" is clearly skilled and may have the gods on his side (or be a god), thus building more tension.
"Incredulity" means
inability or unwillingness to believe something; skeptical