English quiz Odyssey study guide Ch 9

Hubris

Extreme pride or self-confidence, defiance of the gods, and ultimately leads to nemesis.

How does Odysseus introduce himself to the Phaeacians? What does Odysseus stress about himself and why? 

Odysseus introduces himself as the son of Laertes, understanding that King Alcinous knows of his father and therefore knows of his power, high standard, and heritage. Odysseus stresses that men see him for who he is in times of peace and war because he is skilled in both as a king. Consider how PRIDE differs from HUBRIS.

What happens when Odysseus and his crew land near Ismarus? (page 897)

Odysseus and his crew land near Ismarus, the city of the Cicones, who are the allies of the Trojans. When Odysseus and his men raid the Cicones, the Ciconian army kills 72 of Odysseus’ men and drives the rest out to sea.

What happens to those who eat the Lotus?

Odysseus’ men eat the lotus plant and forget about wanting to go home. The men want to stay there forever and eat the Lotus. Described as having “drug-like” qualities.

How does Odysseus rescue his men from the land of the Lotus Eaters? What does it tell the audience about the hero and his relationship with his men? What does this show about his leadership?

Odysseus brings his men back to the ship by force and ties them up. This reflects Odysseus’ relationship with his men; he feels obligated and responsible for them, and he is quick-witted and ready to do what it takes to save them and get them home. This also shows that Odysseus is willing to do whatever it takes as a leader. 

What kind of creatures are the Cyclopes? (look at lines 56-67, page 898).

The Cyclopes are portrayed as lawless, clumsy, and stupid; they are very large monsters with one eye.

Provide an example of an epithet- 

“When the young Dawn with fingertips of rose came in the east” (9. 68-69).

This use of “with fingertips of rose” to describe the personified Dawn is a famous epithet- a descriptive phrase that presents a trait of a person or thing. 

What is Odysseus’ reply to his men when they voice their desire to steal the Cyclops’ cheese and lambs?

Odysseus tells his men to wait because he is curious to see who inhabits the cave.

How do Odysseus and his men threaten the Cyclops in their response?

Odysseus and his men expect the Cyclops' help and gifts (hospitality). Odysseus’s reply to the Cyclops stresses the claim that it "[is] custom [...] to honor a stranger. We would entreat you, great Sir, have a care for the gods’ courtesy; Zeus will avenge the unoffending guest" (citation). It is implied that if the Cyclops does not welcome Odysseus and his men into his home, Zeus will avenge Odysseus.

Xenia

Is the ancient Greek concept of hospitality, generosity, and courtesy shown to those far from home and/or associates of the person bestowing guest-friendship.

What does the Cyclops do to Odysseus and his men? Does the Cyclops participate in xenia when he interacts with Odysseus and his men?

The Cyclops eats Odysseus’s men and refuses to take part in xenia when he interacts with Odysseus and his men. The Cyclops proclaims that the Cyclopes “‘care not a whistle for your thundering Zeus or all the gods in bliss’” (9.179-180). This is not the ideal belief for the Greeks, and so he is punished by losing his eye, 

What pun is used when Odysseus tells the Cyclops his name?

(A pun is a play on words that produces a humorous effect by using a word that suggests two or more meanings or by exploiting similar-sounding words that have different meanings.)

Odysseus tells the Cyclops that his name is Nohbdy. When Polyphemus calls for help from the other Cyclopes, Polyphemus answers their questions with, “Nohbdy’s tricked me, Nohbdy’s ruined me ” (9.317).

What happens to the Cyclops?

Odysseus and his men give Polyphemus the “pure and fiery” brandy; given to Odysseus by Euanthes’ son, Maron. Once Polyphemus is intoxicated and falls asleep, Odysseus and his men sharpen an olive tree into a spike and jam it into his only eye, blinding him.

What is the Cyclops’s name? Who is his father?

The Cyclops’s name is Polyphemus. Polyphemus’s father is the God of the Sea and Earthquakes, Poseidon.

How does hubris get Odysseus into trouble after he escapes with Polyphemus’ sheep? How is he then cursed? 

Odysseus’s hubris gets him into trouble because he gloats and boasts to the Cyclops, giving him his name and home. Odysseus feels compelled to take ownership of blinding the giant cyclops per the rules of kleos.

• Odysseus responds to Polyphemus, yelling, “Cyclops, if ever mortal man inquire how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him Odysseus, raider of cities, took your eye: Laertes’ son, who home’s on Ithaca!” (9.416-419).

Odysseus is then cursed because Polyphemus prays to his father, Poseidon, to prevent him from journeying home to Ithaca, that all his men will die on the journey.

• “O hear me, lord, blue girdler of the islands, if I am thine indeed, and thou art father: grant that Odysseus, raider of cities, never see his home: Laertes’ son, I mean who kept his hall on Ithaca. Should destiny intend that he shall see his roof again among his family in his father land, far be that day, and dark the years between. Let him lose all companions, and return under strange sail to bitter days at home” (9.443-452).

Looking at Odysseus as the epic hero who “stands for the ideals of a nation or race,” what ideals or beliefs do you think Odysseus represents? 

• Leadership: 

  • A man should be a good leader who is intelligent and devoted to his men.

• Importance of xenia

• Courage and perseverance 

• Importance of the gods/goddesses: 

  • A man should be able to give credit to the gods/goddesses for their support.

  • Without the gods, man is nothing.

  • Do not anger the gods by thinking you can do it all by yourself; give them their due credit.

• Cleverness/ Intelligence/Curious 

  • Use your mind and think for yourself 

  • The gods will not do for men what men will not do for themselves.

• “You get what you deserve”

• Loyalty: 

  • Honor your husband/wife and stay true to them in your heart.

• Never steal a man’s possessions: land, wife, etc. 

• Traitors are killed regardless of gender.

• A wife should always remain faithful to her husband.

• The journey makes up your life- not just the end result.

• Punishment for wrongdoing