"The Cyclops" and "Ancient Greece"

How would you describe the main character of "The Cyclops"?

• The main character of "The Cyclops" is a cruel, brutal monster.

• The main character of "The Cyclops" is a curious, clever explorer.

• The main character of "The Cyclops" is a large, woolly ram.

• The main character of "The Cyclops" is a timid, weak soldier.

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Why don't Odysseus and his men run away from the Cyclops?

• Odysseus and his men are trapped in the cave by a boulder.

• Odysseus and his men want to help the Cyclops.

• Odysseus and his men are injured and unable to escape.

• Odysseus owes a debt to the Cyclops and is unable to leave until this debt is repaid.

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In what ways are Odysseus and the Cyclops similar?

• Both are prideful, and this pride can prevent them from foreseeing the consequences of their actions.

• Both are misunderstood by others, and both desire true friendship.

• Both are clever and are able to think quickly in spite of danger.

• Both incredibly superstitious, and both become paralyzed by fear of their destiny.

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Why does Odysseus often reference the ocean or sailing while telling this story?

• Odysseus is a seafarer journeying home to Ithaca, and sailing is a part of his normal life.

• Odysseus is terrified of the sea, and he uses images from sailing to portray his fear of the Cyclops.

• Odysseus is telling the story of the Cyclops to a group of sailers, and he knows they will recognize these references.

• The setting of this story occurs in the ocean.

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How does Polyphemus misjudge Odysseus?

• Odysseus is an ordinary human, and the Cyclops believes he can only be defeated by a creature stronger and larger than he is.

• Odysseus is secretly the god Ares disguised as a man, and the Cyclops believes he is an ordinary person.

• The Cyclops expects Odysseus to challenge him to battle, and Odysseus cowers in fear at the sight of the Cyclops.

• The Cyclops expects Odysseus to show great intelligence, and Odysseus reveals that he is only an ordinary man.

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How does Odysseus respond to his circumstances?

• Odysseus gives up hope when he sees the size of the Cyclops.

• Odysseus chooses to resist the Cyclops after he sees the courage of his men.

• Odysseus shows persistence as he works out a solution to his hardships.

• Odysseus focuses on his love for his wife and child whenever he encounters danger.

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How does the Cyclops respond to his prisoners?

• He treats them kindly and offers them milk from his sheep.

• He is terrified of them and hides behind a pile of dung.

• He only treats them well after Odysseus reminds him that Zeus will punish anyone who withholds hospitality.

• He acts cruelly and speaks scornfully to his prisoners.

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What role do the companions of Odysseus play within the story?

• They only speak once, and Odysseus refuses to heed their advice when they do.

• They challenge the authority of Odysseus and distrust him as a leader.

• They devise a scheme to defeat the Cyclops, and Odysseus goes along with their plan.

• They lead Odysseus to the cave of the Cyclops in the first place and then offer no help when they are imprisoned.

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