"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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.4

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5