The Odyssey: The Sirens

PART A: What tone is established in stanza 5?

• cautious

• enticing

• afraid

• ominous

PART B: Which TWO words or phrases from stanza 5 supports the tone selected in Part A?

• "charms the ear"

• "what e'er beneath the sun"

• "blest is the man"

• "oh stay"

• "achieved at Ilion in the field of fame"

In the painting, which element of Odysseus's struggle is emphasized?

• The attraction and allure Odysseus feels toward the Sirens.

• Odysseus's strength and valor.

• Odysseus bonded to the mast waiting in agony.

• Odysseus warning to his men about the sirens.

Each work depicts Odysseus's encounter with the sirens. What is emphasized in the poem that is absent from the painting?

• The description of the alluring nature of the sirens, as well as Ulysses' fear that he will succumb to temptation.

• Odysseus struggled against the mast of the ship as he passes the sirens.

• Only focuses on one scene where Odysseus is forced to listen to the sirens.

• Odysseus fighting the sirens to save his men from their allure.

Greek culture is known for its wisdom, temperance, justice and courage. How is the aspect of courage emphasized in the excerpt from The Odyssey: The Sirens?

• Odysseus's decision to listen to the sirens illustrates his curiosity about the sirens.

• Odysseus allows the men to tie him to the mast shows that he is fearless.

• The men's decision to disobey Odysseus and listen to the sirens highlight their strength.

• Odysseus's inability to resist the sirens calls depicts his true nature.

Read this excerpt from the text?

“‘In flowery meads2 the sportive3 Sirens play,

Touch the soft lyre4, and tine5 the vocal lay;

Me, me alone, with fetters6 firmly bound,

The gods allow to hear the dangerous sound.

Hear and obey; if freedom I demand,

[10] Be every fetter strain’d, be added band to band.’

What does this excerpt reveal about Odysseus?

• Odysseus believes he is far more superior than his men.

• Odysseus's motivation is to join the sirens in a quest for knowledge.

• Odysseus displays great strength and sacrifice.

• Odysseus wants to punish his men for being disobedient.

Which quote from the text reveals the narrators perspective about the sirens posing a threat?

• "Me, me alone, with fetters6 firmly bound" [line 8]

• "Be every fetter strain’d, be added band to band’" [line 10]

• "Attend while I what Heaven foredoom1 disclose" [line 2]

• "To live or perish! to be safe, be wise!" [line 4]