The Odyssey: Books 9-12 Flashcards
(20 cards)
Monsters, loss, temptation, survival, doom.
Book 12 Scylla
prophecy, ghosts, fate, kleos, regret
Book 11 Book of Dead
deception, hubris, escape, xenia, revenge
Book 9 Polyphemus
magic, temptation, delay, trickery, warnings
Book 10 Circe
How does odysseus’ intelligence help him escape from polyphemus? (3)
He tricks polyphemus by giving a false name, “Nobody”, and later blinds him when he sleeps. he then devises a clever escape by tying his men under the bellies of polyphemus’ sheep.
why does odysseus refuse to leave the cave before encountering polyphemus?
he is curious and hopes for gifts, believing in the traditional greek guest-host relationship (xenia).
what alias does odysseus use to deceive polyphemus and why?
“Nobody.” this prevents the other cyclopes from helping polyphemus when he cries out for aid as they think “nobody” is attacking him.
how does the theme of xenia (guest-host relationship) manifest in odysseus’ encounter with polyphemus?
polyphemus violates xenia by eating his guests rather than providing hospitality, showcasing his lawless nature.
how does odyssesu’ handling of the cyclops episode reflect both his strengths and flaws as a leader?
his intelligence sales his men, but his arrogance(hubris) endangers them by provoking polyphemus to curse them.
what does polyphemus unknowingly do that allows odysseus and his men to escape from the cave?
he moves the stone blocking the entrance to let his sheep out, allowing odysseus and his men to cling to the underside and escape.
what specific request does polyphemus make to poseidon after odysseus reveals his identity?
he asks Poseidon to make odysseus return home late, alone, I’m suffering, and to find trouble at home.
what mistake do odysseus’ men take that leads them back to aeolus’ island?
they open the bag of wind while odysseus sleeps, thinking it contains treasure, releasing the winds and blowing them off the course.
why does aeolus refuse to help odysseus a second time?
he believes odysseus is curse by the gods and does not want to defy their will.
which god gives odysseus a magical hern to resist circes magic?
she offers him food, luxury, and the promise of guidance for his journey home
how long do odysseus and his men stay on circes island?
one year
how does the theme of temptation manifest in book 10?
odysseus succumbs to indulgence and comfort, delaying their journey home.
how does eurylochus contrast with odysseus in his reaction to circe?
eurylochus is more cautious and skeptical, refusing to enter circes home whereas odysseus body confronts her.
how does circe challenge traditional greek gender roles?
she is a powerful woman who controls men through magic.
what protective plant does hermes give odysseus to counteract circes magic?
Moly
what warning does circe give odysseus about his upcoming journey and trials?
she wants him about the dangers ahead, including the sirens, scylla, and charybdis.
