Questions and Answers
What was the name of the Cyclops that Odysseus and his men encounter?
Polyphemus
Who is the father of the Cyclops?
Poseidon
What details (imagery) help you to visualize the scene as the Cyclops first eats two of Odysseus' men?
rips them in half, tears out their entrails, crunching
Why doesn't Odysseus kill the Cyclops after the monster went to sleep?
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How many men at a time did the Cyclops eat? How many men did he eventually eat?
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What is the 'name' that Odysseus gives as his own to the Cyclops? How does this 'name' prove to be ironic later in the story?
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What 'gift' does the Cyclops say he will give to Odysseus for telling his name?
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What images does Homer use when Odysseus blinds the Cyclops?
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How would you characterize Odysseus when dealing with the Cyclops in the cave? After his escape?
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How do the men escape from the cave?
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Study Notes
Encounter with Polyphemus
- Odysseus and his men meet the Cyclops named Polyphemus during their journey.
- Polyphemus is the son of Poseidon, the god of the sea.
Imagery of Violence
- Vivid imagery depicts the Cyclops brutally devouring Odysseus' men, including ripping them in half and crunching their entrails.
Strategy for Survival
- Odysseus refrains from killing Polyphemus while he sleeps to ensure they can later exit the cave, which requires the Cyclops to move the heavy door.
Cyclops' Appetite
- Polyphemus consumes two men at a time, totaling six men throughout the encounter.
Irony of Identity
- Odysseus tells Polyphemus that his name is "Nobody," creating irony; other Cyclopes believe Polyphemus is being punished by the gods when he is attacked by someone named "Nobody."
Cyclops' Promise
- In a bizarre twist, Polyphemus vows that for revealing his name, Odysseus will be the last to be eaten.
Blinding Imagery
- The scene of Odysseus blinding Polyphemus is characterized with imagery of a shipwright turning a wheel and an eyeball hissing like heated iron.
Characterization of Odysseus
- Initially clever and resourceful in dealing with the Cyclops, Odysseus later endangers his crew by taunting Polyphemus post-escape.
Escape Plan
- The escape from the cave involves stabbing Polyphemus in the eye and hiding under the flock of sheep to slip past him.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the famous encounter between Odysseus and the Cyclops Polyphemus from Homer's 'The Odyssey'. This quiz covers key themes such as strategy for survival, vivid imagery of violence, and the irony surrounding Odysseus' identity. Dive into this riveting episode and see how well you understand the nuances of this mythological tale.
