Download Questions for The Iliad and The Odyssey

The Odyssey
Homer
NAME _______________________
DATE ________________________
Answers must be written on separate loose leaf to be accepted for credit.
Questions after the Greek gods' family tree:
1.
According to Greek myth, how were earth and sky formed? How were humans created? By whom?
2.
Why was Cronus concerned about the security of his reign? What did he do to prevent his overthrow
by his children? How did this plan backfire?
3.
Explain, in detail, why we have seasons, according to Greek mythology.
4.
How did disease and evil originate? Why were humans punished with these plagues?
5.
Describe two people's punishment in the Underworld. What offense did each commit?
The Odyssey
Homer
NAME _______________________
DATE ________________________
Answers must be written on separate loose leaf to be accepted for credit.
Questions after Polyphemus' Cave:
1.
Explain how the disobedience of Odysseus' men creates problems in the land of the Cicones.
2.
Describe the danger of the Lotus Eaters. Explain how Odysseus kept from losing his men there.
3.
What offense did Polyphemus commit against the rules of Greek culture in his treatment of Odysseus
and his men? (See p. 909 and the notes on The Iliad.)
4.
Explain what actions Odysseus takes to save himself and his men from the Cyclops.
5.
How does the episode with the Cyclops show both Odysseus' strength and weakness as a leader?
6.
Why did Odysseus finally reveal his identity to Polyphemus? What five part curse did Polphemus
place on Odysseus once he knew his name?
K. Vilkas, North Salem High School, 6/18/17
The Odyssey
Homer
NAME _______________________
DATE ________________________
Answers must be written on separate loose leaf to be accepted for credit.
Questions after Scylla and Charybdis (second visit):
1.
What three warnings did Circe provide to Odysseus and the men?
2.
What information did Odysseus receive from his two sources in the Underworld?
3.
What is the danger of the Sirens? Explain how Odysseus and his crew escape their allure.
4.
Describe Scylla and Charybdis. What damage is suffered in the first passage through the strait between them?
5.
Where is Odysseus when his men slaughter the cattle of Helios, the Sun God? Explain how Zeus
punishes them.
6.
Alone, Odysseus faces Scylla and Charybdis for the second time. Describe his method of escape and
tell what happens to him afterward.
The Odyssey
Homer
NAME _______________________
DATE ________________________
Answers must be written on separate loose leaf to be accepted for credit.
Questions for the last section when Odysseus returns home:
1.
In what ways does Athena help Odysseus in this section?
2.
What part must Telemachus take in gaining his father's lands back?
3.
Explain how three of Penelope's actions show her to be well-suited to be the wife of the crafty Odysseus.
4.
Why is Penelope reluctant to accept this stranger as her husband?
5.
Explain how Odysseus' revenge against the suitors and the maids shows both his cleverness and courage.
6.
How has the "Five Part Curse" all come true?
K. Vilkas, North Salem High School, 6/18/17