HOMER, THE ODYSSEY, Pt. 2
Books 6-12
STUDY QUESTIONS
Book 6
How long has it been since Odysseus has been in civilized domestic society?
Book 7
What is the lie that Odysseus tells in lines 325-330 and why does he tell it?
When Odysseus tells of his history he never mentions his wife and son. Why do you think
this is so?
Book 8
The bard sings the tale of the clash between Odysseus and Akhilleus. Some traditions have
it that they quarreled over how Troy would be taken- whether through force or guile. The
final solution was of course Odysseus’ guileful hollow horse. Odysseus almost
breaks down at the hearing of this song but is able to skillfully restrain himself despite
the memories he must fight. Alkinoos perceives Odysseus’ distress but thinks that the
solution is a change of activities- from poetry to sports. How is Odysseus’ identity
revealed all the more during these games?
Book 9
When Odysseus and his companions are trapped in the cave of Polyphemos, how was Odysseus
able to deliver his little band?
As Odysseus sails away, he hurls taunts at the Cyclops and in a moment of reckless
gloating Odysseus speaks a bit of folly. What is it? ( line 573)
Book 10
What vice of Odysseus’ men do we see at the beginning of book 10 and what is its
result?
What vice of Polites do we see in lines 10.249-253?
Why is it especially appropriate that the men are turned into swine by Kirke?
What does Tiresias specifically command Odysseus to do before Tiresias will speak to him
and why would Tiresius give him such a odd task?
Book 11
Odysseus’ interview with Achilles in Hades is especially interesting because we see
the heroes of the Iliad and Odyssey come for a face to face interview. What startling
revelation does Achilles make about giving up the goodness of life to obtain glory?
What was the conflict between Odysseus and Ajax (Aias)? What is his response to
Odysseus’ attempt to speak with him?
Book 12
What does the story about the cattle on the island of Helios show us about Odysseus’
companions?