CLASS CIV - THE ODYSSEY

What impression do you get of Calypso from this passage??

What impression do you get of Calypso from this passage??

Calypso appears to be generous:

• she gives Odysseus tools to build a raft so that he can leave ‘I am ready with all my heart to help you leave’;

• she offers him food and wine for the voyage, clothes and a following wind.

She appears to be compassionate:  ‘my unhappy friend…don’t waste any more of your life…’.

She appears to be selfless:  encouraging him to go even though she loves him.

She disparages herself:  ‘gods…who have more power to plan and to ordain than I have’;  perhaps a bitter reference to Zeus’ orders.

Odysseus’ journey from Calypso’s island to the land of the Phaeacians

• Odysseus sails for seventeen days with no trouble
• Then Poseidon catches sight of him and sends a storm that wrecks his raft
• Odysseus thinks he will drown
• He’s helped by Ino/Leucothoe/white goddess (detail rewarded)
• He swims towards land - but has trouble finding a place to get ashore; until he reaches a river mouth;  
• He prays to the river to allow him to get to land
• The river holds back its current so Odysseus can swim and then stumble ashore he goes to sleep under some olive bushes

Explain why Calypso decided to help Odysseus to leave her island??

• The gods assemble on Olympus
• Athene is concerned about Odysseus and therefore asks Zeus to take an interest
• Zeus intends that Odysseus should get back home and so orders Hermes to travel to Calypso’s home to tell her to release Odysseus
• Calypso, though resentful, has to agree to Zeus’ command as all other immortals must obey Zeus’ instructions. 

What impression do you get of Calypso in this passage?

What impression do you get of Calypso in this passage?

• Beautiful but yet formidable goddess 
• Offers very generous xenia  
• Devious in offering Odysseus immortality  
• Desperate for Odysseus to remain on her island 
• Selfish to ignore Odysseus’ desire not to stay at Ogygia for an overly long time 
• Lonely
• Obedient to the will of Zeus. 

What help does Calypso give Odysseus?

• Took him in after the storm and looked after him  
• Shows him where the best trees are for building a raft  
• Provides him with an axe and boring tools  
• Provides cloth for the sail  
• Provides provisions for the voyage – bread, wine, water, grain, meats and clothes  
• Causes a favourable wind to arise when he is about to leave her island 
• Gives advice about sailing by the stars.

Explain how Odysseus survived the storm sent by Poseidon and was washed up on the shores of the land of the Phaeacians

• Ino appears and offers him a veil which will keep him safe  
• Ino tells him to take off Calypso’s clothes to prevent him from drowning  
• Odysseus eventually decides to follow her advice because he is desperate 
• Athene calms the storm and summons the North wind to flatten the waves 
• Odysseus weighs up options of the most viable place to land  
• Athene advises him to grab hold of a rock and to swim further along
• Odysseus’ prayer to the river god is successful as the waters are calmed

What impression do you get of Odysseus in this passage?

What impression do you get of Calypso in this passage? 

• The fire on the hearth suggests a welcoming and civilised place
• The scent is fragrant; Calypso is civilised as she is singing and weaving
• She is rich as she uses a golden shuttle
• The birds and trees suggest a natural environment
• The plants that grow suggest fertility
• The crystal rivulets suggest purity and the channelling shows skilful organisation
• Peaceful birds are roosting
• It is a very isolated place
• As final comment says “even an immortal must pause to gaze and wonder in delight” it must be beyond ordinary human talent.

What did Hermes and Calypso say to each other after Hermes had been given hospitality?

• Hermes says Zeus had sent him, otherwise no one would go to Calypso’s
• No one can refuse Zeus’ wishes
• Hermes reported Zeus’ message, in particular the demand that Calypso should release Odysseus
• Calypso was angered at the attitude of the gods who get enraged if a goddess sleeps with a man
• She said that she rescued Odysseus when he was washed up on her shore
• She offered him immortality
• She said that she could not refuse Zeus, so would let him go; She said that she refused to help him on his way, but would give him directions to return home.

What different sides of Odysseus’ character do you see during his time with Calypso?

• At first Odysseus seems weak as he is crying on the shore, but later he stands up to Calypso
• He seems powerless to resist her, but at the end he rejects her offer of immortality and is loyal to his wife
• At first he seems resourceless and trapped, but later appears resourceful in building his raft
• Unfaithful in sleeping with Calypso, although it is clear that by the end of his stay, he is a reluctant lover
• Cunning in forcing Calypso to swear an oath; 

How does Homer make this description of Hermes and his journey vivid and interesting?

• Immediacy of Hermes’ departure shows the power of Zeus.  Magical powers of Hermes’ wand show his power
• Description of the lovely sandals of untarnishable gold shows the splendour of Hermes
• Simile of the gull shows the low flight of Hermes and the speed of Hermes
• Geographical reference helps put Hermes’ flight into the real world
• Epithets show the power of Hermes.

What had Athene and Zeus been saying about Odysseus and had journey before this passage?

• Athene said that none of Odysseus’ people give him a thought anymore
• He was languishing on Calypso’s island and being kept captive
• She said he cannot get home as he has no ship or crew
• Zeus said this was all Athene’s doing so he could return home and get revenge
• Hermes was to take a message to Calypso
• Odysseus was to set off home, but with no help from gods or men
• He said he was to build his own raft and after 20 days reach the land of the Phaeacians
• They will take him home and give him bronze, gold and woven materials

Explain why the role of Zeus is important in The Odyssey

• He is the overseer of justice (in sending the storm in book 12)
• He is the god responsible for xenia which is essential for Odysseus getting home
• To be assisted by Zeus at times adds to the idea of Odysseus being a hero
• His rule is absolute (as Hermes says at 5.112– 115.)  Odysseus feels Zeus is punishing him early in book 9 with the Cicones and the storm
• He agrees to Odysseus’ departure from Ogygia

How does Homer make this passage vivid and interesting?

How does Homer make this passage vivid and interesting?

• Precise detail of the olive bushes
• Creation of bed by Odysseus shows his creative talents
• Epithet of “long-suffering” reminds us of the troubles he faces in getting home
• Simile suggests the desolation of Odysseus and his preservation skills
• Help of Athene at the end gives the passage a calm ending, whilst reminding us of the suffering of Odysseus. 

Odysseus survived the storm after he left Calypso’s island. Describe the help that the gods and the goddess gave him to survive the storm

• Ino gave him a veil to keep him afloat and advice about how to use it
• Athene checked all the winds and summoned to North Wind to flatten the waves
• Athene gave him the idea to grab onto a rock to avoid the waves
• Athene gives him the idea to swim beyond the coastal breakers and then along outside them
• The local river god checked its current for Odysseus. 

What impression do you get of Odysseus in this passage?

• He listens to advice when given the veil, but at first he is very suspicious of the advice
• He weighs up options when deciding whether to try to get on land
• He is respectful in praying to the gods
• He is a sensible captain in lowering the sails in book 9
• He does not give up when the storm rages after the bag is opened
• He is resourceful in creating a raft when his boat is wrecked in book 12
• He can lose heart as in the storm after Aeolus’ isle.

What impression do you get of Odysseus in this passage?

What impression do you get of Odysseus in this passage?

• Full of flattery  
• Respectful in keeping his distance  
• Suffered greatly during the storm 
• Victim of the gods
•  Lacking hope  
• Sorry for himself  
• Supplicant.

What help does Nausicaa gives Odysseus before he reaches the palace of Alcinous?

• Provides clothing 
• Provides opportunity and oil for bath  
• Gives directions  
• Shows xenia – food, drink  
• Background about life in the land of the Phaeacians  
• Advice on how to approach her parents – when inside the palace he should ignore Alcinous and beg Arete  She allows him to follow the wagon 
• She tells him to wait at the grove of Athene. 

Explain why Nausicaa offers to help Odysseus.

• Athene has made Nausicaa think of getting married 
• Athene has enhanced Odysseus’ looks  
• Athene has put courage into Nausicaa’s heart 
• She feels sorry for him  
• She falls for his charm 
• She abides by the rules of xenia 
• She likes him. 

What impression of Nausicaa do you get from this passage?

What impression of Nausicaa do you get from this passage?

• She is commanding to her maids;  
• As the maids obey her, she is respected;  
• She is perceptive in realising the gods didn’t oppose his landing in Phaeacia;  
• Impulsive or keen in wanting to marry a man like him so soon after meeting him;  
• Hospitable in giving Odysseus food and drink;  
• Willing to work in folding clothing and harnessing the mules;  
• Polite in addressing him as “sir”;  
• Helpful in promising to give him directions;  
• Fine waggon suggests she and her family are rich. 

What did Nausicaa advice Odysseus  to do in the land of the Phaeacians?

• While in the countryside, Odysseus should walk with the maids behind the wagon 
• When they reach a wood, sacred to Athene, he should sit and wait while Nausicaa goes on ahead
• He should then carry on and ask for the palace
• Once through the courtyard, he should walk through the hall until he reaches Arete
• He should go past Alcinous and grab Arete’s knees if he wishes to see his home again.

In which ways might meeting of Nausicaa and Odysseus interest the reader?

• It allows us to see Odysseus’ skills as a speaker in his address to Nausicaa;  
• It gives Odysseus (and us) some background information on Phaeacia; 
• It shows the importance of hospitality;  
• It shows Nausicaa to be very different from Calypso (allow discussion of Circe also) and a very different relationship between Odysseus and Nausicaa;  
• It hints (at this stage) of another possible relationship;  
• It calms our fears that Odysseus might be in danger.

What impression of Odysseus do you get from his thoughts and actions in this passage?

What impression of Odysseus do you get from his thoughts and actions in this passage?

• He weighs up the situation carefully before venturing out.  
• He might be seen as initially despondent.
• He is cautious in moving from out of the bushes.
• He is tactful in covering himself up. He stalks his “prey” carefully.
• He might be seen as being a proud (or dangerous) individual in being compared to a lion.

Describe what Nausicaa and her maids had been doing at the river?

• They unharnessed the mules and let them graze.  
• They unloaded the clothes and trod them in the water.
• They rinsed these and spread them to dry on the beach.
• They then bathed and oiled themselves.  
• They ate their picnic.
• They took off their headgear and played with a ball. Nausicaa led the girls in a song.  
• One of the maids missed the ball and it fell in the river. 

Explain why it would be unfair to call the Phaeacians ‘hostile and uncivilized savages’

• They have a government and a king.
• They show xenia to Odyssey (food, drink, help, no questions asked).  
• They have respect for women as shown by the position of Arete.
• Women conform to Greek customary roles.  
• Nausicaa’s concern for her reputation.
• The Phaeacians show civilisation in that they have a fleet.
• Buildings and orchards show a highly developed society.  
• They are favoured by the gods, especially Poseidon.

How does Homer make the description of the entrance of the palace of Alcinous vivid and interesting?

How does Homer make the description of the entrance of the palace of Alcinous vivid and interesting?

• Simile suggests the brightness of the scene  
• Use of colour and richness in the descriptions 
• Involvement of gods in construction  
• Description of dogs as if they were real guardians  
• Use of epithets show grandeur of the entrance  
• Reaction of Odysseus shows the impressiveness  
• Impressive height of building.

Describe what had happened as Odysseus made his way to the palace of Alcinous.

• Odysseus prayed in Athene’s grove 
• Nausicaa left Odysseus and carried on home  
• Athene covered him in a thick mist  Athene, in disguise, met him  
• She advised him about the suspicions of the Phaeacians 
• She led him to the palace  She told him about the royal family (credit details)  
• She advised him to approach Arete and spoke of the Phaeacians respect for her.

Explain why the Phaeacians welcomed Odysseus when he came to the palace of Alcinous.

• They abide by the rules of xenia  
• Odysseus was polite towards them  
• Alcinous does not want to seem rude before his council  
• They feel pity for Odysseus  
• His magical entrance made them feel he was a special visitor  Odysseus approaches Arete as advised  
• The Phaeacians are protected by the gods and the gods would not send any threatening visitor to the Phaeacians  
• He might even be a god. 

What impression of Odysseus do gain in this passage?

What impression of Odysseus do gain in this passage?

• He is full of self-pity at the start
• He is perhaps perceptive in realising his sufferings are due to the gods
• He is quite demanding/rude/desperate in insisting that he be allowed to eat and to be sent home
• He shows a philosophical nature in his comments about the importance of food
• He is desperate to get home
• He is extremely hungry. 

What had happened after Odysseus had entered the palace of King Alcinous?

• The mist is dispersed by Athene
• Odysseus goes straight up to Arete and clasps her knees
• He begs the Phaeacians for an escort home
• There is silence at first
• A Phaeacian elder reminds Alcinous of his duty
• He is seated on Alcinous’ son’s chair; His hands are washed by a maid
• Food (bread and delicacies) and drink are brought to Odysseus
• Libations are made to Zeus
• Alcinous suggests they retire and the next day gather the elders to decide how to help Odysseus get home
• After the speech Arete questioned Odysseus after recognising his clothes
• Odysseus then told of his recent adventures. 

Explain why Odysseus received so much help during his travels?

• Greek rules of xenia demand that strangers should be well treated.
• He is a very persuasive speaker (e.g. with Nausicaa)
• He is polite to those he meets He is an attractive man whose looks ensure he gets help from female characters (Circe and Calypso are very attracted to him)
• His heroic exploits at Troy mean that he is well known and respected by Alcinous
• The gods were keen for him to get home and had engineered his departure from Ogygia.
• He is fated to get home
• Athene had made Nausicaa go to the beach, not run on seeing Odysseus, and had made him more attractive

What impression do you get from this passage of Odysseus’ skills as a leader?

What impression do you get from this passage of Odysseus’ skills as a leader?

Odysseus’ rashness endangers his men’s lives as well as his own

• the Cyclops is enraged by Odysseus;

• Odysseus is egotistically concerned with his honour and reputation;  while his men just want to survive.

Odysseus leads by example:  

• he is the one to seize the long pole and push the ship off.

Odysseus commands and his men obey:  ‘They leant forward and rowed with a will’.

But his men also express dissent:

• my men called out, trying to restrain and pacify me.’

Odysseus seems indifferent to his men’s anxieties: He seems isolated and out of control, when he should be cool-headed, keeping the boat intact and his men safe.

The Cyclops curse Odysseus. Describe what the Cyclops says and does.

• he raised up his hands;  
• prayed to Poseidon his father; 
• to grant that Odysseus should never arrive back home in Ithaca; 
• or if he does let it be ‘late’ (ie after many years);  
• in a wretched state;  
• having lost all his men;  
• in a foreign ship; 
• and let him find trouble in his house, which Poseidon agrees to. 

Explain how the Cyclops is a bad host to Odysseus and his men.

• Odysseus brings a gift of strong wine with him to the Cyclops’ cave;  
• though his men want to steal cheeses and livestock and run away he wants to stay in the cave until the owner returns, to get gifts;  
• and (presumably) to give his gift in return so as to establish relations of xenia (reciprocal hospitality and gift-giving) with whoever lives there;
• Odysseus reminds the Cyclops that Zeus is god of guests (Xenios);  the Cyclopes care nothing for Zeus or xenia; 
• when Odysseus gives the Cyclops his gift of wine the Cyclops responds with an obscene parody of xenia namely, his ‘gift’ to Odysseus will be to eat him last;  
• possible references to the Cyclops’ systematic violation of all the conventions of xenia, eg eating guests instead of feeding them, starting to interrogate them straight away, not letting them go on their way when they want, (in a kind of anti-xenia, but this is not essential)

How does Homer create a dramatic and horrific picture in this passage?

How does Homer create a dramatic and horrific picture in this passage?

• The attack at the start is very sudden
• The ease with which Polyphemus kills the me;  
• The similes show the weakness of the men and the ferocity of Polyphemus in devouring all the men
• The brains running out shows the power of Polyphemus;  “Soaked” shows a vast amount of blood

What had Odysseus said to Polyphemus about himself and about his journey before the passage?

• He said he and his crew were Achaeans
• They were on the way back from Troy  
• He said they had been driven astray 
• He assumed that Zeus had intended them to take the wrong route 
• He said he was proud to belong to the forces of Agamemnon
• He asked, as a suppliant, for hospitality as Zeus was the god of guests  
• He hoped that Polyphemus would give them gifts as guests were sacred to him 
• He said his ship had been wrecked by Poseidon, and his ship had been hurled onto the rocks

What positive qualities did Polyphemus show elsewhere in the story?

• He is a clever farmer as he can make cheese; 
• He is organised as he pens the different ages of lambs and kids separately;  
• He methodically milks his animals and puts the young to each mother
• He plans ahead as he has brought in wood for a fire (accept he knows how to make a fire)
• He was forward thinking to ask about Odysseus’ fleet and to shut the door when he went out in the morning
• He shows affection towards his great ram.  
• He is respectful in the tone of address he adopts in his prayer to Poseidon. 

What impression of Odysseus do you gain in this passage?

What impression of Odysseus do you gain in this passage?

• He is sensible to land to get water and have a meal
• His decision to send three men inland could be interpreted in various ways
• He might be praised for not risking too many men, or criticised for not going in person himself
• He cares for his men as he does not abandon the three men who have eaten the lotus
• He is physically strong as he uses force and drags them under the benches
• He is sensible and decisive in leaving the island immediately. 

Describe what happened when Odysseus and his crew came to the land of the Cicones

• They sacked the place
• They took the women and plunder from the town
• This was divided equally; Odysseus said that they should leave
• The men refused, preferring to feast and drink
• The Cicones called on their neighbours for help
• The next day the battle resumed
• It was fairly even at the start, but Odysseus ended up losing 6 men per ship before escaping.

Explain why you might feel some sympathy for the fate of Odysseus’ men in the Odyssey

• The crew are cursed to die because of Odysseus’ mistake in revealing his identity to Polyphemus
• They are fated to die in the curse
• He does not always listen to the advice of his men, which can be sensible (e.g. to leave Polyphemus’ cave)
• Odysseus did not share information about the bag of wind
• They might be naturally suspicious about why he refused to sleep or let any of them near the bag
• They have to get him to leave Circe’s island. He loses sight of his mission
• They die horribly in several situations, and have to witness deaths of comrade
• They nearly get to Ithaca from the island of Aeolus

How does Odysseus present himself and his men in this passage?

How does Odysseus present himself and his men in this passage?

• He and his men show initial fear.  
• Odysseus shows courage and leadership in being the only one able to speak.  
• Honest in telling what had happened since Troy.
• He (and his men) are proud of the Greek success, but he is possibly big-headed.  
• Respectful to his commander Agamemnon.
• Tactful in politely asking for help, but alternatively could be seen as presumptuous.

What did the Cyclops do between returning to his cave and spotting Odysseus and his men?

• He threw down the firewood he had been carrying.  
• He drove the flocks he was milking into the cave, but left the males outside.  
• He closed the cave with a massive stone.
• He sat down He milked the ewes and goats, putting the young to each mother.  
• He curdled half the milk, collected the whey and stored it in baskets.
• The rest was left in pails for a drink at supper.  
• He lights a fire. 

Explain why the Cyclops is a memorable character

• His physical characteristics – one-eyed giant, superhuman strength etc.  
• His monstrous behaviour in not just eating the men, but doing so suddenly and in a horrific manner.  
• His barbarism in scorning the gods.
• His dual nature as a skilled herdsman and monster.
• The sympathy created for him when he talks to his favourite ram.  
• The brawn of the giant is defeated by the brains of Odysseus.
• He is responsible for the curse and the reason for Odysseus being delayed getting home – important plot development.  
• He highlights Odysseus’ intelligence.

What impression do you get of Circe from this passage?

What impression do you get of Circe from this passage?

• She is solitary:  she opens the door herself-unexpected.

• She is independent:  there’s no sign of a man around, a woman living on her own is quite unusual and irregular in the Greek world.

• She is hospitable:  she offers Odysseus a chair and footstool;  she brings him a bowl of drink.

• She is wealthy:  the chair is ‘silver-studded’ and the bowl is gold.

• She is suddenly scary:  ‘she struck me with her stick and shouted’;  ‘with evil in her heart she dropped in the drug’.

• The powerful sorceress appears but has no effect; is she deranged?  “Off to the pigsty and lie down with your friends”.

• She is suddenly vulnerable:  she shrieks and bursts into tears.

Describe what happens when Odysseus’ men are being freed from Circe’s spell.

• Circe goes out and opens the gate of the pigsty 
• Drives the ‘pigs’ out  
• Smears them all with some ointment
• Their bristles drop off;  they become men again
• Looking younger, more handsome and taller than before  
• They recognise Odysseus and take his hand
• Everyone weeps

Explain why Circe’s magic has no effect on Odysseus

1) on his way to Circe’s house, Odysseus meets Hermes

2) Hermes gives him a plant called Moly (with a black root and a milk white flower);  

which he says will make him immune to Circe’s magic – though he doesn’t tell him what to do with it, and it isn’t mentioned again

What impression of Odysseus do you get from his words and actions in this passage?

What impression of Odysseus do you get from his words and actions in this passage?

• Sensible in taking a crew member in case if trouble
• Sensible and polite in not charging straight in, but waiting by the doorposts
• This might suggest hesitancy / nerves / realisation of mistakes
• Cunning in blaming crew to get more help or cowardly in not taking the blame himself; Presumptuous in assuming they would help him, but possibly good leadership in hinting at xenia
• Polite/clever in calling them “friends”

Describe what had happened as Odysseus was sailing away from Aeolia for the first time

• After 9 days they are almost home and can see the home fires
• Odysseus had been handling the sheet of the ship alone, but falls asleep
• His crew plot, thinking there is gold and silver in the bag and that Odysseus did not share his treasure
• They open it and the winds burst out; Odysseus wakes and considers suicide, before staying and enduring.

Explain why the story of Aeolus and his home might be interesting to the reader

• Having a character who is in charge of the winds is a piece of fantasy
• He shows hospitality in action (feeding for a month, the bag etc)
• His land with its floating island and wall of bronze is magical and mystical
• Unusual incestuous family relationship; His refusal to help a second time shows that Odysseus does not deserve a second chance and has perhaps been a poor leader
• Tension is created as we wonder whether Odysseus will get home.

How does this passage show the power of the storm?

How does this passage show the power of the storm?

• Force of the wind – hurricane and the damage it does to the ship  
• Graphic descriptions of the crew’s deaths  
• The immediate effect of Zeus’ thunderbolt  
• The use of simile highlights the men’s insignificance  
• The passage appeals to the senses with the smell of sulphur  
• Personification of wind  Use of onomatopoeia – ‘howling’.

What happens to Odysseus after the events in this passage and before he is washed up on Calypso’s island?  

• Odysseus unsuccessfully tries to stay on board what was left of the wrecked ship  
• He gets swept back to Scylla and Charybdis  
• Odysseus grabs hold of a fig tree  
• He clings there like a bat  
• He waits for some timbers of his vessel to re-emerge from Charybdis  
• Odysseus paddles away from Scylla  
• He drifts for nine days. 

All of Odysseus’ men are killed in this storm. Explain why they are punished in this way.

• Odysseus warns them not to eat the Sun-God’s cattle  
• Odysseus makes them swear an oath not to touch the cattle  
• As a result of the prolonged storm the crew are desperately hungry and feast on the cattle  Odysseus is fast asleep after going off to pray. 
• He is unable to stop them from doing this  
• Hyperion complains to Zeus and threatens to shine among the dead if the men are not punished  
• It is part of destiny as a result of Polyphemus’ curse. 

How does Homer make this passage dramatic and exciting?

How does Homer make this passage dramatic and exciting?

• Shock of the attack at the start  
• The fact he loses his best men makes the odds of the group’s survival less  
• Strong visual image of the dangling limbs  
• Short and desperate direct speech of the men  
• Pathos of the final time they call his name  
• Simile to show the speed of attack and struggle of the men. This slows the pace of the scene and prolongs the agony.  
• Final comment brings home the horror of the event

What did Circe tell Odysseus about Scylla?

• Creature with a dreadful bark, even if no louder than a pup  
• Repulsive looking, even to a god 
• 12 feet dangling in the air  
• 6  scrawny necks each with a grisly head  
• Each head has a triple row of fangs  
• Her head protrudes from the abyss  
• She fishes around for dolphins, seals and creatures  
• No one can escape unscathed  
• Best to flee before losing 6 more men (2nd speech)  
• Don’t waste time putting on armour  
• Call on Scylla’s mother to prevent a second attack  
• Facing Scylla preferable to facing Charybdis. 

Explain how the Scylla story shows Odysseus as both a good leader ?

• He does not tell his men about Scylla so as not to alarm them, causing panic and more death  
• However it might be argued that not telling his men was poor leadership as they were not prepared for an attack  
• He gives precise orders to the rowers and helmsman before they face Scylla  
• His crew obey him showing he commands respect  
• He ignores Circe’s order and arms himself. Picking a fight could lead to further deaths  However it does show that he is trying to save lives in the heat of the moment  
• He follows Circe’s instructions in choosing to face Scylla rather than Charybdis, and loses the minimum number of men. 

What impression of Odysseus do you get from this passage?

What impression of Odysseus do you get from this passage?

• As his men obey him at the start, he must be respected
• Polite/respectful in calling them “friends”; He is open (or claims to be) with his men in sharing what Circe says to him
• He sees all the crew as equals in sharing all the information
• He is a skilled sailor in being part of the crew that sets the tackle in order
• He is favoured by the gods in being given help
• He is worried in addressing the crew
• He manages to cover up his worries to advise the crew

What other advice did Circe give Odysseus after he returned from the Underworld?

• If he wishes to hear, he should be tied to the mast (only credit if not mentioned in a)
• He should avoid the Wandering Rocks as all ships that pass there get crushed
• If he tries to arm himself against Scylla, he might lose another 6 men
• This is preferable to the other route, past Charybdis, which will certainly destroy his ship
• He will then come to the island of the Sun-god where he must not touch the cattle if he is to return home.

Why do you think Odysseus’ crew often acted in a way that risked their lives?

• His men are easily tempted by food and wine at the Cicones’ island
• They open the bag of winds from greed, thinking it is treasure
• They feel Odysseus keeps secrets
• They don’t trust him with the bag, perhaps feeling he had not led them well
• In refusing to go to Circe’s house, Eurylochus shows fear and perhaps is traumatised
• His men are exhausted at the Sun god’s island and need a break
• They are starving when they kill the cattle. 

Why do you think Odysseus’ crew often acted in a way that risked their lives?

• His men are easily tempted by food and wine at the Cicones’ island
• They open the bag of winds from greed, thinking it is treasure
• They feel Odysseus keeps secrets
• They don’t trust him with the bag, perhaps feeling he had not led them well
• In refusing to go to Circe’s house, Eurylochus shows fear and perhaps is traumatised
• His men are exhausted at the Sun god’s island and need a break
• They are starving when they kill the cattle. 

How does Homer create a tense and frightening atmosphere in this passage?

How does Homer create a tense and frightening atmosphere in this passage?

• When Odysseus arms himself, we know Scylla is near
• Her non-appearance keeps us on edge as we are waiting for her to strike.
• This must go on for a while as his eyes grew tired from looking
• The wailing of the men and Odysseus shows the danger
• The power of Charybdis is shown by the water reaching the tops of the crags
• The simile of the cauldron shows the sounds and power of the bubbling water
• The extent of Charybdis’ power is shown by the hyperbole of the sea bed being exposed

Describe what happened when Odysseus and his men faced Scylla

• Scylla suddenly struck and snatched six men
• These were the strongest and ablest ones
• Their arms and legs were dangling
• They shouted “Odysseus”; It was like an angler who whips his catch to land
• Scylla whisked the men up to the rocks
• The men stretched out their hands to Odysseus in desperation
• The men are devoured.

Explain why the escape from Polyphemus is a more interesting story than the escape from Scylla

• The warnings of Circe mean there are no surprises in the story of Scylla and there is less tension
• We don’t know so clearly what will happen with Polyphemus
• Scylla has no depth of character, unlike Polyphemus, who has some positive qualities
• We see more of Odysseus’ weaknesses (his arrogance) with Polyphemus We see Odysseus’ ingenuity with Polyphemus, but he is powerless with Scylla
• We see his strained relationship with his men more with Polyphemus.