The Final Step

Group 7:The class should know:1. What is the significance of the transfiguration

of Athena into a small girl who guides Odysseus to Alkinoos' palace?

2. What does the fog that surrounds Odysseus as he walks through the city suggest?

3. Odysseus' behavior in this episode- Is he proud? humble? How does he act toward the Queen Arete

4. What does Alkinoos' offer to give Odysseus the princess Nausikaa as his bride suggest?

Group 8:The class should know:1. Why is the figure of the poet/singer

Demodokos important? What or who does he represent?

2. Why does Odysseus deny the athletic challenge? What causes his

3. How do the gods react to the revelation of the adultery?

4. Why is Poseidon's reaction to the event different from the other gods'?

Group 9(1):The class should know:1. What is suggested by Odysseus and

his men's behavior in the raid of Ismarus?

2. What is the meaning of the Lotos Eaters adventure?

Group 9(2):The class should know:1. What is reflected by Odysseus and his men's

behavior in the raid of Ismarus (the Cicones episode)?

2. What is the meaning of the Lotos Eaters adventure? Pay special attention to all the details of the Cyklops episode?

3. What does the cannibalistic monster symbolize? Why does he have only one eye?

4. Why does Odysseus call himself "Nobody"? What does the escape symbolize?

Group 9(3):The class should know:1. Why does Odysseus reveal his name to

the Cyclops?2. Does Odysseus demonstrate wisdom or

folly in this book? Is it both?3. What vices get Odysseus into trouble?

What virtue gets him out of it?4. Evaluate the curse? Where does

Odysseus’ responsibility lie?

Group 10:The class should know:1. What is the meaning of the bag of winds in the

Aiolos adventure? 2. Is the adventure with the Laistrygones in some

sense similar to that with the Cyclops? Why? 3. Is Circe successful in turning Odysseus into a

pig? (think twice). 4. Why must Odysseus go to the Underworld

(Hades) after his stay in Circe's island? 5. What is the significance of the death of

Elpenor?  

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