Discussion Questions for The Odyssey

Pages 6-31

Why do you think the Cyclops is so mean? (pp. 14-21)

Why does Odysseus taunt the Cyclops? (p. 20)

Why do you think Odysseus taunts Polyphemus again and decides to tell him his name? (p. 21)

Why do Odysseus' men think that he is hiding something from them in the bag? Why don't they trust him? (p. 23)

Why does Penelope continue to wait for Odysseus even though he has been gone almost 20 years? (p. 29)

Why do you think Odysseus wants to hear the song of the Sirens? (p. 37)

Why do the men kill and eat the Sun God's cattle even though they have been warned not to? (p. 39)

Why do you think Odysseus kills all the suitors? (p. 57)

Why do you think Odysseus says, "I think I'm going to enjoy peace." (p. 61)