1. Book 10 - Synopsis: How is the Cyclops’s curse already being fulfilled? 2. Book 10 - Lines 1–11: Explain what is being compared in these lines? What ideas about the character of Circe and future plot events are suggested by this simile?

3. Book 10 - Lines 19–38: Why does Polites feel that Circe poses no threat? What makes Eurylochus fear “a snare”?

4. Book 10 - Synopsis: Why must Odysseus go to the land of the dead? What does his willingness to do this show about his character?

5. Book 11 - Lines 1–23: Which details describe what Odysseus experiences as he waits by the pit? What mood is evoked by these details?

6. Book 11 - Lines 36–54: What does Elpenor’s request suggest about the Greek view of the dead?

7. Book 11 - Lines 77–117: Explain whether or not this prophecy will come true. Why or why not? Which parts of the prophecy depend on the actions of Odysseus and his men? What does the prophecy’s structure reveal about the Greek view of fate?

8. Book 11 - Synopsis: How might Odysseus’ conversation with his mother affect his desire to return home?

9. Book 12 -Lines 1–25: Describe the threat posed by the Sirens. Predict whether Odysseus will choose to hear the song. Why or why not? Why might Circe not want to advise Odysseus which route to take next?

10. Book 12 - Lines 35–70: Evaluate each of the three options that Circe describes for getting past Scylla and Charybdis. Are they all equal? Why or why not? What course will Odysseus most likely choose? Why? What dangers of the sea are represented by Scylla and Charybdis?

11. Book 12 - Lines 76–85: Summarize Circe’s advice to Odysseus here. Based on Odysseus’ actions in other episodes, will he follow her advice? Why or why not?

12. Book 12 - Lines 101–107: Does Odysseus have the power to control his fate? Explain.

13. Book 12 - Lines 117–131: How, once again, does Odysseus reveal his character through his decisions and actions?

14. Book 12 - Lines 134–148: Which details describe the men’s reaction to the uproar of the sea? In what way does Odysseus show himself to be an able leader?

15. Book 12 - Lines 160–172: Evaluate Odysseus’ actions in this passage. Is his decision not to inform his men of Scylla’s danger justified? Explain. What is revealed by Odysseus’ statement that “Circe’s/ bidding against arms had slipped” his mind?

16. Book 12 - Lines 172–187: Which aspect of Charybdis frightens the men more? How does the poet’s language convey this fearfulness?

17. Book 12 -Lines 187–203: Why doesn’t Odysseus fight Scylla even though he is armed? What human emotions does Odysseus reveal in this passage?